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.
I really would recommend others to come to Ross. It's a great program for people trying to take the next steps.
Arieyanna Santiago Graduate Medical Assistant student at Ann Arbor, MI campus Graduation: April 5, 2019
Ross is amazing to me, it saved and changed my life when I felt I had nowhere to go. I went to Ross to get information about their training program, not expecting to be enrolled. The staff was very friendly and informative and by the time I left, my life had changed. I had some fears about the courses, but the staff was always so encouraging and supportive of me. The program is full of motivation and support and that helped me maintain a good grade point average. I am now a proud graduate of Ross Medical Education Center. I was in a very dark place, and Ross helped save my life.
Angela Baldomero-Benet Graduate Medical Assistant student at Knoxville, TN campus Graduation: October 18, 2019
The reason I chose to go to Ross is because I wanted to learn with a hands-on approach and in a comfortable environment. Having the option to go to night class was perfect for my busy schedule. The instructors were always there to help me if I had any problems, in or out of class. Everyone was always friendly and willing to help. I felt very confident going for my externship because what you learn in class transfers really well out in the field. Thanks to Ross, I no longer feel like I'm stuck in a job I don't like, but rather, I am happy in a career.
Amanda Frydrych Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: December 4, 2019
Being a student at Ross, I have been able to have a schedule that has worked for me and my family, which is important since I have five children. The instructors have helped tremendously in ensuring that we learn and are confident in the things that are needed for our homework assignments and tests. They become a second family that wants to see you succeed. The staff here at Ross has gone out of their way at times to make sure that I stayed on the right course. Any time that I had a question, they all made themselves available.
Samantha Paige Graduate Medical Assistant student at Fort Wayne, IN campus Graduation: May 21, 2019
I will forever be grateful for the knowledge and guidance I received at Ross. I came to a point in my life where I had to do something better for myself. I wanted a career, not just a job. The staff was amazing when it came to helping me choose what program to study. In less than a year, I graduated with a certificate in Medical Assisting. I decided to further my education and went on to attend Ross College online, where I graduated with an Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting. I now have an amazing job, giving me the peace of mind any single parent desires, which is knowing I can provide for my child.
Amanda Stead Graduate Medical Assistant student at Port Huron, MI campus Graduation: December 19, 2018
