Career Information

Medical Assistants are trained to work in a physicians office or specialty clinic as a member of an allied health care team. Their role is to assist the physician with the care and treatment of the patients in both an administrative and a clinical capacity to maintain a smooth running medical office.

Job Tasks

•  Schedule and receive patients
•  Maintain medical records
•  Handle correspondence and reports
•  Maintain supplies and equipment
•  Measure and record patient height, weight, temperature and blood pressure
•  Obtain patient information
•  Complete insurance forms and process claims
•  Prepare patients for exams, procedures, or treatments
•  Perform routine lab and diagnostic tests
•  Draw blood
•  Expose radiographs
•  Administer oral, topical, and injectiable medications
•  Perform patient triage

Traits Needed

Aptitudes:

Finger dexterity, hand-eye coordination, effective verbal communication, fine motor skills.

Interests:

Scientific activities, mechanical activities, service oriented activities, interest in technological advancements.

Temperament:

•   Good common sense and problem solving capabilities
•   Work well under stress
•   Shown initiative and take responsibility to work without constant supervision •   Work well as part of the health care team
•   Project an image of good grooming, good health, and a positive self image

Career and Salary Options

Typical Entry-Level Salary

Working Conditions

Medical Assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical duties necessary for the efficient operation of a medical office. These may include but are not limited to:

General Skills

•   Use of correct medical terminology
•   Knowledge of medical law and ethics
•   Knowledge of diverse forms of patient communication and human relations
•   Emergency first-aid and CPR
•   Computer literacy
•  Maintain legible and accurate medical records

Administrative Skills

•   Schedule patients and answer telephones
•   Proficient in medical dictation and word processing
•   Proficient in insurance billing, reimbursement, and medical coding
•   Handle medical correspondence and reports
•   File patient reports and pull patient charts

Clinical Skills

•   Measure patient vitals signs and anthropometric values
•   Prepare patients for and assist physician with patient exams and surgical           procedures
•   Sanitize and sterilize office equipment and procedure trays
•   Perform routine office lab and diagnostic tests
•   Perform capillary and venous blood draws
•   Order medical and office supplies
•   Administer medicals as authorized by the physician
•   Perform patient electrocardiograms

Physical Demands

The profession requires a person to be able to:
•   stand for extended periods of time
•  ambulate through a clinical setting at a moderate speed
•  lift moderate amounts of weight as well as push patients in wheelchairs or         other types of patient transport systems

Job Outlook

The Medical Assistants can expect to work in any of the following medical facilities:
•  Private physician offices
•  Multi-specialty clinics
•  Urgent care facilities
•  Hospital clinics and labs

Related Occupations

•   Medical Administrative Assistants
•   Medical Procedural Coders
•   ECG Technician
•   Phlebotomist
•   Practical Radiologic Technician
•   Medical Lab Technicians
•  Pharmacy Technicians
•  Veterinary Assistants

Industry Support

• Intermountain Health Care (IHC)  www.ihc.com
• UUHN   University of Utah Health Network uuhsc.utah.edu/
• Jordan Valley Family Health   www.jvfh.com
• Salt Lake Valley Health  www.slvhealth.org/
• Salt Lake Clinic
• UMAP
• Olympus Clinic
• Salt Lake Community Health