October 23rd, 2024, is National Medical Assistant Appreciation Day!
Medical assistants are incredibly important members of the healthcare team. On National Medical Assistant Recognition Day this year, the Boardman Training Center (BTC) is taking time to recognize all medical assistants’ hard work and dedication.
Medical assistants are critical to helping a healthcare facility run smoothly. They have extensive knowledge of direct patient care, administrative duties, support, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio employs over 21,000 medical assistants alone.
Boardman Training Center truly appreciates medical assistants’ dedication to improving the quality of healthcare in Ohio and the surrounding states. Medical Assistant Recognition Day is a day of appreciation and an opportunity to shed light on the hard work, skills, and dedication it takes to become a medical assistant. Keep reading to learn more about how medical assistants play an essential role in the healthcare team and how to get started on this exciting career path!
What Does A Medical Assistant Do?
Medical assistants are not just support staff. They are the backbone of patient care in a medical facility. Their skills and dedication assist nurses, doctors, and other healthcare team members, ensuring patients receive the best care possible.
Their direct patient care abilities can include drawing blood, performing EKGs, collecting lab specimens, conducting visual acuity tests, aiding in minor in-office procedures, recording vital signs, and much more. Additionally, medical assistants are integral to the daily functioning of a healthcare facility. Their administrative expertise includes charting, utilizing software, managing electronic health records, processing insurance claims, scheduling appointments, and handling other important tasks. With their diverse skill set and knowledge, medical assistants genuinely serve as the backbone of the healthcare team.
What Qualities Does A Medical Assistant Have?
A medical assistant often serves as the first point of contact for patients in a healthcare setting. Typically, these team members are responsible for greeting patients, taking their vital signs, and collecting information to share with the nurse practitioner or doctor during the appointment. Medical assistants must approach their work with compassion and empathy, given their close patient interactions. The initial impression patients have during their visit can significantly influence their experience and the overall dynamics of the medical team, making it essential for medical assistants to create a positive and inviting atmosphere.
Beyond compassion, medical assistants need keen attention to detail to accurately record vital signs and visit details. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively conveying information to patients and fellow healthcare team members, while reliable organizational skills are crucial for managing various administrative responsibilities.
How Do I Become A Medical Assistant?
A career as a medical assistant is within reach! While formal education may not be required to enter this healthcare profession, many employers prefer candidates to possess industry-specific certifications to prove that they know the ins and outs of the field.
One way to earn a medical assisting certification is to attend a training program that includes preparation for the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)* and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)* examinations. BTC’s Medical Assisting Specialist program is among the potential programs for Ohio students. Boardman Training Center’s accelerated 12-week program prepares students for NHA certification exams that can give them a competitive advantage when entering the healthcare field.
Thank A Medical Assistant Today!
This October, BTC wants to thank the hardworking medical assistants who make a difference in their patients’ lives. A career as a medical assistant may be challenging at times, but their compassion towards their patients and dedication to making community healthcare facilities a positive environment should not be overlooked.
Boardman Training Center recognizes the need for quality healthcare training in Ohio and strives to support each student during their education and beyond.
Do you envision starting your dream career as a medical assistant in a matter of weeks? If so, BTC may be a great fit! Request information to contact our admissions team to get started on your career journey.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.