Medical assistants (MAs) are qualified members of the healthcare community who focus on providing support services to healthcare professionals and quality, compassionate care to patients. Primarily found in local doctor or physician offices, MA’s are trained in both clinical and administrative responsibilities of healthcare practice making them a dynamic team member.
Through the University of Providence’s Medical Assistant Certificate, graduates can expect to enter the MA career field ready, able and qualified to meet the demands of the workforce. Additionally, graduates of UP’s program will be qualified to sit for national certification through one of three certifying board upon successful completion of the certificate.
What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants are certified healthcare professionals who perform various entry-level clinical and administrative duties as part of a larger healthcare delivery team.
What does a Medical Assistant do?
Medical assistants are responsible for various clinical and administrative duties commonly found in small, medium and large medical offices. MA’s provide critical support to nurses, physicians, specialists, and other healthcare staff to ensure medical offices run smoothly. MA’s also work closely with patients to ensure they are ready and prepared to receive care.
Some responsibilities include:
- Preparing patients for a medical exam
- Recording patient medical histories
- Assisting physicians during patient exams
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Basic laboratory tests and blood draws.
- Performing patient intakes
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Updating patient medical records
- Submitting insurance claims
- Arranging laboratory services.
Where do Medical Assistants Work?
Since the MA role is so dynamic, their services can be found throughout public and private healthcare practices. While the majority of MA’s will go on to work in medical offices following completion of an education, training or certification program, MA’s can also find work in different, and sometimes non-traditional healthcare environments such as:
- Ambulatory care
- Outpatient care
- Specialist care centers or clinics
- Hospitals
- Urgent care centers
How to Become a Medical Assistant?
The pathway to becoming a MA can vary by state. In most cases, aspiring MA’s will be required to complete some form of education and on the job training prior to starting in the role. Depending on the state, MA’s may also be required to earn national certification through one of the many national certifying boards. The educational pathway includes:
- Graduate with a high school diploma or GED
- Complete an education or training program such as:
- 3-6 month training program
- 6-12 month certificate program
- 12-24 month associate degree
- Gain internship/practicum experiences
- Internship/practicum experiences may be required for certification
- Pursue national certification
Just because a state does not require MA’s to earn certification does not exclude practicing MA’s from earning national certification. Those who are interested in pursuing national certification as a practicing medical assistant can prepare through an exam-prep course or alternative pathway for previously registered medical assistants seeking certification.
Medical Assistant Career Outlook
Among the many benefits of the medical assistant pathway is the high demand for medical assistants in the medical field. Given their role is so dynamic and that they can perform both administrative and clinical responsibilities, MA’s are highly sought after in healthcare. In addition to strong job prospects and career opportunities, medical assistant serves as a great launching point for further advancement into the healthcare field in careers such as nursing.
Whether you’re considering a career change or interested in entering the healthcare field out of high school, becoming a certified MA’s can provide a strong roadmap for motivated professionals seeking to enter the healthcare field. Additionally, MA’s can choose to continue their education through distinct and unique opportunities for advancement within field.
