1 Medical Assisting: The Profession Lesson 1: The History and Training of Medical Assistants

Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to: Define and spell the terms to learn for this chapter. Discuss the history of medical assisting as a profession. Discuss educational opportunities available for medical assistants. Identify accrediting agencies for medical assisting programs.

Critical Thinking Questions How long has the medical assisting field been in existence? What has caused the field to grow?

Steps in the History of Trained Medical Assistants MAs were originally trained on the job. Responsibility and liability issues increased, leading to more formal training.

Steps in the History of Trained Medical Assistants Nurses were in higher demand due to physicians familiarity with this profession. Demand for well trained MAs increased as nursing shortages grew, as the MA profession expanded, and as physicians began to see the value in hiring Mas.

The AAMA Acronym for the American Association of Medical Assistants Founded by Maxine Williams Organized in 1955 Williams was the first president of the AAMA To learn more about the AAMA, visit http://www.aama-ntl.org/

FIGURE 1-1 Medical assistants perform many functions in a physician's office or a clinic. Chad Baker/Jason Reed/Ryan McVay/Getty Images

Critical Thinking Questions Why is it important for medical assistants to be formally trained? Does the existence of organizations such as the AAMA help the profession? If so, how?

Education and Training for the Medical Assistant Certificate Training varies from six weeks to a year Focus typically is on clinical skills Diploma Similar to certificate programs Focus is on clinical and limited administrative skills

Education and Training for the Medical Assistant Degree Training varies from eight months to two years in length Courses include clinical and administrative as well as professional development and general education courses

Accreditation Institutional Voluntary undertaking to determine if a school meets or exceeds standards set forth by an accrediting body Ensures that a school meets an established criteria

Accreditation Programmatic Ensures that a program in a school meets or exceeds established criteria Learning outcomes for programs are competency-based

Accrediting Agencies for MA Programs Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) For more information on these accrediting bodies click on each website below or go to CAAHEP - http://www.caahep.org ABHES - http://www.abhes.org

Curriculum Typically Found in MA Programs Anatomy and Physiology Applied Mathematics Microbiology and Applied Infection Control Concepts of Effective Communication Administrative Functions Basic Practice Finances

Curriculum Typically Found in MA Programs Managed Care/Insurance Legal Implications Ethical Considerations Protective Practices Externship or Practicum

The Medical Assistant Externship Required component of MA education Unpaid position Settings include physician's office, clinic, hospital setting 160 to 200 clock hours in length

Questions?