1. 1 Medical Assisting: The Profession Lesson 2:
The History and Training of Medical Assistants

2. Lesson Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to:
List ten administrative duties of the medical assistant.
List ten clinical skills performed by medical assistants.
List qualities characteristic of a professional medical assistant.

3. Role of the Medical Assistant
To assist the physician or health care practitioner in providing patient care

4. FIGURE Medical assistants are often involved in confidential conversations between the physician and the patient.

5. Work Settings for Medical Assistants
Physicians' offices
Ambulatory care clinics
Government agencies
Free-standing facilities
Urgent care facilities

6. FIGURE The medical assisting profession offers many settings in which to pursue your career. Good communication and social skills are required in each of them. Michal Heron/Pearson Education

7. Critical Thinking Question
Why would an MA choose to work in one type of employment setting versus another?

8. Responsibilities of the Medical Assistant
Vary from office to office
Vary according to size and type of setting
Vary due to federal and state regulations and guidelines

9. Administrative Competencies
Scheduling patients
Greeting and receiving patients
Screening nonpatients and visitors
Arranging for patient admissions to hospitals, patient tests, and procedures

10. Administrative Competencies
Providing patient instruction
Updating and filing patient medical records
Coding diagnoses and procedures for insurance purposes

11. Administrative Competencies
Computer skills
Handling financial arrangements with patients
Managing the telephone, reports, correspondence, and filing

12. FIGURE Good computer skills are now required to be a successful member of an office staff. Chris Stowers/DK Images

13. Administrative Competencies
Handling mail, billing, insurance claims, credit, and collections
Operating office equipment
Preparing and maintaining employee records

14. Administrative Competencies
Handling petty cash
Reconciling bank statements
Maintaining records for license renewals, membership fees, insurance premiums
Assisting the physician with articles, lectures, and manuscripts
Utilization review of necessary procedures and referrals

15. Administrative Competencies
Coordinating managed-care coverage for patients and physicians
Ensure compliance with HIPAA guidelines
For an overview on HIPAA click here or go to

16. Clinical Competencies
Assisting patients in preparation for physical exams and procedures
Obtaining a medical history
Performing routine clinical and lab procedures

17. Clinical Competencies
Collecting, preparing, and transporting laboratory specimens
Performing venipuncture, where permitted
Assisting the physician with procedures
Instructing and educating patients
Cleaning and sterilizing equipment
Obtaining patient's height, weight, and vital signs

18. Clinical Competencies
Preparing and maintaining exam and treatment rooms
Inventory control – ordering and storing of supplies
Disposing of hazardous waste and other materials
Administering medications
Changing bandages and dressings
Suture removal

19. Clinical Competencies
Handling drug refills
Performing ECGs
Ensuring compliance with OSHA

20. Clinical Competencies
Performing skills relevant to various specialties
Disposing of contaminated supplies
Sterilizing medical instruments
Preparing patients for X-rays

21. Critical Thinking Question
Are MAs always expected to have both administrative and clinical skills?

22. Occupational Analysis
AAMA developed a document called the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum).
Defined specific areas of instruction and competencies for medical assisting.
Latest revision is called the Occupational Analysis of the CMA (AAMA).

23. Occupational Analysis
Identifies three major categories of competencies for MAs
Administrative
Clinical
General
Areas are further expanded to include competencies that should be taught in MA programs

24. Characteristics of a Good Medical Assistant
General medical knowledge
Ability to perform administrative and clinical skills
Genuine desire to help and care about others
Ability to communicate and get along with others

25. Qualities and Characteristics Required of a Professional MA
Integrity
Empathy
Discretion
Ability to maintain privacy and safeguard patient confidences

26. Qualities and Characteristics Required of a Professional MA
Thoroughness
Punctuality
Congeniality
Proactivity
Competence

27. Critical Thinking Question
How does an MA present a professional image?

28. How to Present a Professional Image
Using a calm, pleasant speaking voice
Not eating, drinking, or chewing gum while working in public areas
Developing a basic understanding of human behavior
Using good communication skills
Exhibiting good daily personal hygiene and grooming habits
Providing quality care

29. Questions?