Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with Physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. (Physician assistants are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)

The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually do many different kinds of tasks, handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.

Medical assistants who perform administrative tasks have many duties. They 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 answering telephones, greeting patients, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and bookkeeping.

For clinical medical assistants, duties vary according to what is allowed by State law. Some common tasks include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting physicians during examinations. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens and sometimes perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They might instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.

Medical assistants also may arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.

Work environment. Medical assistants work in well-lighted, clean environments. They constantly interact with other people and may have to handle several responsibilities at once. Most full-time medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. However, many medical assistants work part time, evenings, or weekends.

MA 101	Introduction to Medical Assisting
This module will introduce the students to the history and practice of medicine. It will present the basic concepts of medical law and ethics, communications (verbal and nonverbal and written), and telephone techniques. The module also covers the different aspects associated with medical assisting which includes the description of the office facilities, equipment and supplies, patient reception, appointment scheduling, managing medical records and medical office management. In addition, the module presents professionalism by describing the concepts of making a commitment to your job.
MA 201	Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
This module covers the introduction to anatomy and physiology, including the organizational levels of the body and medical terminology. The course also presents the definition of anatomical position, as well as the terms of body positions, body planes, directional terms, body cavities, quadrants and body regions. The module provides the concepts of the skeletal and muscular systems; their structures, functions and common disorders. It will also present the basic drugs/agents, diagnostic and lab tests associated with the musculoskeletal system. Word building skills will be incorporated within the module. Concepts of professionalism, discussing the personal traits of the health care professional is also presented. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.
MA 301	Office Environment Safety, Infection Control and Laboratory
This module covers the concepts relating to the office environment safety and measures that includes discussion of bloodborne pathogens, universal precautions, proper body mechanics and quality assurance. The module further presents concepts of infection control and clinical laboratory. Lymphatic and immune systems are also discussed. Concepts of professionalism relating to working with others will be described. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.
MA 401	Systems Control and Senses
This module presents the concepts of the nervous and integumentary systems, as well as the eye and ear. The module covers the systems' structures and functions, common disorders, drugs/agents, diagnostic and lab tests. Word building skills will be incorporated throughout the module. Additional topics for this module are psychology and patient education. Concepts of professionalism, discussing the "professionalism and your personal life" is also presented. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.
MA 501	Financial Management
This module covers the concepts of financial management, medical insurance, types and claims. The module further presents the concepts of medical coding, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the digestive and urinary systems. Concepts of professionalism relating to the practicum experience will be described. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.
MA 601	Clinical Medical Assisting Duties
This module covers the concepts of clinical medical assisting duties as they relate to vital signs, physical examinations, medical specialties and their relationship to lifespan, and nutrition. The module also presents concepts and information related to the study of anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Concepts of professionalism relating to career planning and employment will also be discussed. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.
MA 701	Pharmacology and Office Emergencies
This module covers the concepts of pharmacology and office emergencies. This module also presents the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine and reproductive systems. Review of professionalism, as well as the forms associated with preparation for employment will be discussed. Professionalism in dress, behavior, and attitude are presented and monitored throughout the program.
MA 801	Clinical Externship
Satisfactory completion of all subject areas in compliance with established Career Networks Institute standards. On-site evaluation of skills will be performed by the physician and/or office manager in the medical facility.