This blog post outlines the role that Medical Assistants play in healthcare organizations, as well as the growing demand for their skills. We discuss basic job description of Medical Assistants. their roles and responsibilities, (including administrative and clinical duties), and how you can obtain your CMA (AAMA) certification in NJ.
Why Become A Certified Medical Assistant?
Medical Assistant is a great healthcare career option for those who are passionate about helping others and have an interest in entering the medical field. A career as a Medical Assistant could provide you with everything you’re looking for:
- A short training period of a little over 1 year.
- Excellent job opportunities in an expanding market.
- A good salary.
- Working in a professional environment in a healthcare facility.
What Is A Medical Assistant?
Medical Assistants work alongside doctors in medical offices, clinics, and care facilities carrying out both clinical and administrative duties. They perform a variety of tasks assisting physicians in providing patient care, and ensure that clinics and hospitals run smoothly and efficiently. Medical Assistants also act as liaisons between doctors and patients, ensuring patients feel at ease.
Some administrative medical assistants work mainly at the front desk and reception area of a clinic or doctor’s office, but most clinical medical assistants are found at a physician’s side, working in close contact with patients.
What Do Medical Assistants Do?
Job duties vary from office to office depending on a healthcare facility’s specialty, location, size, and state law.
As a Medical Assistant, your clinical duties may include:
- Taking medical histories of clients
- Performing lab tests
- Changing bandages/dressings on wounds, removing sutures
- Taking EKGs
- Counseling patients with regards to medicine & special diets
- Preparing patients for examination
- Authorizing refills of prescriptions
- Collecting and preparing lab specimens
- Explaining procedures & treatments to patients
- Administering medicine as directed by your supervising doctor
- Drawing blood
Your administrative duties may include:
- Answering phones
- Scheduling appointments
- Orchestrating laboratory services
- Performing billing, bookkeeping, and other related tasks
- Greeting patients
- Using computer applications
- Filling out & coding insurance forms
Medical Assistant Job Description
A typical workday may depend upon the size of the facility you’re employed in, as well as the number of staff the healthcare organization employs. Typically, Medical Assistants prepare rooms and patients for physical exams, and assist nurses and physicians provide patient care. They also manage supply inventories, take down medical histories of patients, record vital signs, and help during procedures and examinations. In certain cases, Medical Assistants may even perform advanced tasks under direct supervision of a doctor, including removing sutures and stitches, dressing wounds, collecting specimens, drawing blood, and administering medication.
Medical Assistant Programs in NJ
Your first step to becoming a Medical Assistant in New Jersey is to enroll in a Medical Assistant Training Program designed to prepare you for this role. At Healthcare Training Institute, the objective of the program is to get you ready for entry-level medical assistant positions, including medical office clerk, medical receptionist, and medical laboratory technician.
In a little over a year you’ll be eligible to begin work in a healthcare facility.
Job Prospects & Career Opportunities
Medical Assisting is one of the nation’s fastest growing healthcare jobs. Now is a great time to start your career as a medical assistant! According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for Certified Medical Assistants is expected to grow due to technological advances and the increasing number of elderly Americans who require medical treatment.
Many employers prefer that the Medical Assistants they hire are CMA (AAMA) certified. After completing the Medical Assistant program at HTINJ, students are eligible to take their examination.
Your education will prepare you for your Certification & entry level employment.
Give us a call today at (908) 851-7711 if you’re interested in the Medical Assistant program at Healthcare Training Institute!