Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Chapter 1 The Medical Assisting Profession

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Historical Perspective The nurse’s role is limited compared to that of the medical assistant Formal training versus on-the-job training In 1978, the medical assisting profession was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Career Opportunities Versatile profession Employment is available in a variety of settings The MA is a valuable part of the health care team >>

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Career Opportunities Employment outlook is promising –Fastest growing allied health profession through 2012 for many reasons

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Education of the MA Community colleges, junior colleges, and proprietary schools Requirements are based on entry-level MA responsibilities in the medical office Accredited programs have administrative and clinical courses and a practicum Bachelor’s degree programs available

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attributes of a Professional As you watch the video clip, write down all the characteristics that Dee is lacking. After you watch the video clip, do you see any similarities between Dee and yourself?

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attributes of a Professional Click Here to play the video

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attributes of a Professional Empathy Attitude Dependability Initiative Flexibility A friendly attitude helps the patient feel at ease >>

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attributes of a Professional Desire to learn Physical attributes Ability to communicate Ethical behavior Measuring blood pressure requires the MA to see and hear well >>

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AAMA American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) –Founded in 1956 –First president was Maxine Williams Purposes: certification and continuing education –CMA (AAMA) credential

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AMT American Medical Technologists (AMT) –Founded in 1939 Purposes: credentialing and continuing education –Certifies a variety of health care fields –Established the RMA exam in 1972 –CMAS exam is also available

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NHA National Healthcareer Association Purposes: credentialing and continuing education –Certifies a variety of health care fields –Two ways to obtain certification

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Regulation of Health Care Providers Credentialing regulates health care providers, which ensures: –Competence of health care providers –A minimum standard of knowledge, training, and skill –The limiting of the performance of certain procedures to a specific occupation

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Types of Regulations Licensure –Mandatory, legislated by each state Certification –Voluntary, through a nongovernmental agency or professional association Registration –Voluntary, through a professional association

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Scope of Practice Medical assistants are not licensed –Medicine and nursing are licensed professions Medical assistants are allowed to perform clinical procedures under physician’s or other licensed health care practitioner’s supervision –In some states, authorization is required for some procedures –AAMA lists which procedures medical assistants can perform