October 23rd, 2024, is National Medical Assistant Appreciation Day!
October 23rd, 2024, is not just another day. It’s a day of recognition and appreciation for the vital role that medical assistants play in the healthcare team. It’s National Medical Assistant Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to honoring the dedication and hard work of medical assistants everywhere.
These professionals are essential to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. They have a broad understanding of direct patient care, administrative responsibilities, support tasks, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio employs more than 21,000 medical assistants alone.
East Ohio College (EOC) genuinely values the commitment of medical assistants to enhancing the quality of healthcare in Ohio and neighboring states. Medical Assistant Recognition Day serves as a moment to express gratitude and highlight the hard work, skills, and dedication required to become a medical assistant. Continue reading to discover medical assistants’ vital role within the healthcare team and how you can embark on this rewarding career journey!
What Does A Medical Assistant Do?
Medical assistants are more than just support personnel; they are essential to patient care within a medical facility. Their expertise and commitment bolster the efforts of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, guaranteeing that patients receive the highest quality of care.
Their hands-on patient care skills include various tasks, such as drawing blood, administering EKGs, collecting lab specimens, conducting visual acuity assessments, assisting in minor in-office procedures, recording vital signs, and much more. Furthermore, medical assistants play a crucial role in the everyday operations of a healthcare facility. Their administrative talents involve charting, using software, managing electronic health records, processing insurance claims, scheduling appointments, and executing various essential tasks. With their wide-ranging skill set and expertise, medical assistants truly form the backbone of the healthcare team.
What Qualities Does A Medical Assistant Have?
A medical assistant often acts as the first point of contact for patients in a healthcare environment. Typically, these professionals welcome patients, measure their vital signs, and gather crucial information to relay to the nurse practitioner or doctor during the appointment. Given their close patient interactions, medical assistants must approach their roles with compassion and empathy. The initial impression patients form during their visit can significantly impact their overall experience and the dynamics of the medical team, making it vital for medical assistants to foster a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
In addition to compassion, medical assistants must possess a sharp eye for detail to accurately document vital signs and appointment specifics. Strong communication skills are critical for conveying information to patients and other healthcare team members, and effective organizational abilities are essential for handling various administrative tasks.
How Do I Become A Medical Assistant?
Your career as a medical assistant is achievable with the proper training and skills! Although formal education is not always required to enter the healthcare field as a medical assistant, many employers prefer candidates to have earned industry-specific certifications, a degree, or both.
To stand out in the medical assisting field, you should choose a training program that combines hands-on skill training, comprehensive online lectures, virtual simulations, in-person labs, an externship experience, and National Healthcareer Association certification preparation, such as the Clinical Medical Assistant program at East Ohio College.
EOC’s comprehensive training program prepares students to sit for three NHA certifications: the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)* exam, the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)** exam, and the Certified EKG/ECG Technician (CET)** exam.
Want to learn more about the exciting prospects of a career in medical assisting? Check out East Ohio College’s complete guide for Everything You Need To Know About A Career In Medical Assisting!
Thank A Medical Assistant Today!
October is a great time to thank the medical assistants who work tirelessly to make the patient experience positive. These healthcare workers’ hard work and compassion are the backbone of the industry, and they deserve our gratitude.
Do you want to become a part of an essential group of healthcare workers who make a difference in the lives of their patients? If so, EOC has a place for you! Get started on your career journey and contact our admissions team by requesting information today.
*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Required/ Included in Tuition/Fees.
*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Optional at own expense.