A career as a certified medical assistant can be exciting, fast-paced, and rewarding. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly the job entails, you’re not alone! Certified medical assistants, or CMAs, are key members of a healthcare team. Every day, they help patients, support doctors and nurses, and keep things running smoothly.
Let’s take a closer look at what a day in their life looks like.
What can a certified medical assistant do?
A certified medical assistant is trained to handle both clinical and office tasks. They are often the first person a patient sees, and they may be the last person the patient speaks to before they leave.
Some duties a Certified Medical Assistant might perform include:
- Taking vital signs like blood pressure and temperature
- Preparing patients for exams
- Helping doctors during exams or minor procedures
- Scheduling appointments
- Recording medical histories
- Drawing blood or collecting lab samples
- Handling insurance forms and patient records 1
Because of their wide range of skills, certified medical assistants are valuable healthcare workers in many settings. You’ll find them in:
- Doctors’ offices
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Urgent care centers
- Specialty offices like pediatrics or dermatology
What a day in the life of a medical assistant might look like
Let’s walk through a typical day for a certified medical assistant. Keep in mind—no two days are exactly alike, and the job duties may vary slightly depending on where they are working.
At the beginning of their shifts, certified medical assistants might:
- Prepare exam rooms
- Review patient schedules
- Check supplies
- Turn on or test medical equipment
- Review special instructions
Soon, patients will start arriving! When that happens, a certified medical assistant might check in the patient, update their medical records, take their vital signs, and ask the patient a few questions about how they’re feeling.
When a doctor or nurse comes into the room, they will work alongside them by:
- Handing the doctor or nurse tools they need
- Taking notes during the visit
- Explaining follow-up instructions to the patient
- Drawing blood or helping with EKGs
- Calling in prescriptions
- Booking referrals to other doctors
Once the patient has wrapped up their appointment, it’s time to prepare for the next! This is when a CMA may clean a room, return phone calls, or work on paperwork.
The role of a medical assistant when it comes to patient care
Certified medical assistants play a big part in patient care. They don’t just handle tasks; They also bring comfort and kindness to the job. Patients often feel nervous at the doctor’s office. A friendly medical assistant can make a big difference.
How do certified medical assistants bring positive experiences to their patients?
- They practice empathetic listening
- They explain things clearly
- They treat patients with respect and patience
- They respect patient privacy laws
In addition, they may also:
- Show patients how to take medicine or use medical devices
- Help them understand their health conditions or test results
- Follow up with phone calls after a visit
Overall, good communication is key. That’s why medical assistants need to speak clearly, listen well, and show empathy.
Teamwork and collaboration with other healthcare professionals
Certified Medical Assistants are not alone in their work. They’re part of a healthcare team that includes:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Office staff
- Lab techs
- Specialists
Working well with others is important! They must follow instructions and know when to ask questions. They also need to learn teamwork to help patients get the best care possible. Overall, certified medical assistants often act as a bridge between patients and doctors. They share important updates and help make sure nothing gets missed.
How you can make an impact as certified medical assistant
Becoming a certified medical assistant isn’t just about getting a job. It’s about making a difference! If you enjoy helping others, this could be the career path for you. If you’re ready to make a real impact in the lives of others, a medical assistant training program is the place to start. This is how you’ll learn the key skills needed to complete daily tasks.
If you’re ready to begin a rewarding career, medical assistant training at Mildred Elley could be the right first step.
Here’s what you can expect from the program:
- Hands-on training with real-world tools
- Instructors who have worked in the field
- Job placement resources for graduates
- Flexible scheduling for busy lives
You don’t need a college degree to get started. Just a high school diploma or GED, and a desire to help others! If you’re ready to take the next step, click the button below to learn more about how Mildred Elley can help you start your journey toward becoming a certified medical assistant.
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