Job Description

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in physician, chiropractor, podiatrist, and other health practitioner offices. Working as a medical assistant is different from a physician assistant, who under the direct supervision of a physician is qualified to examine, diagnose, and treat patients.

Duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, and also depend on the size and location of the practice and the practitioner's specialty. Medical assistants employed in small practices may handle both administrative and clinical duties and report directly to an office manager, physician, chiropractor, or other health practitioner. Medical assistants in large practices are more likely to specialize in a particular medical or healthcare area, under the supervision of a department administrator.

Medical assistants who perform administrative tasks typically update and file patients' medical records, fill out insurance forms, and arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services. They also perform tasks less specific to medical settings, such as handling billing and bookkeeping, handling correspondence, greeting patients, answering telephones, and scheduling appointments.

Depending on state law, clinical medical assistants' duties may vary. Taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting physicians during examinations are some common tasks. Clinical medical assistants may also collect and prepare laboratory specimens and sometimes perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. As directed by a physician, they may be authorized to telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, prepare and administer medications, instruct patients about medications and special diets, authorize drug refills as directed, prepare patients for x-rays, draw blood, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, change dressings, arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.

Working Conditions

Medical assistants work in well-lighted, clean environments and constantly interact with other people. Most medical assistants who work full-time, work a regular 40-hour week, however many medical assistants work part-time, evenings, or weekends.

Start your career at CNI's Medical Assisting School today! To get started, submit your information in the form located in the upper right side of screen or call 1-800-455-4700, Monday thru Thursday 9 am - 7 pm PST or Friday 9 am - 5:00 pm PST, to talk to an admissions counselor about any questions you may have about CNI's Orange County medical assistant program.