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

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

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

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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 -
ABHES -

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. Questions?