Today, October 18th, 2023, is National Medical Assistants Day! Boardman Training Center is here to show appreciation to the hardworking medical assistants who help make their patients’ experiences positive. Keep reading to learn more about the job duties of a medical assistant, why they are essential members of the healthcare team, and how you can get started on the path to becoming one of these healthcare heroes!
What Is A Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants are crucial members of the healthcare team who work closely with nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors, and more to achieve an excellent patient experience. The medical assisting profession is expected to continue expanding, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, partially due to the aging baby boomer population requiring more medical care and the current workforce retiring, opening up new positions in medical facilities.
The hands-on skill training that medical assistants receive during their education includes clinical and administrative tasks to make them well-rounded and versatile healthcare workforce members. Training in these areas can help them be valuable assets to medical offices, clinics, outpatient care facilities, hospitals, and other medical facilities. Students in the Boardman Training Center Medical Assisting program will be trained in the following clinical and administrative skills:
Clinical Skills:
- Performing basic lab tests,
- Recording medical histories,
- Preparing patients for exams,
- Explaining treatments to patients,
- Assisting doctors in basic procedures,
- Preparing medications and more!
Administrative Skills:
- Updating medical records,
- Answering phone calls,
- Managing patient check-ins,
- Scheduling future appointments,
- Coordinating hospital admissions,
- Arranging lab services and more!
What is National Medical Assistants Day?
National Medical Assistants Day is a part of the larger Medical Assistants Week, which strives to bring awareness to the medical assisting profession. Medical assistants play an essential role in the patient experience in a medical facility, and the widespread attention of Medical Assistants Day can show appreciation for the hard work of those in these positions.
Ways you can support Medical Assistants Day is to share posts on social media using hashtags to spread the word, and a simple “thank you” to any medical assistants you may know or encounter can go a long way in making them feel appreciated. If you have had a particularly good experience with a medical assistant, be sure to tell the physician or other staff to ensure they are recognized for their hard work!
How To Start A Career As A Medical Assistant
If you think a career as a medical assistant is for you, the first step is to determine your individual needs and choose a program that fits them. For example, Boardman Training Center’s Medical Assisting program classes can be completed in only 12 weeks, making it a great option for those looking to become trained and start working as soon as possible.
While completing the hands-on aspect of Boardman’s medical assisting training program, you will also prepare to sit for two National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)* and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)*.
Start Your Journey To A Medical Assisting Career!
Can you see yourself in a healthcare career where you make a difference in the patient experience through direct patient care and administrative tasks? If you answer yes, a medical assistant career may be a great fit for you!
Start the process of beginning your accelerated medical assisting classes at Boardman Training Center by calling 330-729-9244 or Requesting Information to get started today!
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.