Medical Assistant Schools, Medical Assistant Courses, Medical Assistant Careers

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in their role as managers of a Doctor’s Office daily activities.  Many of these duties can be administrative including managing medical records, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospitalization or laboratory work, dealing with insurance matters and billing.  This job should not be confused with Physician’s Assistant, which requires extensive training and is another career altogether.

Clinical Duties vary with the office setting, but they can be extensive in a large clinic or public health facility.  A Medical Assistant may perform basic lab tests, collect lab specimens, sterilize instruments, assist on a minor outpatient procedure, take electrocardiograms, draw blood and educate patients on their next steps following a visit to the doctor.  While there is no license required for this job, there are various Credentialing Associations associated with different medical fields.  The credentialing is optional; however many employers like to see it as a credential usually requires passing an examination that is administered nationally.

Degrees for a Career as Medical Assistant

• Certificate in Medical Assisting
• Associate’s in Medical Assisting

Median Salary for Medical Assistants         $35,067