 Some medical assistants are trained on the job. But there are some that complete 1- or 2-year programs in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, community and junior colleges.
In general, medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks. They have to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other health practitioners running smoothly. Usually the medical assistants are generalists, handling both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties. That is such duties as answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient's medical records. Also it can be filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services and handling billing and bookkeeping.
There are some assistants who specialize in certain sphere of medical career. They have additional duties. The obligations of podiatric medical assistants are to make castings of feet, expose and develop x rays. Also they can assist podiatrists in surgery. The duties of ophthalmic medical assistants are to help ophthalmologists provide eye care. They make diagnostic tests, measure and record vision. Besides they can test eye muscle function. Moreover they show patients how to insert, remove and care for contact lenses. Assistants also apply eye dressings. It is very good that assistants may administer eye medications. But they can do it just under the direction of the physician, ophthalmic medical. Also they maintain optical and surgical instruments. In this case they may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery.
There were held about 365,000 jobs in 2002 for medical assistants. Approximately 60% worked in offices of physicians. About 14% worked in public and private hospitals. Such working is including inpatient and outpatient facilities. Almost 10% worked in offices of other health practitioners. This is such as chiropractors and podiatrists. Another get the job in outpatient care centers, public and private educational services. Also a lot of assistants work in other ambulatory healthcare services, State and local government agencies, medical and diagnostic laboratories, nursing care facilities and employment services.
A lot of employers prefer graduates with formal programs in medical assisting. These programs can be offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, community and junior colleges. In general, postsecondary programs take the period of 1 year. In this case you will get a certificate or diploma. Another way is to get 2 years program. In this case you will get an associate degree. The basic subjects at such courses are the anatomy, physiology and medical terminology.
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