Today, October 18th, 2023, is National Medical Assistants Day, and East Ohio College is here to show our appreciation for medical assistants! We will shed light on what medical assistants do and why they are crucial members of every healthcare team. Continue reading to learn more about these healthcare heroes!
What Is A Medical Assistant?
Working alongside physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and medical assistants are integral members of the staff in healthcare facilities. Some facilities may include outpatient care, clinics, medical offices, and more. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that the medical assisting career will continue to grow rapidly because of the increased demand for health treatment of the aging baby boomer generation and the current workforce beginning to retire.
A medical assistant’s responsibilities can divided into two main categories. It is important to remember that the specifics will vary depending on where a person works, but this serves as a good summary of some of what your future career could look like!
Administrative Duties
- Arranging lab services
- Patient check-in process
- Scheduling appointments
- Updating medical records
- Answering telephone calls
- Coordinating hospital admissions and more!
Clinical Duties
- Completing basic lab tests
- Documenting medical histories
- Explaining treatment procedures
- Assisting the physician in procedures
- Preparing the patient for examinations and more!
What Is National Medical Assistants Day?
National Medical Assistants Day serves as a special celebration dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of the medical assistants who play a crucial role in facilitating your access to healthcare services. National Medical Assistants Day is part of the broader Medical Assistants Week, which aims to enhance public awareness of what medical assisting is all about.
If you find yourself asking how you can celebrate this day, you can start by expressing gratitude to any medical assistant you encounter. A simple “thank you” can let a medical assistant know their hard work is appreciated. Additionally, you can raise awareness by using relevant hashtags and sharing posts on social media platforms. By garnering broader attention, we can collectively enhance the recognition and appreciation of the vital role played by medical assistants.
Furthermore, don’t hesitate to inform the doctor if you’ve had an exceptionally positive experience with a medical assistant. Doctors may acknowledge their outstanding service by composing an appreciation letter or offering other recognition.
How Can I Become A Medical Assistant?
If a career as a Medical Assistant appeals to you, your initial step involves researching programs to identify the most suitable program for your needs. This entails selecting the educational institution you wish to attend, ensuring it aligns with your budget, and specifying the type of program best suited to help you achieve your goals.
East Ohio Online Medical Assistant students will earn an associate degree, be prepared to sit for valuable National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certifications*, and be ready to start their careers in two years or less! While enrolled in East Ohio’s online medical assisting training program, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical experience in conjunction with your academic studies through a hands-on externship with a local healthcare employer. Additionally, you can further enhance your credentials by being prepared to sit for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant* certification exam.
Start Your Journey To Becoming A Medical Assistant At East Ohio College Today!
Are you interested in becoming a Medical Assistant by taking online courses? If so, East Ohio Online may be a great fit for you. Get started today by Requesting Information or calling (330)-385-1070!
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.