Medical Assistants -- Medical assistants is expected to be one of the 10 fastest growing occupations. Job prospects should be best for medical
assistants with formal training or experience. Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of
physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly. Medical assistants should not be confused with physician assistants who
examine, diagnose, and treat patients, under the direct supervision of a physician. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties. They answer
telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for
hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping. Most employers prefer to hire graduates of formal programs in medical
assisting. Formal programs in medical assisting are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, community and
junior colleges, and in colleges and universities.
