Bryan University’s School of Allied Health prepares you for a vibrant career in the healthcare field. We offer a diploma and associate of applied science for medical assistants, one of the most important jobs in the entire healthcare industry. Today’s blog from Bryan University explains the importance of medical assistants in allied health.
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History
The medical assistant profession goes back to ancient times. Ancient doctors were often surrounded by students who helped the doctor examine patients while performing auxiliary tasks for the doctor. It wasn’t until the 1950s that medical assistants gained professional prominence when the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) was founded in 1956.
Original Duties
Original duties of medical assistants involved following physicians around a hospital or office and performing tasks on request. They also did support work for the hospital as part of allied health professions. Now, the roles of medical assistants are much more refined and central to the healthcare system.
Now, Medical Assistants Are a Transition Point
Medical assistants now serve as a transition point between the outside world and the world of medical science. These staffers are the first people who patients see when they come in the door. A warm, reassuring smile can make a patient and their family feel better when they approach the desk. Medical assistants offer a soothing voice, helpful information, and a calming presence for someone who may be worried about their health.
The Right Hand of Clinicians
Nurses and physicians are the main clinicians in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. Medical assistants represent the right hand of these licensed staffers. They take accurate measurements of vital signs, ask pertinent questions to patients to try to establish what’s going on, and arrange where patients go next. Administratively, medical assistants answer telephones, set appointments, handle admittance for hospitals, and update medical records.
Duties don’t stop there. Medical assistants learn how a healthcare provider runs by working in the frontlines of the allied health industry. They keep everyone moving in the right direction during a shift. MAs need to know a little bit about everything when it comes to the healthcare field. They’re also highly detailed people who keep track of many patients and paperwork throughout a shift.
Without medical assistants, nurses and doctors are lost. Offices, hospitals, and clinics would be disorganized. Patients wouldn’t be greeted by friendly staffers whose purpose is to pay attention to patients once they arrive. These staffers are a vital resource for patients and clinicians alike.
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Medical Assistant Program at Bryan University
Bryan University’s medical assistant program in the School of Allied Health prepares you for taking the certification exam through American Medical Technologists. Call Bryan University toll-free at 1-855-862-0755 or enroll now to explore how you can elevate your career with our medical assistant program track.