medical assistant
Definition
Noun: A person who has received specific training to provide support to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Their duties typically include both administrative tasks (like scheduling and record-keeping) and basic clinical tasks (like taking vital signs or preparing patients for examinations).
Usage
The term "medical assistant" refers to a specific support role within a clinical or hospital setting. * The medical assistant called the next patient from the waiting room. * To become a medical assistant, one usually needs to complete a postsecondary education program. * She works as a medical assistant in a busy pediatric clinic.
Advanced Usage
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): A professional designation earned by passing an exam, indicating a standardized level of knowledge and skill.
- Many employers prefer to hire a Certified Medical Assistant.
- The role can be specified by the environment:
- ophthalmic medical assistant, podiatric medical assistant
Variants and Related Words
- Clinical Assistant: A term sometimes used interchangeably with medical assistant, often emphasizing the clinical aspects of the role.
- Physician Assistant (PA): A distinct, advanced medical professional who is licensed to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication. This is a different career path requiring a master's degree.
- Nurse: A licensed healthcare professional with a broader scope of independent practice than a medical assistant.
Synonyms
- Healthcare aide
- Clinical support staff
Related Phrases
- To work as a medical assistant: To hold the job of a medical assistant.
- She has worked as a medical assistant for ten years.
- Medical assistant training/education: Programs that prepare individuals for this career.
- He is enrolled in a medical assistant training program at the community college.
Noun
-
a person trained to assist medical professionals
