Medical Assistants are the only allied health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings such as physicians’ offices, clinics, and group practices. These multi-skilled personnel can perform administrative and clinical procedures. Physicians value this unique versatility and view medical assistants as vital partners in the medical office. Upon successful completion of this program, students will have the knowledge and skills to perform:
- Computer applications such as scheduling appointments, updating patient demographics, correspondence, coding, billing and insurance;
- Patient reception, arranging for hospital admissions, laboratory services, and referrals;
- Professional communication when working with patients and staff in a medical office;
- Accurate patient medical histories and vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist with surgical treatments, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory tests, and electrocardiograms;
- Preparation, administration and documentation of medications and vaccines using safe practices, as directed by a licensed physician and authorizing prescription refills as directed;
- Triage in the office by messaging or telephone calls;
- Safe blood drawing using correct techniques;
- Removal of sutures and changing dressings;
- Medical and surgical aseptic techniques; and
- Patient education and health coaching.