MEDICAL ASSISTANT


Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep medical offices running smoothly. Medical assistants may answer telephones, update and file patient records, fill out insurance forms, schedule appointments, handle correspondence, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services and handle billing and bookkeeping. Clinical duties vary according to state law, but may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs and providing preoperative and postoperative instructions.

Education

Programs usually last one year, resulting in a certificate or diploma or two years, resulting in an associate degree.

Registration/Certification/Licensure

Certification is voluntary and is awarded by national organizations. The American Association of Medical Assistants awards the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) designation is given by the American Medical Technologists.

Salary

$10,400-41,600

Employment Opportunities

Most medical assistants work in physician offices. Others work in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities.

Programs

Central Kentucky Technical College (859) 246-2400
Eastern Kentucky University (859) 622-1028
Fugazzi College (859) 266-0401
Draughons Junior College (270) 843-6750
Henderson Community College (800) 696-9958
Jefferson Technical College (502) 595-2387
National Business College, Danville Campus (859) 236-6991
National Business College, Florence Campus (859) 525-6510
National Business College, Lexington Campus (859) 253-0621 
National Business College, Louisville Campus (502) 447-7634
National Business College, Pikeville Campus (606) 437-5477
National Business College, Richmond Campus (606) 623-8956
Laurel Technical College (606) 864-7311
Spencerian College (800) 264-1799
Sullivan College (859) 276-4357
West Kentucky Technical College (270) 554-4991

Professional Association

American Association of Medical Assistants
20 N. Wacker Drive Suite 1575
Chicago, IL 60606-2903
(800) 228-2262
 

Last updated:  May 30, 2001