Chapter 1 Notes: The Medical Assisting
Profession
Discuss the history of medical assisting - correct answer ✔1) Historically,
medicine has included the role of the handmaiden. This person served to
assist the provider in his daily tasks caring for an ill population. This role was
essential, but undefined. The first recognition of this important aspect of
healthcare was nursing. As time progressed, another vital role emerged—that
of the medical assistant.
2) The last 100 years have brought an acceleration of medical technology that
has impacted both the diagnosis and treatment of many disease processes as
well as the maintenance of wellness. With advancing technology, the provider
has increased the demands on the staff of the practice.
3) As the availability of testing and treatment has moved from a more acute-
care setting to the provider's clinic, there has been an expanding role for the
medical assistant in the delivery of care
Recall two criteria for the selection of practicum sites - correct answer ✔1)
The practicum sites should provide the medical assisting student with
adequate administrative, clinical, and general experiences.
2) The staff at the various practicum sites must be willing to make a
commitment to the medical assistant's education by spending appropriate time
observing and instructing the student.
Identify three benefits of the practicum to the student - correct answer ✔1)
Students are able to apply classroom knowledge and skill in a real-world
medical setting
, 2) Students can use the practicum experience to build a resume and begin to
establish a network of support through colleagues
3) The practicum can help students become oriented to the practice
What are the career opportunities available for medical assistants? - correct
answer ✔1) Medical assistants can work in clinics, medical laboratories,
insurance companies, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies,
educational institutions, surgical centers, urgent care facilities, and
electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) departments in hospitals.
2) Medical assistants can also work as phlebotomists, coding specialists,
medical laboratory assistants, and medical administrative specialists
Identify and discuss five attributes that are essential to a professional medical
assistant's career - correct answer ✔1) Communication: Do i apply active
listening skills? Do I demonstrate appropriate nonverbal communication? Do I
speak at each patient's level of understanding?
2) Presentation: Am I dressed and groomed appropriately? Am I courteous,
patient, and respectful to patients? Do I display a calm, professional, and
caring manner?
3) Competency: Do I pay attention to detail? Do I ask questions if I am out of
my comfort zone or do not have the experience to carry out tasks? Am I
knowledgeable and accountable?
4) Initiative: Do I show initiative? Have I developed a strategic plan to achieve
my goals? Is my plan realistic? Do I seek out opportunities to expand my
knowledge base?
Profession
Discuss the history of medical assisting - correct answer ✔1) Historically,
medicine has included the role of the handmaiden. This person served to
assist the provider in his daily tasks caring for an ill population. This role was
essential, but undefined. The first recognition of this important aspect of
healthcare was nursing. As time progressed, another vital role emerged—that
of the medical assistant.
2) The last 100 years have brought an acceleration of medical technology that
has impacted both the diagnosis and treatment of many disease processes as
well as the maintenance of wellness. With advancing technology, the provider
has increased the demands on the staff of the practice.
3) As the availability of testing and treatment has moved from a more acute-
care setting to the provider's clinic, there has been an expanding role for the
medical assistant in the delivery of care
Recall two criteria for the selection of practicum sites - correct answer ✔1)
The practicum sites should provide the medical assisting student with
adequate administrative, clinical, and general experiences.
2) The staff at the various practicum sites must be willing to make a
commitment to the medical assistant's education by spending appropriate time
observing and instructing the student.
Identify three benefits of the practicum to the student - correct answer ✔1)
Students are able to apply classroom knowledge and skill in a real-world
medical setting
, 2) Students can use the practicum experience to build a resume and begin to
establish a network of support through colleagues
3) The practicum can help students become oriented to the practice
What are the career opportunities available for medical assistants? - correct
answer ✔1) Medical assistants can work in clinics, medical laboratories,
insurance companies, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies,
educational institutions, surgical centers, urgent care facilities, and
electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) departments in hospitals.
2) Medical assistants can also work as phlebotomists, coding specialists,
medical laboratory assistants, and medical administrative specialists
Identify and discuss five attributes that are essential to a professional medical
assistant's career - correct answer ✔1) Communication: Do i apply active
listening skills? Do I demonstrate appropriate nonverbal communication? Do I
speak at each patient's level of understanding?
2) Presentation: Am I dressed and groomed appropriately? Am I courteous,
patient, and respectful to patients? Do I display a calm, professional, and
caring manner?
3) Competency: Do I pay attention to detail? Do I ask questions if I am out of
my comfort zone or do not have the experience to carry out tasks? Am I
knowledgeable and accountable?
4) Initiative: Do I show initiative? Have I developed a strategic plan to achieve
my goals? Is my plan realistic? Do I seek out opportunities to expand my
knowledge base?
