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Chapter 1. The Medical Assisting Profession. Historical Perspective. The nurse’s role is limited compared to that of the medical assistant Formal training versus on-the-job training In 1978, the medical assisting profession was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Chapter 1 The Medical Assisting Profession
Historical Perspective • The nurse’s role is limited compared to that of the medical assistant • Formal training versus on-the-job training • In 1978, the medical assisting profession was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
Career Opportunities • Versatile profession • Employment is available in a variety of settings The MA is a valuable part of the health care team >>
Career Opportunities • Employment outlook is promising • Fastest growing allied health profession through 2012 for many reasons
Education of the MA • Community colleges, junior colleges, and proprietary schools • Requirements are based on entry-level MA responsibilities in the medical office • Accredited programs have administrative and clinical courses and a practicum • Bachelor’s degree programs available
Attributes of a Professional • As you watch the video clip, write down all the characteristics that Dee is lacking. • After you watch the video clip, do you see any similarities between Dee and yourself?
Attributes of a Professional Click Here to play the video
Attributes of a Professional • Empathy • Attitude • Dependability • Initiative • Flexibility A friendly attitude helps the patient feel at ease >>
Attributes of a Professional • Desire to learn • Physical attributes • Ability to communicate • Ethical behavior Measuring blood pressure requires the MA to see and hear well >>
AAMA • American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) • Founded in 1956 • First president was Maxine Williams • Purposes: certification and continuing education • CMA (AAMA) credential
AMT • American Medical Technologists (AMT) • Founded in 1939 • Purposes: credentialing and continuing education • Certifies a variety of health care fields • Established the RMA exam in 1972 • CMAS exam is also available
NHA • National Healthcareer Association • Purposes: credentialing and continuing education • Certifies a variety of health care fields • Two ways to obtain certification
Regulation of Health Care Providers • Credentialing regulates health care providers, which ensures: • Competence of health care providers • A minimum standard of knowledge, training, and skill • The limiting of the performance of certain procedures to a specific occupation
Types of Regulations • Licensure • Mandatory, legislated by each state • Certification • Voluntary, through a nongovernmental agency or professional association • Registration • Voluntary, through a professional association
Scope of Practice • Medical assistants are not licensed • Medicine and nursing are licensed professions • Medical assistants are allowed to perform clinical procedures under physician’s or other licensed health care practitioner’s supervision • In some states, authorization is required for some procedures • AAMA lists which procedures medical assistants can perform