5 Ways to Thank MAs on National Medical Assistants Day

The employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent in the next decade, which much faster than the average for all job fields, according to National Today.

Here are four roles in healthcare for medical assistants.

A medical administrative assistant in a physician's office does administrative work for a physician usually in a clinical setting.

"Clinical duties vary according to state law and include: taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination and assisting the physician during the examination," according to Snag a Job. "Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They also arrange examining-room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean. Medical assistants should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician."

A medical practice manager is usually in charge of the clinical setting, handling all of the medical assistants.

"A medical practice manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the medical facility," according to Payscale. "They typically supervise all office staff, and they are usually given responsibility for those hiring decisions. The normal duties of the medical practice manager involve scheduling of patients, maintaining records and overseeing any records clerks. They will usually work to ensure that systems regarding billing and insurance interfaces are maintained as well."

A medical administrative assistant in a pediatric's office does administrative work for a pediatrician usually in a clinical setting. Their jobs are very similar to that of physician medical assistants, it's just that they work in clinics that treat younger patients.

"Pediatric medical assistants work with pediatricians providing care to infants, children and teens under the age of 18," according to TheMedicalAssistants.com. "There are two positions for pediatric medical assistants in the office — front office and back office. Front office medical assistants are responsible for controlling the flow of patients through the office and collecting co-pays and other forms of payment. Back office medical assistants work directly with patients and the doctor."

A medical administrative assistant in a dentist's office does administrative work for a dentist. Again, their jobs are very similar to that of physician medical assistants and pediatrics medical assistants, it's just that they work in dentist offices instead and some responsibilities differ.

"A dental administrative assistant works to assist a dentist in caring for patients," according to Study.com. "Assistants interact with both patients and the dental team, perform administrative office duties, obtain health histories and maintain records. They must have strong customer service, computer software and telephone skills, and they must know the technicalities of dental insuring and billing. Dental administrative assistants must recognize the signs and symptoms of dental troubles. Assistants have to understand dental terminology and be able to use computer programs for dental offices. Dental administrative assistants need to master both recall and filing systems. Good communication skills and interpersonal skills are needed to work with nervous patients and dentists under stressful conditions."