An assistant’s clerical duties will include answering phones, greeting and checking in patients, making appointments, handling all correspondence for the office, sorting and distributing mail when needed and basically handling the receptionist duties of the office and the department.

The administrative duties of a medical assistant will include functions such as pulling and filing records and making sure a patient’s file is up to date with all information, scheduling patients for labs or tests and screens that need to be done out of the office, setting up hospital stays, and handling all insurance forms and filings between doctors, patients, and the patients families.

Additionally, a certified assistant will have several clinical duties as well. These duties will consist of actually working with the patient in a medical setting. The medical assistant will get the patient ready to see the doctor. They will take all vital signs and record them in the chart for the doctor. They will also collect lab specimens and send them to an outside lab or do a cursory lab test and provide results on the spot. They also draw blood, remove wound dressings, and perform simple tests on machines such as an EKG machine.

A medical assistant’s duties are many, and what you get up to day to day will often depend on what type doctor you are working for. There are many different things that you will have to handle as assistant in a medical setting. You will need to have a good education and attention to detail in order to perform this type of job at a top level, as the level of care that you provide is very important to each patient’s health.

It can be easy to trivialize the individual daily roles of certified assistants, making them out to be throw away duties of little importance. But the truth is, everything a medical assistant does, certified or otherwise is aimed towards helping the patient and making he or she feel better in some way. There’s nothing trivial about that.

You’re not perfect. As soon as you accept that – really accept it – then half the battle is already won. Most people have problems dealing with negative assessments because they think they’ve done the best job anyone could have done and to question that is not only hurtful but also unbelievable.

Check your output. Most of the time, there is some truth in criticism. Before you get defensive and whiny, check first if there is some truth in what your boss is telling you, and chances are you’ll find something you need to fix.

Pay attention. When your work is being reviewed, it is essential that you pay attention to what your boss is saying. Take notes. This can serve two purposes. One, and the most important, your boss will be under the impression that you are a willing student and that you will implement all suggestions given. And two, there will surely be something in your notes that can be of help when you’re faced with a similar assignment in the future.

Learn. Look for something that will help you do your job better. Bosses mostly don’t criticize employees just for the heck of it. The most important thing to walk away from an evaluation is a lesson that will help you become a better employee.

Let it go. Don’t go planning the downfall of your boss and his immediate family. This does not only cause more stress, but also prolongs whatever bad feelings you might have. Learn to accept, then let go. Move on to the next project. Keep the lesson, let go of the grudge. You will feel so much better. And on top of that, expect huge improvements in your future undertakings.

In order to take the CMA exam, you have to attend a medical assistant program that has been accredited by ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) or CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). There are no exceptions to this and no ways around it. The AAMA website has an excellent page explaining the process of becoming a CMA.

Certified Medical Assistant: What Does It Mean?

Not all employers will require you to be certified, nor is it required by law of all medical assistants. However, with that said, the vast majority of medical assistants do end up pursuing one of the two certifications, and many employers will require it. The CMA certification is widely considered the most important one in the field.

The exam itself is taken on a computer and consists of 200 multiple choice questions. You find out immediately (at the end of exam) whether you passed or failed, and your official score comes in the mail six to 10 weeks later.

Accreditation of Medical Assistant Programs

Accreditation is the process of a third party accrediting agency reviewing a school, or one of its programs, to ensure that the education being provided meets a certain set of criteria for quality and completeness.

Accreditation of a school or a program is a rigorous process that can take six to 12 months, and involves the school submitting information to the accrediting agency, as well as visits to the school by representatives of the agency. The accreditation received at the end of this process is typically valid for a number of years, after which the school has to go through process to have its accreditation renewed. This ensures that the school is keeping up with the standards that are set.

There are other benefits, aside from the CMA, to attending an accredited program. Certain types of financial aid are only available to people attending accredited programs, and if you choose to transfer to another school, you are much more likely to receive credit for courses taken as part of an accredited program. These are all important things to keep in mind and consider when choosing a school and program.

Before beginning a CNA program, students must either have a high school diploma or a GED. This is the only prerequisite to begin a program. A few of the education options that Nursing Assistants have are community colleges and technical colleges.

The American Red Cross is one of the other options that students have to earn their education. In addition, many programs also require that students receive a minimum of 16 hours of practice in facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.

