Where Can Medical Assistants Work?

Understanding the work environment.

Medical assistants generally work in clinics and physician’s offices (including podiatrists, chiropractors, etc.), handling a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities.

The work environment is generally well-lit, very clean and will probably have numerous outdated magazines available for you to look at during your breaks. If you work full-time, your hours will be a regular 40-hour week. However, if you work part-time, you may work evenings and/or weekends.

Medical Assistant Responsibilities

Upon graduating from a medical assistant school, you will be capable of performing both clinical and administrative duties.

Clinical responsibilities include (these may vary by state):

• Taking patient histories and vital signs
• Performing first aid and CPR
• Preparing patients for procedures
• Assisting the physician with examinations and treatments
• Infection control
• Collecting and processing specimens
• Performing selected diagnostic tests
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician

Administrative skills and responsibilities include:

• Scheduling and receiving patients
• Preparing and maintaining medical records
• Performing basic secretarial skills and medical transcription
• Handling telephone calls and written correspondence
• Serving as a liaison between physicians and other individuals
• Managing practice finances

Employment for Medical Assistants

According to our friends over at the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, your chances of getting a job in this field are “excellent.”* In fact:

“Medical assistants are projected to account for a very large number of new jobs, and many other opportunities will come from the need to replace workers leaving the occupation.”

That doesn’t sound too bad. Especially considering the current state of the economy.

*http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm