| Working as a medical assistant can be a rewarding | | | | lead to the award of certificates and associate's |
| career in a health-related environment. These | | | | degrees in medical assisting. On-campus programs are |
| healthcare professionals work closely with doctors, | | | | available in almost every state, as well as Guam and |
| nurses and other healthcare providers in doctor's | | | | Canada. The American Association of Medical |
| offices, hospitals and clinics, or in administrative support | | | | Assistants (AAMA) provides listings of campus-based |
| environments such as insurance and government | | | | and on-line colleges and schools with accredited |
| agencies or departments of health. | | | | programs. |
| Duties and Responsibilities | | | | Attending an accredited institution ensures that |
| Duties include both clinical and administrative support | | | | necessary coursework and training is completed to |
| which may vary depending on the size and specialty | | | | prepare the student for certifying exams and |
| of the office. Clinical duties may include taking patients' | | | | professional memberships that may be required for |
| vital signs, drawing blood, giving injections or conducting | | | | employment. Accreditation also allows a student to be |
| urinalysis or phlebotomy analysis. Administrative duties | | | | considered for federal financial aid. |
| may include taking patient histories, filing insurance | | | | A certificate program usually can be completed within |
| claims, typing transcriptions or completing billing and | | | | nine to twelve months and focuses on the essentials |
| collections. Typing and word processing skills are | | | | of the field without additional general academic |
| required. Specialization such as Phlebotomist or | | | | coursework. Approximately 40 hours of coursework |
| Ophthalmic Specialist is also possible. There are | | | | are required. Courses include Medical Terminology, |
| several paths to gaining the credentials to become a | | | | Human Biology, Physiology and Anatomy, Medical Law |
| medical assistant. | | | | and Ethics, First Aid and CPR, Clinical Procedures, |
| Education and Certification | | | | Administrative Procedures, Insurance Billing and a |
| Many accredited vocational schools, community | | | | Medical Assistance Practicum. |
| colleges and on-line colleges provide programs that | | | | |