Benefits of Being a CNA

• No Prerequisites – This is one of the only careers that do not require certain courses or degrees to enter the program. Students only need a GED or high school diploma to begin a CNA program.

Furthermore, you will be responsible for taking samples for lab work, sterlizing equipment, and depending on the requirements in each state, you could also take on additional duties like administering medication, instructing patients on proper diets, taking blood samples and suturing. There is a great range of tasks to handle, which is why the right training and amount of clinical practice beforehand is essential in easing you into the work.

Patience

When I first started working as a medical assistant at the doctor’s office, it was a really busy place. I was answering phones and updating charts and checking in patients. I hardly took the time to breathe. I learned the job is easier when you don’t rush yourself, You make fewer mistakes.

Problem Solving

Sometimes I deal with upset patients. It could be they’ve had a bad day, or they are struggling to get an insurance claim settled. I learned that if I stay calm and listen to them, I can do more than just answer their questions and work out problems. I can actually make them feel better.

Teamwork

There’s a lot going on in the doctor’s office where I work. The doctors and nurses and medical assistants have all learned how to work together. I think we work so well together because we are all focused on our patients. Getting them checked in, updating their charts, getting them examined by the doctor – we’ve made it a science. We can anticipate what needs to happen next and take care of business.

Grief

I work in a private practice. Working as a medical assistant in a doctor’s office brings challenges. Sometimes we lose patients, and that can be really hard to deal with. But I’ve learned how to handle my own grief and help families through those really hard times. But I think I’m a better person for the skills I’ve learned here.

Self-confidence

Being a medical assistant has been challenging – there is so much you have to know and so much you are responsible for when it comes to a patient’s health and privacy – but succeeding at my job has really built up my self-esteem. And because I have a solid background in the health care industry, I feel like I’m more prepared.

At present, the role of Medical Assistants in the health care sysytem is rapidly expanding. Besides their common administrative responsibilities, they also work closely with patients, doctors, nurses,and other medical employees. They see to it that everything is in order. Despite the fact that they try their best to perform their duties, challenges are inevitably seen. Here are some of them:

Difficult patients

In a regular shift, Medical Assistants can bump into various people with deviating personalities. Patients and visitors may come from different walks of life. Not everyday is perfect and for sure, the day will not end without one challenging patient who does not but find fault. The cases may vary greatly – from an old granny who keeps on coming back complaining about her bad day to a young parent who can’t be still because she can’t pay her bills. Even in those situations,the medical assistant must maintain their professionalism and show patience and gentleness to all.

Communication

Medical assistants must be good communicators. Since they commonly commune with the doctor(s), they need to convey the message clearly and precisely. Besides vocal communication, medical assistants are mainly in charge of other administrative responsibilities and they need to ensure that all their writings and notes are decipherable.

Patient Closeness

All medical staff must be professional at all times. Avoid personal and emotional affiliation as not to cloud the decision making. Then again, if dealing with lives, it may be difficult not to be affected when someone dies. Yes, people are emotional beings. However, it is the resposibility of the health staff to stay professional and composed.

The things mentioned above are some of the commom challenges faced by medical assistants and for sure by other health care providers as well. Being a health care provider is not an easy task. People expect too much from doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. People trust that their health is in good hands. Since people are going to hospitals and clinics daily to get medical assistance and to improve their lives, it is crucial to avoid errors by staying logical in such a stressful environment.

Medical assistants are in high demand because of the wide range of duties they can perform in a fast-paced environment. Physicians are in need of efficient assistants to help their practice run smoothly. Medical assistants who are dedicated and hardworking will often be considered for advancements to positions of better pay and higher authority.

So instead of just working towards the general diploma itself, I went one step further and earned my certification. Certification gives the individual a better chance of earning an above average salary and better pay and benefits.The AAMA website is a great place to find resources allowing you to take practice tests in order to test your skills in subjects like physiology,anatomy and medical terminology . You can also learn about the most up to date information about this profession.

