Medical Assistant Information needed for Medical Assistant students and professionals: Medical Assistant Information St. Augustine Medical Assistant School offers online medical assistant classes using distance education technology. Do to the development of the internet and new technologies distance education is quickly becoming the norm and not the exception. This trend in distance education has lead to the development of Medical Assistant distance education programs. The St. Augustine Medical Assistant program offers a new alternative educational experience for students interested in a Medical Assistant career. What is a Medical Assistant? A Medical Assistant is a valuable member of the healthcare team. Medical Assistants perform daily administrative tasks as well as assisting in minor clinical procedures to keep doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities running smoothly. Medical Assistant Job Information: According to the United States Department of Labor the Medical Assistant is a high demand profession and is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupation in the United States over the next ten years. Similar growth is expected in Canada, Europe, Asia, India, Australia and most developed countries. What Distance Education Programs are available for Medical Assistant Careers? Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Medical Assistant job out-look for the next ten years: Medical assistant jobs are projected to be one of the fastest growing occupation over the 2002-12 period, this according to the United States Department of Labor The Duties of the Medical Assistant: The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are “generalists,” handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including 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. Clinical duties vary according to State law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. Medical Assistant Nature of Work for a Medical Assistant: A Medical Assistant performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are “generalists,” handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators. Medical Assistant: Medical Assistant Jobs What Does A Medical Assistant Do? Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including 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. Clinical duties for a Medical Assistant may vary according to local laws and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. A Medical Assistant collects and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. A Medical Assistant also may arrange examining-room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean. A Medical Assistant who specialize have additional duties. Podiatric medical assistant make castings of feet, expose and develop x rays, and assist podiatrists in surgery. Ophthalmic medical assistants help ophthalmologists provide eye care. They conduct diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test eye muscle function. They also show patients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses, and they apply eye dressings. Under the direction of the physician, ophthalmic medical assistants may administer eye medications. They also maintain optical and surgical instruments and may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery. Medical Assistant Program Objectives: Program Objectives: To offer a Medical Assistant Program that is regularly assessed and updated in order to maintain technical standards and to meet the needs of students and the community. Provide a learning environment that uses innovative instructional methods, materials, and equipment. Alsom to provide the Medical Assistant student with opportunities to broaden their awareness and understanding of our diverse society and health care needs To develop and maintain educational partnerships with business, labor, and public sector agencies. Additional information about Medical Assistant careers and jobs can be obtained by contacting the offices of St. Augustine Medical Assistant School. Updated on 06/14/06 Medical Assistant Medical Assistant Schools and Medical Assistant distance education programs The Medical Assistant Medical Assistant School and Medical Assistant Distance Education Training The Four Seasons Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons