Deborah Womack Instructor T he Medical Office Assistant program prepares students to work as clerical, clinical, and technical assistants in doctors' offices, hospitals, or other medical settings. The program is a full 12-month program. Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative functions to keep health care delivery settings running smoothly.
Medical assistants perform many clerical duties.
They answer telephones, greet patients, update and file medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping. Clinical duties vary according to state law and include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, explaining treatment procedures, preparing patients for examinations, assisting during the examination, performing basic laboratory tests, and instructing patients about medications and special diets.