All things considered, when obtaining a Medical Assitant Certification it is important to make sure you keep your knowledge and skills sharp. This is essential for you and your future prospects. Now here are 5 reasons I have found to become a Medical Assistant:

1. You will be helping healthcare facilities run more efficiently.
2. It is relatively easy to join this profession.
3. You get to work with people.
4. There are great employment opportunities for medical assistants.
5. Excellent adavancement opportunities

Medical Assitants are the heartbeat of the medical office or hospital. They assist in the administrative and clinical procedures of a healthcare facility. If you have the compassion and commitment for a medical career,you should consider becoming a Medical Assistant. So if you’re ready to take the first step toward a new career in Medical Assisting, find out more about medical assistant schools in your area and online. Another reason you should consider training to become a medical assistant is that most schools can give you the hands-on experience you’ll need to start your medical assisting career in less than a year.

Medical Assistant schools typically offer short-term training so that you can quickly gain the experience and education to start working. Instead of spending two or four years in college taking general education classes, Medical Assistant Schools typically focus on training you in the subjects you need to know on a daily basis.

I love all the great things Medical Assisting can teach you like EKG’S,VITALS,BLOOD PRESSURE,ETC…and not just those things you as the medical assistant are responsible for or can do. There is also front office duties that come into play as well so much variety and so much to information you can learn and that will benefit you as well as your patients.I am fortunate I get to wake up everyday and go to a job I LOVE!!!!

My patients are very important to me I like that I can be involved in their care process until the end of their vist.A typical day usually starts for me at 8:30 am and I work until 4:30 pm Monday thru Thursday with Fidays, Satuday, and Sundays off which is good for me since I have a Family. I work in the Suburbs and for a private Doctor’s office. My Boss has been a Doctor 20 plus years and is in the the field of Primary Care.

So as my day starts my office manager checks in the patient. This involves asking if anything has changed with their address,phone number, or job status.Then he checks their insurance for a copay and then proceeds to let me know they are ready to be brought to a room. That is when my job begins as I take the chart and go call the patient in at his/her scheduled time. When the patient is brought in, I take them to a room and proceed to do vitals.It is also when I get to learn the reason they are here for the visit.

Now comes my favorite part of the day the BLOOD DRAW. This was my favorite thing to learn when I was in Medical Assisting School and I found out I am very good at it. After the blood is taken the patient is free to go, while I proceed to the next patient in order to keep a scheduled routine in place, so that the doctor can remain on time. This process is repeated all day except with an hour lunch break then starting up again to close.

I just want to say that there is not a day that I don’t love my job, and although it can be trying at times I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am lucky to have found my calling as I hope you do too. Whether it is Medical Assisting or something else in the Healthcare field I hope you can find yours

However, before you decide on a career as a CNA, it is important to understand the job, and some of the duties you will be expected to perform. Learning about the career before you start taking classes is important, and can help you determine if being a CNA is really the path for you. If you want to learn more about being a nursing assistant, here are 25 informative Q&A web sites that can answer most of your questions:

1. National Network of Career Nursing Assistants: If you have questions about what a nursing assistant does, they can be answered on this web site. Find out about career options, as well as duties.
2. Nurse.com: Visit this web site for answers to all things nurse related. This includes information on CNAs. A great section on FAQs about different nursing careers. Find out more about the job duties performed by a nursing assistant.
3. 4CNAs: This online magazine takes a look at different aspects of being a nursing assistant. Get information on job duties, and have your questions about a career as a nursing assistant answered by professionals.
4. Job Duties of a Hospital CNA: eHow offers this great article detailing the job duties of a nursing assistant working in a hospital. Great insight into what you might do as a CNA.
5. Certified Nursing Assistant Job Description: A quick overview of nursing assistants do in a handy Q&A format. Find out more about the specific job duties you will perform. Also includes some information on different responsibilities you will have in different health care settings. A great CNA job overview.
6. CNA Career: Have your questions about duties, training and salary answered by this web site. A great resource for learning more about being a nursing assistant.
7. Nurse Together: This web site offers answers to FAQs about a number of nursing subjects and careers, and includes a section devoted nursing assistants.
8. Certified Nursing Assistant: A great web site with a number of resources related to being a nursing assistant. Answers to questions about job duties and responsibilities are present, as well as information about how to get ready to become a CNA, and find a job as a CNA.
9. Health Career Web: This web site features answers to questions about a wide variety of health careers, including nursing assistant jobs. Look through different possibilities, and learn the duties of a CNA.
10. Nursing Assistant Resources on the Web: A great Q&A web site that addresses different aspects of being a nursing assistant. You can learn more about expected job duties, as well as find out more about the qualities CNAs are expected to possess. Get help in learning more about caring for patients in different settings as well.
11. The Responsibilities of a Nursing Assistant: Find out more about the job responsibilities of nursing assistants. This in-depth look at CNAs offer you answers about tasks you will accomplish, as well as possible work settings associated with being a nursing assistant.
12. Nursing Assistant Job Responsibilities: Get a look at the basic responsibilities of being a nursing assistant. Find out more about becoming a CNA, and the tasks that you will be in charge of if you decide that nursing assisting is for you.
13. CNA Certification and Training: Use this web site as a resource to learn about nursing assistant jobs and duties. Includes information on exams, and also has links to useful videos.
14. Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This web site can answer your questions about different CNA duties in different settings, such as nursing homes and hospitals. A great way to learn about specialized situations that CNAs might be involved in.
15. Certified Nursing Assistant Career: Includes answers to questions about exams, duties of CNAs and more. Find out more about becoming a CNA, as well as the types of things you will do once you are properly certified.

