Medical Assistants

Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.

Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.

Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.

Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.

Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.

Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.

Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.

Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.

Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.

Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.

Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.

Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.

Schedule appointments for patients.

Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.

Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.

Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.

Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.

Set up medical laboratory equipment.

Change dressings on wounds.

Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.