Medical Assistant - Fortis College - Columbus

Medical Assistant from Fortis College - Columbus is a Campus Certificate Health Aide degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office depending on office location, size and specialty. In small practices, medical assistants are usually "generalists," handling both administrative and clinical duties. They would report 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 or practice managers. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties. They answer telephones, greet patients, update/file patient medical records, complete insurance forms/referrals forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admissions, laboratory services, handle medical prescriptions, coordinate meetings with medical representatives, and handle billing and bookkeeping. Clinical duties 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. They must dispose of contaminated supplies and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets. They 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. Medical assistants may also arrange examining room instruments and equipment. They inventory, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment. When needed, they must keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean. View more details on Fortis College - Columbus . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Health Aide courses.