1. Assist physicians with patient care:
This involves tasks such as assisting the physician with basic exams and procedures, preparing patients for tests or surgery, and helping to maintain a sterile environment in the operating room.
2. Take patients' vital signs:
This includes taking a patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
3. Draw blood:
A medical assistant may be responsible for drawing blood for laboratory tests or for donations.
4. Administer injections and medications:
A medical assistant may be responsible for giving patients injections or medications, either orally or intravenously.
5. Prepare patients for exams:
This includes tasks such as helping a patient to change into a gown, remove jewelry or contacts, or take off prosthetic devices.
6. Assist in surgery:
A medical assistant may be responsible for passing instruments to the surgeon, suctioning blood and other fluids from the operative site, or caring for the patient's incision after surgery is completed.
7. Collect lab specimens:
A medical assistant may be responsible for obtaining urine or blood specimens from patients for laboratory analysis.
8. Perform EKGs:
An EKG measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help to diagnose heart problems.
9. Educate patients on health and wellness:
A medical assistant may provide basic health education to patients, such as instructions on how to take their medication properly or how to avoid becoming ill during the winter months.
10. Schedule appointments:
A medical assistant may be responsible for scheduling appointments with physicians and other healthcare professionals, as well as coordinating with insurance companies and other offices to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed correctly.