This major is a program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, and the administration of medications and first aid.
Includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; medical law and ethics; patient psychology and communications; medical office procedures; and clinical diagnostic, examination, testing, and treatment procedures.
What can you do with a major/degree in Medical/Clinical Assistant Major?
As a Medical/Clinical Assistant your responsibilities include performing administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.
Job opportunities for medical assistants are extremely likely in the future as this career subsector is expected to see a nineteen percent (19%) growth 2019-2029.
Most medical/clinical assistants have a postsecondary education award such as a certificate. Programs for medical assisting are available from community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and universities and take about 1 year to complete. These programs usually lead to a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges offer 2-year programs that lead to an associate degree. All programs have classroom and laboratory portions that include lessons in anatomy and medical terminology.
Trade Associations and Professional Organizations in Medical/Clinical Assistant Major
Professional associations are groups of professionals dedicated to topics in specific fields. Professional associations provide a wealth of online resources, some of which are geared specifically towards students. These organizations typically also host conferences and events, providing great opportunities for learning and networking across your field of interest.
- American Association of Medical Assistants
- American Medical Technologists
- National Healthcareer Association
Publications/Magazines in Medical/Clinical Assistant Major