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So, you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant? You’re definitely not alone! Medical assisting is one of the most popular healthcare career paths. In fact, it’s in our top 3 most popular programs here at CALRegional. But what does a medical assistant do on a day-to-day basis? Understanding the ins and outs of medical assistant duties is key to knowing if you would enjoy this career path.
New job opportunities for medical assistants are expected to grow by 15% by 2033. So obtaining your CMAC certification is a smart career move that promises stability. In this blog post, we’ll give you a glimpse into the life of a medical assistant – both the clinical and administrative sides – so you can know if this career is right for you. By the end, you should be able to tell if typical medical assistant duties will be something you enjoy.
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What Is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants are key members of a healthcare team, bridging the gap between patients and doctors. They ensure that medical facilities run smoothly, efficiently, and compassionately. They work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. You can learn more about where medical assistants can work here.
But what does a medical assistant do exactly? These healthcare pros juggle a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. They often adjust their medical assistant duties based on the specific needs of their workplace.
There are two primary categories of medical assistants – clinical and administrative. Each plays an important role in maintaining the functionality and efficiency of healthcare services. Both types of medical assistants share foundational training to provide the best patient care possible. Understanding the particular differences of each category can help aspiring CMAs choose the path that best aligns with their skills and interests.
In many facilities, medical assistants are encouraged to cross-train, gaining expertise in both clinical and administrative arenas. This cross-training helps them transition smoothly between medical assistant duties as needed, showcasing their versatility and adaptability in healthcare. By mastering both worlds, they enhance their value and open doors to a wider range of career opportunities. Note: CALRegional’s Clinical Medical Assistant Program also includes administrative training. Thus, our students are ready to work in both areas by the end of the program.
Expanding on the Different Types of Medical Assistants
Choosing which specialty is best for you depends largely on your personality and strengths as each area has particular medical assistant duties involved. If you like working in an office and find that you’re highly organized, the administrative route may be best for you. Alternatively, if you want to assist in the direct care of a patient, including minor procedures, you’ll probably prefer the clinical path. There are also opportunities where the specialties are combined in what we refer to as a “hybrid role”. That being said, all medical assistant positions require great people skills and attention to detail.
Clinical Medical Assistants
A clinical medical assistant has a variety of responsibilities, but patient care tasks are always at the forefront. They work closely alongside doctors and nurses at hospitals, clinics, private practices, urgent care centers, and outpatient facilities.
So, what does a clinical medical assistant do? They assist with medical procedures, collect vital signs, and prepare patients for examinations. Additionally, they may collect urine and blood samples for lab testing and administer injections. Their medical assistant duties may also include some admin tasks like charting a patient’s history or scheduling appointments.
The clinical medical assistant’s day is action-packed and requires excellent communication, multitasking, and technical skills.
Medical Administrative Assistants
A medical administrative assistant performs tasks that primarily focus on front-office duties. Your main role as a medical administrative assistant is to help the facility run smoothly.
You may find your medical assistant duties involve maintaining patient records, appointment scheduling, answering phone calls, and directing patients throughout the clinic. Medical administrative assistants may also work with billing and insurance, helping patients understand what their insurance plans will and will not cover.
The diversity of a medical administrative assistant’s duties requires a close eye for detail. A friendly demeanor is also a must to create a welcoming environment for all.
Hybrid Roles
It’s not uncommon for a medical assistant to wear both hats. In many smaller practices, you could find yourself transitioning between administrative and clinical medical assistant duties. While challenging, this dual role can be rewarding for individuals seeking a varied and dynamic workday.
The hybrid role is a great route for those looking to expand their career options. It provides a well-rounded experience that can be leveraged in different healthcare settings. Medical assistants who excel in these roles often find themselves better prepared for leadership positions or further specialization within the healthcare industry.
Step Into a Typical Day of a Medical Assistant
Working as a medical assistant is an exciting and fulfilling career. Each day can look a little different, keeping the job interesting and presenting new opportunities to learn. For many medical assistants, the chance to build meaningful relationships with patients, offer comfort, and help them navigate their healthcare journey is deeply satisfying.
Your daily medical assistant duties will depend on whether you specialize in the clinical or administrative side of things. Keep reading to see what you can expect in the day in the life of each role.
A Day in the Life of a Clinical Medical Assistant
A clinical medical assistant’s day typically starts by preparing the exam rooms and ensuring that all medical supplies and equipment are stocked and ready. Before patients arrive, they review the day’s schedule to familiarize themselves with upcoming procedures and the types of visits on the agenda.
Their first interaction with patients normally involves greeting and escorting them to the exam room, where they take vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. They also gather patient histories, asking about any changes in symptoms, medications, or allergies since the last visit.
As the day progresses, the clinical medical assistant duties may even involve assisting the doctor or nurse with medical exams or minor procedures. This could include preparing patients for physical exams, assisting with diagnostic tests like EKGs, performing basic lab tests (such as urinalysis or blood draws), or administering injections and vaccines.
In addition to their clinical responsibilities, medical assistant duties often include the admin side of care. They may answer phone calls from patients, schedule follow-up appointments, or communicate with labs and pharmacies to process test results or prescriptions.
Towards the end of the shift, they may perform follow-up calls with patients to check on their progress after a procedure or treatment, provide lab results, or remind them of upcoming appointments. The role requires both clinical expertise and a strong sense of empathy so that patients feel comfortable and informed during their visits.
A Day in the Life of a Medical Administrative Assistant
A typical day for a medical administrative assistant begins early, often before the first patient walks in the door. The assistant usually kicks off the day by checking emails and voicemails and responding to any urgent requests from patients or staff. Throughout the day, their medical assistant duties will include confirming appointments, answering calls, and addressing patient inquiries, while also handling check-ins when patients arrive.
During the quieter moments of their day, they will organize medical charts or coordinate with insurance companies. They may also handle some medical coding and billing tasks. As the day comes to a close, they’ll review any outstanding tasks or messages, prep the office for the next day, and ensure that all patient records are safely stored and organized.
This role requires great communication and organizational skills. Because medical assistant duties will change often throughout the day, you need to possess a high level of attention to detail. Medical administrative assistants are often the first point of contact for a patient. It’s important to always have a friendly demeanor to ensure the patient has a positive experience.
Conclusion: Medical Assistant Duties Vary by Day & Area of Focus
Medical assistants, whether clinical, administrative or a little bit of both, are vital to the healthcare world. Their diverse roles ensure that patients receive the highest quality care and that medical practices operate efficiently.
For aspiring CMAs, understanding the importance of medical assistant duties offers insight into a rewarding and dynamic career path. By choosing to pursue a career as a medical assistant, individuals can make a profound impact on patient lives and the overall healthcare experience.
If after reading this blog post, you’re excited to dive head first into medical assistant duties, consider attending an online info session. There, you can learn more about CALRegional’s Clinical Medical Assistant Program and interact with a live host. During the info session, you can ask questions about the program, enrollment process, payment plans, and more. Info sessions are available via Zoom on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. We invite you to join over 20,000 CALRegional students who have changed their lives with healthcare training! Take the first step and sign up for an info session today.
