Medical assistant jobs are crucial to the day-to-day operations of many types of healthcare facilities. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the common responsibilities of medical assistants, including medical procedures that they help with.
The roles of medical assistants in patient care can vary greatly depending on the medical office’s specialty and administrative processes. Their tasks are diverse and essential, covering both clinical and administrative duties.
Medical assistants are often responsible for checking patients’ vital signs at the beginning of a checkup or procedure. This includes pulse, respiration rate, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, and body temperature.
If the patient has a specific complaint, medical assistants may also collect urine samples, a blood sample, or a throat swab.
While doctors conduct most physical exams, medical assistants often provide essential support. As a medical assistant, you might help with gynecologic exams, eye and ear irrigation, newborn screenings, and pediatric exams. Though the doctor interprets the results and prescribes treatments, you’ll be there to assist and educate patients.
Some of the most common procedures that medical assistants play a role in are non-invasive procedures such as Electrocardiograms, urine pregnancy tests, and blood glucose tests. Medical assistants might also administer immunizations and medications in the form of tablets, powders, vaccines, or eyedrops. Medical assistants might also dress wounds, remove sutures and staples, and apply ice packs.
More invasive procedures where medical assistants sometimes assist, include minor surgeries like excisions, endoscopic surgeries, biopsies, stitches, drainage procedures, and phlebotomy.
Your journey to becoming a medical assistant begins with PCI Health Training Center. Our hybrid medical assistant program allows you to prepare for your new career in as little as nine months with a convenient blend of online and on-campus classes. At the end of the program, you’ll complete an externship to get hands-on experience working in a real medical facility. Get in touch with us today to find out more about the hybrid medical assistant program at PCI.
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