To help keep you ahead of the latest trends and job opportunities, we have assembled 40 useful job sites for nursing assistants below. They can tell you about the latest job openings, give you useful tips and timely news, and even tell you more about nursing options overseas.

Useful Nurse Job Sites for Nursing Assistants

1. Nurse Zone
   Get the nursing career you want with the help of this site. It has loads of articles and job openings to satisfy anyone. They even have interviewing tips, resume help, and more just for nurses.
2. Nurse Connect
   The Jobs Center here has the latest nursing jobs. You can also sort by specialty such as neonatal, oncology, and many others. There is also an active nursing community with tons of questions and answers.
3. Nurse RX
   It is no secret that nurses are in demand. No matter where your location, this site can help you find a job. Simply call their 800 number or check out the site with more.
4. Nursing Jobs
   Do a quick search for CNA on this site. In addition to many job postings, they also have the latest news on nursing careers. You can also sign up for job alerts, or post your resume.
5. Nurse.com
   Another massive nurse site, they also have a special section for jobs. Clicking on it gives you many specialties to choose from in everything from aesthetic to wound care. You can also get many other career tools and resources here.
6. Nurse Finders
   They are an AMN Healthcare Company that specializes in placing nurses. Use it to find loads of nursing jobs, including just those in nursing assistance. You can even learn more about their Loyalty Rewards program.
7. Best Nurse Jobs
   Here, you can view nursing job listings and apply directly to hospitals, medical centers, private practices, and more. You can also browse through the many jobs they offer. You can even check out their featured employers, or sign up for an account.
8. NSNA
   The National Student Nurses Association does more than just help students through nursing school. With a Career Center, they also feature jobs just for nursing graduates. Simply click on your state to begin, or take advantage of one of their many other resources.
9. Nurse Jobs US
   Main categories here include travel nursing, per diem nursing, and permanent placement. You can apply online after inputting your preferences. The nursing recruiters can also contact you.
10. Nursing Assistant Jobs
    This job search is part of Top USA Jobs. With a special category for nursing assistants, you can get the openings, where they are listed, and a description of the job. They also have boards for other nursing positions.

Useful Health Job Sites for Nursing Assistants

11. Health Career Web
    Not all healthcare job sites are built equally and they understand this. The main page allows you to search for jobs in nursing, allied health, physician, and even administration with a simple click. They also have loads of articles and blogs on the industry to tell you more.
12. Health eCareers
    You can choose from a number of healthcare careers with a simple visit, including nursing. There are also physician assistant, allied health, counseling, and many others. They even have specialty choices such as pharmacy and therapy.
13. Healthcare Source
    Get over 1,500 leading employers across the country on one site here. They have tools such as Position Manager and TestSource with even more. There are also webinars available.
14. Hospital Jobs Online
    If looking to work as a nursing assistant in a hospital, stop here. Simply select your state, category, and job type to begin. They also have directories of hospitals.
15. Medzilla
    If looking for a nursing position in healthcare, this site has you covered. However, it also includes positions in science, pharmaceutical, and even the biotechnology industry. They also have guides for headhunters and associations.
16. All Healthcare Jobs
    The search engine allows you to type in your keyword and location to begin looking. Scroll down to get career news and advice. You can also browse by job title, including many nursing options.
17. Healthcare Jobsite
    This job site is sponsored by Beyond.com. There are over 80,000 healthcare jobs with over 30,000 posted in the last seven days. You can even check out their featured healthcare company by scrolling down.
18. About Health Careers
    There may not be any job postings on this site, but it is still worth a look. Andrea Santiago is the expert guide to health careers from the basics to the best places to work. There are also videos profiling different options.
19. Healthcare Jobs
    Get an A to Z listing of healthcare jobs on the homepage here. You can also use the search option to narrow it down. They also have sections on education and a book catalog.
20. Absolutely Health Care
    Browse over 275,000 jobs across the U.S. You can even get licensing information and salary data. There are also deals for those posting jobs here.

