As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, medical assistants have become an essential part of the healthcare team. These multi-skilled professionals are counted on to assist physicians and other healthcare providers in various clinical and administrative tasks.
The demand for medical assistants is increasing, and there’s a variety of jobs available to those interested in pursuing a career in this field. Fortunately, if you start a search online today, you can learn more about the variety and availability of medical assistant jobs.
1. Clinical Medical Assistant
Clinical medical assistants work directly with patients in a clinical setting. They are responsible for taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting with medical procedures, and collecting patient information. Clinical medical assistants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician offices.
Some of the tasks performed by clinical medical assistants may include taking and recording patients’ medical histories, preparing patients for medical exams, taking and recording patients’ vital signs, and drawing blood for laboratory tests. In addition, clinical medical assistants may assist with minor medical procedures such as suturing, removing sutures, or changing dressings.
2. Administrative Medical Assistant
Administrative medical assistants work in the administrative side of healthcare. They are responsible for scheduling appointments, answering phones, and maintaining patient records. Administrative medical assistants may also handle billing and insurance claims.
Administrative medical assistants may also provide patient education on medication instructions or office procedures. They may also perform basic laboratory tests or assist with medical procedures.
3. Ophthalmic Medical Assistant
Ophthalmic medical assistants work with ophthalmologists and optometrists in diagnosing and treating eye conditions. They assist in performing eye exams, maintaining equipment, and educating patients on proper eye care.
Ophthalmic medical assistants have specific knowledge and training in eye care. They may conduct eye tests such as visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision tests. In addition, they may help administer eye drops, measure eye pressure, or take photographs of the eye.
4. Podiatric Medical Assistant
Podiatric medical assistants work with podiatrists to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions. They assist in performing exams, taking x-rays, and educating patients on proper foot care.
Podiatric medical assistants may assist with surgeries or wound care, and they may also be involved in making orthotics or prosthetic devices. They may also educate patients on proper footwear or foot hygiene.
5. Chiropractic Medical Assistant
Chiropractic medical assistants work with chiropractors to assist in patient care. They may assist in performing exams, taking x-rays, and educating patients on proper health and wellness practices.
Chiropractic medical assistants may also assist in performing spinal adjustments or administering other treatments such as massage therapy or physical therapy. They may also educate patients on exercises or lifestyle changes to promote health and wellness.
6. Medical Assistant Instructor
Medical assistant instructors teach future medical assistants in educational institutions such as colleges and technical schools. They may develop lesson plans, teach courses, and evaluate students.
Medical assistant instructors are responsible for educating future medical assistants on the clinical and administrative duties of the job. They may teach courses on anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, and medical office procedures.
Start A New Career Today
While there are many benefits to a career as a medical assistant, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each type of medical assistant job. Pros like job security, and flexible work schedules, should be weighed against cons like long hours on your feet and exposure to infectious diseases.
Nevertheless, if the idea of working in the medical field excites you, consider a medical assistant job. Not only is the demand for medical assistants on the rise, but it also provides an opportunity to work in a growing and exciting field. A career as a medical assistant allows for personal and professional growth, as well as the ability to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.