1. The Medical Assisting Profession
Chapter 1
The Medical Assisting Profession

2. 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

3. Career Opportunities Versatile profession
Employment is available in a variety of settings
The MA is a valuable part of the health care team >>

4. Career Opportunities Employment outlook is promising
Fastest growing allied health profession through 2012 for many reasons

5. 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

6. 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?

7. Attributes of a Professional
Watch the video

8. Attributes of a Professional
Empathy
Attitude
Dependability
Initiative
Flexibility
A friendly attitude helps the patient feel at ease >>

9. 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 >>

10. AAMA American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Founded in 1956
First president was Maxine Williams
Purposes: certification and continuing education
CMA (AAMA) credential

11. 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

12. NHA National Healthcareer Association
Purposes: credentialing and continuing education
Certifies a variety of health care fields
Two ways to obtain certification

13. 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

14. Types of Regulations Licensure Certification Registration
Mandatory, legislated by each state
Certification
Voluntary, through a nongovernmental agency or professional association
Registration
Voluntary, through a professional association

15. 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