Medical Assisting Program Of Study
Medical assisting programs of study prepare students to work safely in the healthcare field under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.
Program components may include administrative practices and procedures laboratory and diagnostic procedures principles of pharmacology standards, laws and regulations infection control medical terminology and patient communication and first aid/CPR. The didactic learning combined with supervised clinical experience comprises a program of study.
Programs should consider technical assessment and certification opportunities available through Certified Medical Assistant by the American Association of Medical Assistants and/or the National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant .
For resources and certification options pertaining to Phlebotomy please visit PhlebotomyTraining.org.
Health sciences education prepares secondary and adult students for employment in the health care industry and for postsecondary education. The three integral components of all health sciences programs of study are a health science education core curriculum, content specific curriculum, and supervised clinical experience.
Can Medical Assistants Draw Blood
Posted on June 14, 2022
Medical assistants are an indispensable part of healthcare, serving patients on the front lines.
Working in outpatient care, clinics, and doctors offices, medical assistants perform clinical and administrative duties.
In healthcare facilities, medical assistants may take vital signs, collect patient information, and in medical offices, may collect blood samples.
Medical assistants and other healthcare workers that draw blood by venipuncture are required to be licensed for phlebotomy if working in a diagnostic lab.
Begin Your Clinical Medical Assistant Education
Phlebotomy is just one of the many clinical skills that Medical Assistants develop at IBMC College. Curious to learn what the program is all about? Contact a helpful Admissions Representative and they can walk you through the basics of financial aid, admission requirements and moreall with no pressure.
Speak with an Admissions Representative today.
Read Also: The Blood Of Jesus Songs
What Is The Difference Between A Cma And A Cna
A certified medical assistant, or CMA, often works alongside medical doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in healthcare settings like clinics and medical offices. Duties can include rooming patients, taking vital signs, drawing blood and performing lab tests, administering injections, and assisting with medical procedures.
A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, typically works assisting nurses in settings like hospitals and nursing homes, providing hands-on care with bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting.
A CMA must obtain a diploma or associate degree from an accredited program and then pass a certification exam, a process that can take around one to two years depending on the credential earned.
A CNA must obtain a special certificate or diploma, which can take from 4 to 12 weeks, and then pass a certification exam.
Who Can Perform Venipuncture
In healthcare, this procedure is performed by medical laboratory scientists, medical practitioners, some EMTs, paramedics, phlebotomists, dialysis technicians, and other nursing staff. In veterinary medicine, the procedure is performed by veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Read Also: Blood Transfusion For Low Iron
Can A Physician Delegate Duties To An Unlicensed Medical Assistant
Engaging in unlicensed practice includes delegation by a physician of professional responsibilities to a person who is not authorized to provide such services. A physician may delegate the performance of certain medical tasks to an unlicensed person with appropriate supervision as provided herein. Medical Assistants
Can a medical assistant independently perform telephone triage?
No. Medical assistants are not allowed to independently perform telephone triage as they are not legally authorized to interpret data or diagnose symptoms. Can medical assistants call in refills to a pharmacy?
Clinical Medical Assistant Duties
Many facilities arrange things so that the bulk of their medical assistants day is filled with clinical work. Clinical medical assistants work as a type of nursing assistant. Daily clinical medical assistant duties may include:
- Establishing initial contact with the patient
- Taking their vital signs
- Performing basic medical tasks such as removing stitches or changing wound dressings
- Prepping patients for x-rays
- Setting up the rooms for the next patient
- Running basic lab tests
- Running EKGs if needed
- Giving injections
Medical assistants who go through a structured medical assistant certification training program are skilled at each of these tasks and are comfortable working with the different types of medical equipment.
The training makes a huge difference when graduates start applying for jobs. The medical assistant certification training not only increases their ability to be hired but also allows them to request a higher salary.
Recommended Reading: Does Cancer Show In Blood Tests
Can A Medical Assistant Start An Iv In Texas
Medical assistants are not allowed to administer medications or injections into the IV line.
