What Are the Roles & Duties of a Medical Assistant?

Medical Assisting is a vital position in the healthcare industry. They assist the provider with a number of task and to name a few, here are the specific clinical duties that they may perform:

• Taking patient medical histories
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Preparing patients for examination
• Assisting the physician during exams
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Instructing patients about medication and special diets
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
• Transmitting prescription refills as directed
• Drawing blood
• Taking electrocardiograms
• Removing sutures and changing dressings

Additionally, Medical Assistants perform a number of administrative duties within the healthcare industry. Here is a list of administrative duties they may perform:

• Using computer applications
• Answering telephones
• Greeting patients
• Updating and filing patient medical records
• Coding and filling out insurance forms
• Scheduling appointments
• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

If you are interested in learning more about about a rewarding career as a medical assistant, visit our Medical Assisting Program page on the website.

Learn more: 

• What is a Medical Assistant
  • Medical Assisting – Dream It. Do It.
  • The Role of the Medical Assistant: Change, Opportunity and Growth
  • The Role of Medical Assistants in Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates
  • Medical Assistant Transition to a Nursing Career
  • What Are the Roles & Duties of a Medical Assistant?
  • Medical Assisting Career Description
  • 5 Steps To Becoming A Certified Medical Assistant
  • FAQ: Becoming A Certified Medical Assistant
  • Reasons to Be a Medical Assistant