Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative duties to keep health care delivery settings running smoothly. Duties will vary greatly from one place to the next. In small practices, medical assistants will do work of a more generalist nature; in larger practices, they may be more specialized. In general, medical assistants may prepare patients for examinations and treatments by taking temperature, weight, blood pressure, pulse and putting patients at ease in the medical environment. They may give injections, take blood for testing, perform simple lab tests and evaluation tests including electrocardiography. They assist physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners during exams and treatment. Medical assistants may also be responsible for front office duties, such as greeting patients, making appointments, handling correspondence and insurance claims, and performing some book-keeping duties.

Areas of Specialization
Medical assistants may specialize in a wide variety of medical specializations, including podiatry, pediatrics, and chiropractic care.


Work Environment
Medical assistants are likely to find jobs in physician’s office, clinics and other health care settings. Although medical assistants are usually in an outpatient setting (such as a clinic), there are occasionally positions at in-patient facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. The dual role of medical and office duties makes medical assistants invaluable. They may be expected to work evenings and/or weekends, depending on their place of work.

Advancement