Medical Assistant Course: Gain the Skills Employers Need

Being a medical assistant is challenging and rewarding at the same time. Medical assistants, also known as ‘clinical assistants’, work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or care facilities in medical offices and clinics.

What does a Medical Assistant do?

Before we get on to the medical assistant skills employers need, let’s have a look at the duties and responsibilities of a typical day. You will be performing both administrative and clinical duties, as guided by the physician or registered nurse. Some of the outlined tasks medical assistants are expected to perform are:

• Scheduling appointments.
• Interviewing patients and preparing a medical history.
• Maintain medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance.
• Preparing patients for examination.
• Helping physicians with patient examinations.
• Drawing blood and preparing samples for lab tests.
• Recording vital signs, such as blood pressure.
• Injections and medications as per the direction of physicians.

What are the 3 Skill Sets that a Medical Assistant Must Have?

One most important skills that every office administrator should have is soft skills. These skills attract employers to offer you a desired job. Not only this, you have to multitask with back and front office duties. Thus, requiring a versatile skill set that includes detail-oriented and friendliness.

Here are some of the most demanded skills are:

Clinical Skills:

• Good working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and necessary procedures.
• Patient/Family education. Medical assistants are required to have basic patient care know-how.
• Knowledge of First aid and CPR is an asset.
• ECG/EKG and Phlebotomy certification are preferred.
• Giving injections and sample preparation.
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation and practicing protocols is essential.
• Understanding of prescription refills as directed.

Administrative Skills:

• Answering phones and Scheduling appointments.
• Basic computer skills and well-versed with billing software – OHIP.
• Filling, updating, and maintaining patient medical records.
• Arrangements for hospital admissions and labs.
• Handling correspondences.
• Bookkeeping (in small settings).

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Empathetic – They attend to patients of all kinds, and it is vital to understand the medical situation.
• Excellent customer service skills, quality of care and service.

Medical office assistants work in a fast-paced environment. So, if you are someone who enjoys multitasking and interacting with people, it can be a great field for you. You might possess some of the skills mentioned earlier and qualities, but formal education will equip you with the required clinical knowledge and training. You can earn a diploma in less than 7 months.

According to the reports, with an increase in demand for healthcare, it is estimated that 17200 medical office administrator jobs will open across Canada. Thus, employers are looking for motivated, caring individuals to work in high-quality healthcare services.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re passionate about healthcare and eager to launch a fulfilling career, a medical assistant program is the perfect springboard. Research accredited programs in your area and explore their curriculum and course offerings. Many programs are designed to be completed in a flexible timeframe, allowing you to balance your studies with your current commitments.

Enroll for a Leading Medical Assistant Program in Canada

At BizTech College, we offer a medical assistants program, along with popular certification programs to advance your career. Our courses include clinical placements and practical learning to make sure you are prepared and succeed in your chosen career.

To learn more about our course offerings, visit our website.