Useful General Job Sites for Nursing Assistants

21. Monster
    One of the reasons this site is so popular remains the number of job postings. Several jobs a day in just nursing assisting can be found. It is also one of the most popular resume posting sites on the web.
22. Indeed
    This is one of the leading job sites because they often provide detailed information on jobs. This can include salaries for the job, as well as for related. You can also choose nursing assistant jobs based on full time, part time, contract, and more.
23. Simply Hired
    Like the above, nursing assistant jobs can be sorted by a variety of means. Top employers here include Kaiser Permanente and HCR Manorcare. You can also narrow by job type and education.
24. Nurse Assistant Salary
    Salary.com is one of the leading sites for salary information. Not only can you get the low and high ends on one graph, but they also have job openings on the right hand column. You can also check out tips on education and career.
25. Career Builder
    There are many nursing jobs to choose from here, including nursing assistant. You can narrow the search by category, company, and city. There are also useful advice and resources on the site.
26. Employment Guide
    Their tagline is “let us be your guide.” They do just that by listing loads of jobs for certified nursing assistants here. They also have more on job fairs.
27. The Ladders
    They have an unusual approach to job hunting, which revolves around quality, not quantity. With more personal options, there can be loads of help from the over 12,000 that visit on a regular basis to jumpstart a career. There are also paid options with even more to help you find a job.
28. LinkedIn
    Not necessarily a job search site, LinkedIn can make the most of a professional social network. Posting your profile here can let employers both on the site and off review your credentials. You can also stay informed on your contacts and industry with their help.
29. Craigslist
    If having trouble finding a job the traditional internet way, try the unusual. Craigslist is notorious for having tons of listings in all areas from jobs to questionable personal ads. However, the savvy job searcher with good timing can find something worthwhile.
30. Snag a Job
    Scroll down to view CNA jobs or type your zip code in to find local jobs. They even have an Answer section where the community asks and answers questions regarding the job hunt.

Other Useful Job Sites for Nursing Assistants

31. Travel Nursing
    Want to be a nursing assistant and travel at the same time? Then check out this leading job site for travel nurses. You can search jobs by discipline, specialty, state, and even city.
32. Travel Nurses Now
    Similar to the above, this is a job site for travel nurses. Register to get more information on loads of travel nursing opportunities. They can also help with permanent positions.
33. Advantage RN
    If you haven’t found what you are looking for above, then stop here for the job site of another travel nurse placement company. A standout feature is both the profiles of nurses and recruiters.
34. USA Jobs
    Want to be a nursing assistant for the government? Then check out the database at USA Jobs. You can narrow the search by health and medical, and of course, nursing. They even have many positions available for students.
35. How to Become a CNA
    The blog is all about becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. They have useful articles from the basics to how to get certified. There is even job help, such as writing your resume.
36. Discover Nursing
    This site is a great place to get the answers to many basic nursing questions. This particular section has more information on job opportunities. You can also read the profiles of real nurses here.
37. RN Jobs Finder
    If you have an RN license, click here. It contains a steady stream of jobs for registered nurses. You can also narrow for CNA certification.
38. Health Career
    If looking for a job in Australia, click here. It lists many openings across the nation in health care. There is also an FAQ that is worth reading.
39. NHS
    The National Health Service staffs nurses all around the UK. In this special section, they have more on what they are looking for in nursing assistants. You can also check out the job vacancies.
40. Canadian Nurse
    Those interested in becoming a nursing assistant in Canada can visit here. They have a CNA certification that is similar to the one in the U.S. Visit here for more along with job openings.