Clinical Medical Assistant

Clinical Medical Assistant

Issued by Ball State University

Clinical Medical Assistants are trained to assist physicians by performing functions related to clinical aspects of a medical office: assisting with administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, other related tasks. Each state determines what a medical assistant is allowed to do; tasks may vary from state to state. In all states, medical assistants must work under the supervision of a licensed physician

Skills

Earning Criteria

  • Discuss how to assist the physician with patient related care.
  • Prepare patients for examination and treatment, routine procedures and diagnostic testing
  • Explain HIPAA, patient confidentiality and legal aspects of healthcare and regulatory patient care issues
  • Record and take vital signs, blood pressure, and other patient care items related to the physician office visit
  • Explain basic principles of administration of medications, allergies and other pharmacology related items
  • Explain the steps in selected laboratory procedures, phlebotomy and the proper techniques required to collect specimens for analysis
  • Perform a proper 12-lead EKG test
  • Badge earners have the opportunity to challenge the leading national/industry-recognized certification exams essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.