Can medical assistant pass meds?
Medical assistants are allowed to give out medications if they have been authorized by the supervising physician.
What is the next level after medical assistant?
Medical assistants can advance to RN by earning an associate or bachelors degree in nursing, then passing the NCLEX-RN. Often, medical assistants can earn credit for previous coursework and professional healthcare experience, accelerating their transition to a new career.
Can a medical assistant draw a blood sample?
Yes, medical assistants are trained and allowed to draw blood. The procedure of finger sticks is the pricking of the finger in order to collect a sample of blood. This procedure is within the scope of practice of a medical assistant. 8.
Why Is Blood Drawn
Analyzing blood helps doctors to diagnose and illness, among other things, so learning phlebotomy is a very important skill for a medical assistant to have.
Diagnose Illness
Blood tests measure the components in blood. Levels that are too high or low based on a normal range are indicative of medical conditions, including:
- Nutritional deficiencies
Adjust Medications
Some medications have a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that too little doesnt help and too much can be toxic. Testing helps monitor levels of therapeutic drugs, such as blood thinners, antibiotics and seizure medications.
Estimate Risk Factors
Levels of normal components in blood, from the number of cells to the by-products of metabolism, are important indicators of health. Without being abnormal, high or low levels of certain substances may increase or decrease a patients risk of future disease, allowing for early treatment. A rising blood glucose, for example, may warrant dietary advice and more frequent screening for diabetes.
Also Check: Does Benadryl Increase Blood Pressure
The Roles Of A Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They are responsible for performing a variety of duties in clinics and hospitals, including taking patients histories, scheduling appointments, drawing blood, and giving injections. This wide range of responsibilities means that medical assistants must be able to effectively communicate with patients and other members of the healthcare team.
One of the most important duties of a medical assistant is drawing blood. This is typically done using a syringe, but medical assistants may also use other methods, such as vacutainers or butterfly needles. In some cases, medical assistants may also be responsible for starting intravenous lines.
Drawing blood can be a delicate procedure, so it is important that medical assistants have excellent technique. They must also be able to explain the procedure to patients in a way that puts them at ease.
What Is A Medical Assistant
If youve ever gone to a clinic or a physicians office, youve likely been helped by a medical assistant. As a multi-skilled healthcare professional, a medical assistant typically works in outpatient settings like clinics and medical offices and is trained to perform a wide range of duties like these:
- Greeting patients and bringing them to the examination room
- Measuring vital signs
- Assisting clinicians with examinations, procedures, and minor surgery
- Administering injections of medications and vaccines
- Sterilizing and disinfecting medical instruments and equipment
- Performing limited laboratory testing
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
In addition, a medical assistant may perform various administrative tasks:
- Office management
Note that a medical assistants specific roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the specific healthcare environment they work in.
You May Like: High Blood Sugar Blurry Vision
Get Phlebotomy And Medical Assistant Training At Campus
If you are a student in the Sacramento area, Campus has a Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy program that prepares students for a career as a medical assistant, while also earning their CPT-1 certification.
If you are already a medical professional, we also offer a standalone Phlebotomy certification program. Our flagship Medical Assistant program can prepare students for a career in medical assisting in about 42 weeks.
If you would like more information, contact our Admissions department, or call 339-1500. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Can Medical Assistants Give Injections
Yes, medical assistants can give injections to patients. According to Florida law, to administer vaccines, a medical assistant must have completed training through an accredited program, including at least 24 hours in a classroom and 8 hours in a clinic. In addition, medical assistants must be appropriately trained and given authority from a physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse to give a patient an injection.
Some states may have different rules about whether or not a medical assistant can give a patient a vaccine. For example, in New York, medical assistants cannot give any injections, while in Washington, a medical assistant can give a vaccine but no other injections. The American Association of Medical Assistants has a list of up-to-date scope of practice laws for each state. In most states, medical assistants are qualified to give injections as well as draw blood for testing, record patient vitals, and assist with strep tests, electrocardiograms , and urinalysis.
