The Medical Assistant program is a three-quarter program that prepares students to be multi-skilled allied health professionals specifically trained to perform in ambulatory settings, such as physicians ‘offices, clinics, and group practices, and perform administrative and clinical procedures. The healthcare industry is slated to expand because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population. Employment growth will be driven by the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly the flexible medical assistant who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work primarily in outpatient settings, a rapidly growing sector of the healthcare industry. Students must achieve a grade point average of 2.0 (C) or above in all program requirements. The Medical Assisting Program at AMAT has an average graduate satisfaction survey rate of 100% over the past two-year period. There are several support services available to students at AMAT so you can complete the program and pass the certification exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the RMA exam given by (AMT), the CCMA exam given by (NHA) and the CMAC exam given by (AMCA).

Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare, performing a range of administrative and clinical tasks. Their responsibilities include scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, measuring and recording vital signs, assisting with medical examinations, and handling basic laboratory procedures. Medical assistants also contribute to the smooth flow of communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Education requirements typically involve completing a medical assisting program, and many pursue certification to enhance their skills and marketability. They can work in various healthcare settings, such as clinics, hospitals, or physician’s offices.

Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

1. Administrative Duties:  – Scheduling appointments. – Managing medical records. – Billing and coding. – Handling phone calls and correspondence.
2. Clinical Duties:  – Measuring and recording vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature). – Assisting physicians during examinations. – Administering injections or medications as directed. – Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens.
3. Communication and Patient Interaction: – Communicating with patients, explaining procedures, and providing instructions. – Serving as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers.
4. Basic Laboratory Procedures:  – Performing routine laboratory tests. – Sterilizing medical instruments. – Preparing and handling medical equipment.
5. Assisting with Medical Procedures:  – Assisting in minor surgical procedures. – Conducting electrocardiograms (ECGs).
6. Recordkeeping:  – Documenting patient information and care in medical records. Medical assistants often work under the supervision of physicians or other healthcare professionals. Their versatile skill set contributes to the efficient operation of healthcare facilities.