Certified Medical Assistant
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Medical Assistants are indispensable members of the healthcare team who perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. They are responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, and assisting with examinations and procedures. They also provide administrative support, such as managing patient files, processing insurance claims, and ordering supplies.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) may perform any of the following tasks, depending on their training and the policies of their employer:
- Greet patients and collect demographic information
- Take and record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, and weight
- Prepare patients for examinations and procedures
- Assist with minor surgeries and other procedures
- Collect and process laboratory specimens
- Administer medications and injections
- Provide patient education and counseling
- Manage patient files and insurance claims
- Order supplies and equipment
- Maintain a clean and organized work area
Education and Training
CMAs must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass the national certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Most programs take about a year to complete and include coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and administrative procedures.
