What does a medical assistant do at work?

I'm interested in becoming a medical assistant after high school, but I'm not entirely sure what the day-to-day responsibilities are. Can anyone explain what tasks a medical assistant typically handles in a medical setting?

Medical assistants perform a variety of key tasks in healthcare settings, and the specific responsibilities can vary based on the location and size of their practice, and the specific kind of medicine their practice specializes in. As a medical assistant, your job will likely involve a mix of administrative tasks and clinical tasks.

On the administrative side, tasks often include managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and insurance queries. These administrative duties involve a lot of patient interaction so you could develop great customer service capabilities over time.

Meanwhile, the clinical tasks also form an important part of the role. Some of these could include taking patient history and vitals, helping physicians with examinations, drawing blood, performing basic laboratory tests, and even instructing patients about medication and special diets. In procedures, medical assistants may be required to sterilize medical instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.

There's a significant variation in the list of responsibilities based on the type of practice and the state laws. For instance, in some states, medical assistants are allowed to perform more complex procedures like giving injections or administering medications under direct physician supervision.

By working as a medical assistant, you would gain key skills and experience in the healthcare setting. It’s also a role that enables you to contribute directly to patient care, which many people find rewarding. Do keep in mind that some roles could require certification or completion of a vocational program, depending on the state you live in.