Qualified Medical Assistants

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According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), a medical assistant is someone who works alongside doctors, usually in a clinical or office setting. Though this description might sound like that of some kind of nurse, there are few significant differences.

Medical assistants routinely handle duties such as checking vital signs and showing patients to their rooms, in addition to a slew of administrative duties. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), on the other hand, provide basic care measures like catheterization and prescription administration.

While medical assistants are frequently found working in clinics and ambulatory care centers, licensed practical nurses more often work in settings such as nursing homes and hospitals.

QMA Responsiblity

Qualified Medical Assistant Nurses Job Duties and Responsibilities

Medical assistants perform a multitude of different tasks that are essential to keeping medical clinics and offices open, on top of treating patients. Some of the common responsibilities of medical assistants include
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QMA Responsibilities

  • Taking medical histories
  • Explaining treatment procedures to patients
  • Preparing patients for examinations
  • Assisting the physician during examinations
  • Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
  • Performing basic laboratory tests
  • Instructing patients about medication and special diets

  • Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
  • Transmitting prescription refills as directed
    Phlebotomy
  • Taking electrocardiograms
  • Wound care and changing dressings

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Common Work Settings for Qualified Medical Assistant Nurses

As we established in the previous section, medical assistants play vital roles in the day-to-day operations of medical offices and clinics across the country. With this in mind, they are found in a great number of medical settings, though most heavily in doctors’ offices.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 59 percent of medical assistants work in physicians’ offices. Hospitals are the next most common work settings for medical assistants, employing 15 percent of the medical assistant workforce.
Medical assistants also work in outpatient care facilities and other healthcare environments.

What’s the typical salary for QMAs?

As far as hourly salary is concerned, medical assistants are compensated comparably to other healthcare support professionals. The median salary for a medical assistant as of Maybe ($24-27/hr) according to the BLS.
Medical assistant salaries also vary depending on where they are employed. Professional medical assistants who work at outpatient care centers earned the most money among medical assistant job settings, But this pay can vary significantly depending on the specific region or state that you choose to work in.
QMA Responsibilities

  • Taking medical histories
  • Explaining treatment procedures to patients
  • Preparing patients for examinations
  • Assisting the physician during examinations
  • Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
  • Performing basic laboratory tests
  • Instructing patients about medication and special diets