Medical Assistant Apprenticeship

The Medical Assistant Apprentice can specialize in either the Administrative or Clinical aspect of the job or be multi-functional. Competence requires communication skills, recognition and response to emergencies, adherence to ethical and legal standards, and demonstrable professional characteristics.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
• Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
• Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, and information such as test results in medical records.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
• Collect blood, tissue or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
• Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets and physicians' instructions to patients.
• Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments and materials or performing such tasks as giving injections and removing sutures.
• Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
• Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat, clean, and stocked.
• Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
• Schedule appointments for patients.
• Change dressings on wounds.
• Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
• Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests and/or admission.
• Perform general office duties such as answering telephones, taking dictation and completing insurance forms.
• Inventory and order medical, lab, and office supplies and equipment.
• Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
• Set up medical laboratory equipment.
• Keep financial records and perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit and collections and mailing monthly statements to patients.
• Use Electrocardiogram (EKG), and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• No previous experience required.
• Ability to communicate in a courteous and tactful manner with patients, families, physicians and others.
• Knowledge of medical terminology is an asset.
• Follow oral and written instructions.