Medical Assisting

The responsibilities of a medical assistant can differ based on the healthcare setting. In specialized environments, they may receive training tailored to the specific requirements of the office. Generally, a medical assistant's duties encompass a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. These can include managing phone calls, completing insurance paperwork, interviewing patients, and documenting medical histories and symptoms before the doctor's examination.

Medical assistants handle a variety of administrative responsibilities, including answering the phone, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, and acting as liaisons to schedule hospital admissions and diagnostic tests. They also code and fill out patient insurance forms, update patient medical records, manage billing, bookkeeping, and correspondence, and perform computer data entry. 

Medical assistants handle various clinical responsibilities, including interviewing patients about their medical histories and current symptoms, preparing examination rooms, and cleaning up afterward. They prepare patients for the physician's exam, assist during the exam, draw blood, and take vital signs. They administer electrocardiograms, remove sutures, change wound dressings, and instruct patients about procedures and treatments. 

Additionally, they perform basic laboratory exams, collect and prepare laboratory specimens for analysis, provide information regarding prescribed diets or medications, transmit prescriptions and refills to pharmacies, and follow up with patients after office visits or treatments. This role is not suited for everyone, and recognizing one's own limitations is vital.

RCI's medical assisting program prepares students to provide safe and effective care of the client across their lifespan. 

You can start applying for medical assistant jobs and begin your career as a medical assistant. Our team can support you with your job search. 

Medical assistants may earn the NRCMA (National Registered Certified Medical Assistant) credential to become a certified medical assistant. (not included in program)

For those seeking to forge a rewarding career in healthcare, without having to undergo a lot of training, becoming a medical assistant is a viable option. 

The demand for Medica Assistants is expected the grow by 14% (much faster the average) by 2032. In 2023, the median annual salary for a medical assistant, as reported by the BLS, was $42,000.