As the medical profession continues to grow as a result of the population living longer and advancements in procedures, treatments, and medications, more patients will require medical services. Therefore, an increasing number of MA’s will be needed to handle the many responsibilities for which they are uniquely trained.

Medical assisting is one of the ten fastest growing occupations through 2008. Medical Assistant duties will vary according to the specialty of the physician. The administrative duties can range from answering telephones, greeting patients, updating patient’s medical records, scheduling appointments, and making arrangements for hospital admissions and laboratory services. The clinical duties can include taking medical histories, and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants can collect and prepare lab specimens or perform basic lab tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medical and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed; telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays; take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. In a specialized office, there may be additional duties.