From the moment patients walk into their physician’s practice, Medical Assistants put patient care first. Their hard work and dedication help make patients’ visits run smoothly and the provider’s day run efficiently. Truly, they are the superheroes of the practice! We pause the week of October 17-21 to celebrate Medical Assistants Recognition Week.

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties. They are masters of patient care, doing such tasks as taking medical histories, explaining treatment procedures, preparing patients for exams, preparing specimens for the lab, administering medications, wound care, phlebotomy, and so much more.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, Medical Assistants can be found answering phones, welcoming patients, updating patient records, coding and filling out insurance information, scheduling appointments, arranging hospital admission and laboratory services. In other words, if something is happening in a medical office or care facility, a Medical Assistant has likely had a hand in it.

Patient-Centric

Medical assistants are a crucial part of the patient-care team. They often have direct, first-hand knowledge of patient care, and are the first line of defense in a medical situation. They also provide ongoing care throughout the patient experience.

Education and Training

The Medical Assisting field is projected to grow 23 percent through 2028, making this one of the fastest growing fields in any profession. Both Marshalltown Community College and Ellsworth Community College offer an 11-month Medical Assisting diploma program that includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law ethics, patient psychology and communications, medical office procedures, clinical examination testing and treatment procedures.

The program prepares students for immediate employment in physicians’ offices, specialty clinics, urgent care, hospital laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. After earning a diploma, students can apply for Medical Assistant National Certification Examination. Courses may also be used to fulfill elective requirements in the Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree.

Healthcare Heroes

Behind every physician is a Medical Assistant who has made patient care possible. As we pause to recognize these heroes in healthcare, we ask that you consider joining their ranks. Apply to Marshalltown Community College or Ellsworth Community College today, and become a Healthcare Hero today! Medical Assistants are at the heart of healthcare!

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Trina Menter is a Medical Assisting

Coordinator/Instyructor/Practicum Coordinator