Vocational Degree Programs
Related Vocational Schools
|
Allied College Medical Assistant School in St. Louis Missouri MO
Medical Assistants like spending time with patients, but they're also capable of carrying out important office-type tasks. Change is constant, so they have to be comfortable doing different things each day. They also get along with people easily. A Medical Assistant is like a referee–they're one of the most important people in the building, but they often go unnoticed if they're doing their job well.
What does a Medical Assistant do? Medical Assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks in the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and optometrists. In small practices, they are "generalists," who handle both administrative and clinical duties and report directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators. Medical Assistants perform many administrative duties. They answer telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping. Clinical duties vary according to state law, and may include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical Assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They may also instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Medical Assistants may also arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.
What Does Our Medical Assistant Program Offer You?
An Associate of Applied Science Degree Fundamentals of medical diagnostic techniques Study of the anatomy and physiology of the body CPR certification Knowledge of standard clinical and laboratory procedures Training in venipuncture, injections, electrocardiography (EKG), measurement of vital signs, and more Instruction on procedures for use in a physician's office or clinic An introduction to medical insurance coding and claim processing An externship in a medical facility
What Career Choices are Available to Graduates? Upon graduation, you will be qualified to work as a Medical Assistant, a Medical Receptionist, a Medical Insurance Biller, a Medical Bookkeeper or a Laboratory Assistant in places like: Physicians' Offices Outpatient Care Centers
|
|