Medical assistants (MAs) work in physician offices, clinics and outpatient centers doing both clinical and administrative tasks. They are often the most versatile members of the outpatient team, and demand for them continues to grow.
Clinical duties
Rooming patients, measuring vital signs, taking histories, assisting with examinations, collecting specimens, giving injections and medications where permitted, and performing basic lab tests.
Administrative duties
Scheduling, registration, insurance verification, records management, referrals and patient communication.
Scope
Defined by state law, employer policy and delegation from the supervising provider. MAs do not diagnose, assess independently or prescribe.
Common mistake
Assuming MA scope is the same everywhere. Some states restrict injections, medication administration or certain tests.
Key Takeaways
- Rooming patients, measuring vital signs, taking histories, assisting with examinations, collecting specimens, giving injections and medications where permitted, and performing basic lab tests.
- Scheduling, registration, insurance verification, records management, referrals and patient communication.
- Defined by state law, employer policy and delegation from the supervising provider.
Check Your Understanding
Before moving on, explain in your own words the most important point from “What Medical Assistants Do” and name one situation in your work or family where you would apply it, and who you would report to or ask if unsure.
Action Step
Find your state’s rules on medical assistant scope of practice and note three tasks that require specific conditions or are prohibited.
This course is educational only. It is not medical, nursing or legal advice, does not replace state-approved training programs, clinical supervision or employer policies, and does not issue any license, certification or credential. Scope of practice and training requirements vary by state; always follow the care plan, your supervisor’s direction and the current guidance of the licensed clinicians responsible for the person in your care. This program is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by or accredited by any certifying body, exam provider or training organization; it makes no representation about exam content, pass rates or outcomes, and hands-on skills must be learned in an approved program under qualified instructors.