Medical Assistant

The Medical Assistant Program prepares you for an administrative career in the healthcare industry. Medical assistants serve a vital role in healthcare, utilizing clinical skills and fulfilling back-office duties. They are involved in everything from processing patient insurance to admitting patients and documenting patient history and vital signs. Medical assistants help physician offices, group medical practices, long-term medical care facilities and many other organizations run smoothly. 

The program focuses on what happens in the exam room with patients. In addition to checking vital signs, drawing blood, updating medical histories, and verifying prescriptions, a medical assistant is often the first point of contact for patients. This requires skills like empathy to better connect with patients and put them at ease. The administrative portion of this training focuses on handling day-to-day activities in a medical office. Students learn the best ways to communicate with patients, how to file medical charts, and how to code and complete insurance forms. The duties an electronic health records specialist may perform include but not necessarily be limited to:

· Explaining treatment procedures to patients

· Preparing patients for examinations

· Assisting the physician during examinations

· Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens

· Performing basic laboratory tests

· Instructing patients about medication and special diets

· Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)

· Transmitting prescription refills as directed

· Taking electrocardiograms

· Wound care and changing dressings

· Filing, updating, and maintaining patient records

· Answering the phone and scheduling

· Making arrangements for lab tests and hospital admissions

· Collecting billing information

· Taking patient medical histories

· Taking vital signs

· Explaining procedures, treatments, and medications to patients

SALARY 

The average Medical Assistant salary in the United States is $36,728 as of June 28, 2021, but the range typically falls between $33,858 and $39,661. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.