Medical Assistant Competencies
In order to become a medical assistant, you must exhibit knowledge of and competency in performing the following duties (for further details about each duty, click on the link):
Preparing patients for physician examination
Assisting during patient examinations
Instructing patients regarding their medication and diet
Collecting laboratory samples, including drawing blood samples and collecting urine samples
Performing basic laboratory testing procedures, such as TB tests
Preparing and authorizing prescriptions and prescription refills as directed by the physician
Removing sutures/changing dressings
Performing electrocardiography
Competently using computer applications
Answering telephones in a polite and professional manner
Checking patients in/scheduling appointments
Filing and updating patient medical records
Filling out paperwork for insurance, handling billing and bookkeeping, and arranging for patient admissions with a hospital