Medical assistants are not able to help with all types of injections. For instance, medical assistants are not qualified to inject Botox or collagen. This task is reserved for a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. Medical assistants may also draw blood but are not trained to set up an IV or collect blood donations. This is reserved for a nurse or phlebotomist.
Recommended Reading: How Much Can Stress Raise Blood Pressure
What Medical Equipment Does A Medical Assistant Use To Draw Blood
Medical assistants use the same equipment and supplies as doctors, nurses, and certified phlebotomists. Tools of the trade include:
Personal Protective Equipment
Anyone drawing blood must protect themselves from bloodborne pathogens with personal protective equipment. As part of universal precautions, a set of safety standards that all healthcare professionals follow, PPE limits exposure to potentially dangerous illnesses.
To draw blood, gloves are the minimum requirement. Other examples of PPE that phlebotomists use include sharps containers, puncture-proof biohazard boxes that prevent needle stick injuries, and face shields is a concern.
Alcohol Pads
Drawing blood is not an entirely sterile procedure, but cleanliness counts. Its important to reduce bacteria counts on the skins surface to lower the chance of infection. In most cases, a vigorous scrub with an Isopropyl alcohol pad does the trick. It cuts through dirt and oils to eliminate germs in cracks and crevices.
For certain tests, or if the patient is allergic to alcohol, alternative disinfectants, such as chlorhexidine or betadine, may be used.
Needles
Needles come in dozens of sizes for patients from infants to seniors. Youll choose which to use based on their age, weight, and health. One-inch, 20-gauge needles are appropriate for most adults but too large for kids and the ill or elderly. Blood flows faster through large-bore needles, but they can exert too much pressure on weak veins, causing them to collapse.
The Future Of Medical Assisting
The role of the medical assistant is evolving. As the healthcare industry changes, so does the scope of practice for medical assistants. With the introduction of new technology and treatment modalities, medical assistants are increasingly taking on more responsibilities.
One area that medical assistants are increasingly being trained in is phlebotomy, or the drawing of blood. While this has traditionally been a task performed by nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals, medical assistants are often able to perform this task with proper training.
There are many reasons why certified medical assistants may be asked to perform phlebotomy. One reason is that it is a less invasive procedure than some other types of blood tests, and so it can be less stressful for patients. Additionally, certified medical assistants can often obtain blood samples more quickly than other healthcare professionals, which can be helpful in emergency situations.
Phlebotomy training for certified medical assistants typically includes both didactic and clinical components. The didactic component covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, as well as proper technique for drawing blood. The clinical component allows students to practice their skills on live patients under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Recommended Reading: When Should You Go To Hospital For High Blood Pressure
Do Medical Assistants Use Needles
What type of equipment is used to perform venipuncture? The equipment includes gloves, alcohol pads, needles, tourniquets, vacuum tubes, gauze and bandages. To protect themselves and the patient from blood-borne disease, medical assistants perform venipuncture with gloves on, there are no exceptions.
The Job Outlook For A Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand as the healthcare industry continues to grow. With the expanding role of medical assistants, many wonder if they are able to perform more invasive procedures such as drawing blood. The answer is yes, in most cases certified medical assistants are able to draw blood.
You May Like: Weight Requirement For Blood Donation
Taking Blood Additional Certification Preferred
For venipuncture or puncturing of the veins to take blood, additional certification is preferred. You should have the proper training to be able to draw blood from patients of varying ages.
However, some MA programs, such as the one offered through Cambridge, deliver phlebotomy training. After finishing our program, you can choose to take the phlebotomy certification exam. This way, youll be able to perform venipunctures as part of your daily responsibilities.
How Supportive Is The Learning Environment
The roles of a medical assistant make it a very hands-on profession in which you may draw blood, administer injections, perform basic lab duties, and carry out other clinical tasks.
