Medical Assistant              

Duties and responsibilities:

   Administrative duties include: answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients' medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping.

Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They also arrange examining-room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean. Medical assistants should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

Salary: $43,000

Education:

  While it is possible to start a career in medical assisting with on the job training, most employers prefer a formal education or training program. These programs are available from some vocational high schools, vocational schools, and in colleges and universities. Typical medical assistant training programs lead to a degree or certificate, and last one or two years, respectively.

Reflection:

I think I do want to be a medical assistant because I like working with medicine and it also sounds interesting. I also think they get paid alright.