Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks and work in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners. The administrative duties of medical assistants vary, but they should be prepared to greet patients, answer phones, update and file medical records, complete insurance forms, schedule appointments, and handle some of the billing and bookkeeping responsibilities in the offices where they work.Clinical tasks may include recording medical histories and vital signs, explaining treatments to patients, preparing patients for examination, performing basic lab tests, disposing of contaminated supplies, and sterilizing medical equipment. Experienced medical assistants sometimes authorize drug refills, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, remove sutures, and change dressings as well.
In 2006, more than 60 percent of the nation's medical assistants were employed in physicians' offices. Others worked at medical and diagnostic labs, nursing care facilities, inpatient and outpatient hospitals, government agencies, and in the offices of other health practitioners. Most full-time medical assistants put in a standard 40-hour week, but some work evenings and weekends. Medical assistants interact with the public on a regular basis and should therefore look presentable, deal with others in courteous manner, and respect the confidentiality of patients' medical information.
The medical assisting profession has grown tremendously in recent years, which is why most employers now prefer to hire workers who have graduated from accredited programs. Medical assisting programs are commonly offered at vocational schools and community and technical colleges. Medical assistants with associate degrees increase their chances of advancement in the health care field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. medical assistants made an average annual salary of $26,290 in May of 2006. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,860 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $36,840. The salary of a medical assistant depends largely on experience, skill level, and location. [Figures including job projections, reported median incomes, and salary estimates were revised to reflect data from 2006 on 2/20/08.]