Medical assistants play a crucial role in healthcare settings, yet their duties and responsibilities are often misunderstood. Despite being an integral part of the healthcare team, there are several misconceptions surrounding the profession. In this article, we will shed some light on the true value that medical assistants bring to the healthcare industry.
One common misconception is that medical assistants are simply nurse's aides or administrative staff. While medical assistants do perform some administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records, they are also trained in clinical procedures. Medical assistants undergo comprehensive training that includes both administrative and clinical aspects of healthcare, enabling them to perform a wide range of duties under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.
Another misconception is that medical assistants do not require formal education or training. In reality, most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed a formal training program and are certified or registered. These programs, which are typically offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes, cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and clinical procedures. Additionally, medical assistants may choose to pursue certification through organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT), further demonstrating their commitment to their profession and ensuring their competency in both administrative and clinical tasks.
Some believe that medical assisting is a job with limited opportunities for career advancement. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Medical assistants have the opportunity to specialize in various areas of healthcare, such as dermatology, cardiology, or pediatrics, by gaining experience and additional training in their chosen field. Furthermore, many medical assistants use their experience and education as a stepping stone to pursue further education and advance their careers, such as becoming registered nurses, physician assistants, or healthcare administrators.
While medical assistants do handle routine tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with minor procedures, they are also capable of performing more advanced clinical procedures under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. These may include administering injections, conducting electrocardiograms (EKGs), performing venipuncture, and even assisting with surgical procedures in certain settings. Medical assistants play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare facilities by providing both administrative support and clinical assistance, allowing licensed healthcare providers to focus on delivering quality patient care.
Medical assistants are highly skilled and valuable members of the healthcare team who perform a wide range of tasks to support both patients and providers. By debunking common misconceptions and highlighting the true nature of the profession, we can foster a better understanding and appreciation for the important role that medical assistants play in delivering high-quality healthcare services.
The education and the hands-on training I received at Ross was so much more than I ever expected. I feel so confident in my abilities for my career as a medical assistant. The staff and instructors are here to help you with anything that you need to succeed. They really do care about you and your goals in life. I recommend Ross to anyone wanting to make a positive change in their life.
Stephanie Mynatt Graduate Medical Assistant student at Muncie, IN campus Graduation: February 26, 2019
I came to Ross to further my education for a reliable career, and I've gained much more than that. My instructors have helped me become much more than I thought was possible.
Haley Miller Graduate Medical Assistant student at Kentwood, MI campus Graduation: May 22, 2019
I chose Ross Medical Education Center to better my life for myself and my children. They have several courses to choose from. From the moment I walked through the doors, I could tell they had a very professional, encouraging, and caring staff to help me succeed. Since day one they've been understanding and kind in all the situations life has dealt me through this exciting journey. Ross has changed my life by allowing me to find the part of myself that has been locked away. Strength. Because of their support, I have pushed myself to be better not only in school but in life. It has given me confidence and courage I didn't know I had. I feel secure in life knowing they have my back and I now have the ability to have my own career and never have to depend on anyone. By making the decision to come to Ross, I've changed my tomorrow today.
Jessica Walker Graduate Medical Assistant student at Owensboro, KY campus Graduation: April 24, 2019
Ross is a great school filled with awesome instructors! I've learned so much from my instructor, Miss. Michelle. I've never had a teacher so educated, involved, or dedicated to their students. There is no program I'd rather be in than dental and I cannot wait to start my lifelong career in this field. There's never a boring day in dental and there is no school I'd rather be enrolled in than Ross.
Taylor Powell Graduate Dental Assistant student at Niles, OH campus Graduation: April 27, 2020
My experience at Ross has been one of the most liberating experiences in my life. I came to Ross because I needed a change in my life. Nothing else was working and I felt as if I was stuck in a rut, so I had to make a choice. I was scrolling through Facebook one day and the ad popped up… Hmmm six-to-nine month courses? I figured I could do that, considering my excuse had been that school takes too long and I do not have time to balance that and being a single mom. I did my research and realized every job I had applied for fit right into the MIBOA program. I was intrigued so I decided to check them out. When I came in, everyone was nice and very helpful. They gave me an in-depth view on the program and what to expect. They assured me they were a nationally accredited school and their graduation rates were great. I was won over by them showing me the rising stats related to the field and that alone gave me the push I needed to go ahead and apply. I am very glad I did. I had one of the best instructors, aside from everyone helping me and keeping me motivated. The class size was small so I had a lot of one on one, any questions I had I could literally ask anyone and if they did not know they could get me to someone that did. At times it was overwhelming, I do admit, but I made it - and not alone - that is the best part. Soon I was in my last mod and on my way to externship as a proud student of Ross Education Center and now I feel like I am ready for anything. Thank you, Ross. My new life started here.
Jessica Henderson Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Fort Wayne, IN campus Graduation: February 26, 2019