Some programs leave all hands-on training for the final phase of your medical assistant education, where youll be interning in an actual clinical setting.
However, many medical assistant students say they find it extremely valuable to have this hands-on training prior to their internship. That means learning important skills firsthand from faculty and practicing them in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Be sure to ask how a program handles the instruction of hands-on skills for their students. You may want to find a program that provides a hands-on classrooms and laboratories where you can practice a variety of clinical and lab skills under the supervision of helpful and easily accessible instructors.
Also Check: Symptoms Of Low White Cell Blood Count
Can A Certified Medical Assistant Draw Blood
Yes, a certified medical assistant can draw blood. In fact, Medical assistants are often responsible for phlebotomy, which is the process of drawing blood from a patient. Phlebotomy is an important part of many medical procedures, so it is essential that Medical Assistants are properly trained in this area.
How Does A Medical Assistant Draw Blood
Drawing blood is a simple yet complex process that starts well before the sample is drawn.
Steps include:
Review the Order
Phlebotomy is performed under a doctors order. Requisitions list which tests they want, determining which equipment and protocols youll use to draw the blood.
Screen the Patient
Medical assistants are responsible for patient safety, so the phlebotomy process has been somewhat standardized to limit errors. Still, youll need a sharp eye and sound clinical judgment.
Before drawing, you will:
Verify the patients identity â drawing blood on the wrong patient subjects them to an unpleasant and unnecessary medical procedure. And if the error isnt caught, results could end up in the wrong persons chart, affecting treatment decisions. Always check the patients name and date of birth.
Confirm compliance with restrictions â some tests require fasting for accuracy. Patients who dont comply risk unreliable results.
Check the patients health history â you may need alternative equipment for patients with an allergy to any of the supplies used in the venipuncture process. Some people, for example, react to latex, skin disinfectants and bandage adhesives.
Evaluate the patient and gather supplies â the supplies youll use depend, in part, on the tests orders. However, youll need to make adjustments based on the clients age, size and health status. Preparing the proper equipment before you get started helps the process go smoothly.
Process the Samples
Read Also: What Is Esr On Blood Test
Can Pa Give Injections
The Board of Medicine, which also regulates doctors, regulates Physician Assistants. We can perform procedures including injections, fracture reduction, radiologic and cardiac procedures, casting and more. PAs can assess, diagnose and treat, so they must have as robust medical knowledge as a physician.
How Long Do You Have To Go To School To Be A Medical Assistant
The length of your medical assistant training depends on whether you do a part-time or full-time program. Afull-time program can usually be completed in nine to 12 months, approximately one academic year. If you optto get an associates degree, that usually takes 18-24 months, about two academic years, or half of what ittakes to get a bachelors degree. You do need to have a high school diploma or your GED to enroll in medicalassistant training programs, so if you havent already graduated high school or passed the GED, you willneed to factor that extra time into your plan.
Also Check: Blood Sugar Levels Age Chart
Why Is Blood Drawn From Patients
Many people get nervous about having their blood drawn, but it is an incredibly helpful tool for medical professionals. Analyzing blood can help diagnose illnesses, determine risk factors and determine the effectiveness of current medications. A blood test can help detect:
- Cholesterol levels
In the exam room, medical assistants may help by:
The exact role of a medical assistant may differ from one office to another. Some larger offices hire separate medical assistants to work the front office and back office, giving the medical assistants in those offices a chance to specialize in more administrative versus clinical tasks. Other offices may require a medical assistant to do bothcreating a comfortable experience for patients who begin to recognize the staff they work with often.
Restrictions placed on what a medical assistant can and cannot do also vary by state. Some states require specific certifications for specific tasks. Every medical assistant acts under the direction of a physician, registered nurse, or certified medical assistant. This is also why quality training is so important. A good training program will tell you what is permitted in your state and prepare you for a job as soon as you graduate.