Doctors and nurses may be the heart of healthcare, but there are unsung heroes among their ranks—medical assistants. Without medical assistants, the healthcare system wouldn’t be as efficient as it is today.

Medical assistants are responsible for bridging the gap between patients and providers. They keep operations smooth, performing duties that allow doctors and nurses to give their all to patient care. Medical assistants are often found in hospitals, physician’s offices, and other outpatient care settings.

How to become a medical assistant in a hospital

Interested in becoming a medical assistant in a hospital? You’ll need to follow a few steps to pursue this career.

Educational pathways

Most medical assistants complete a certificate program or an associate degree in Medical Assisting. These medical assisting programs typically include courses in anatomy, medical terminology, clinical skills, and healthcare administration. Many schools also focus on the importance of hands-on clinical experience. With this, you’ll have the option to pursue an internship or externship of your choice to get real experience (and confidence!) in a clinical setting.

Certifications and licenses

Professional certification is not always required, but it can make you a more competitive candidate. Common certifications include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Be sure to research requirements in your state to stay compliant—certification may be required.

Beyond general certifications like CMA and RMA, medical assistants can pursue specialized certifications. For example, Certified EKG Technicians (CET) and Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT) may be preferred or required for those working in cardiology or lab settings.

Key traits of great medical assistants in hospitals

A successful medical assistant in a hospital environment requires unique qualities. Highly sought-after traits in medical assistants are attention to detail, empathy, strong communication skills, and multitasking, among others. Medical assistants often deal with many patients throughout the day and must be organized and adaptable.

In hospitals, medical assistants need to think quickly on their feet. Adaptability is critical, as you can shift from assisting with a routine check-up to preparing a patient for surgery within the same day. The ability to remain calm and organized in a moment of stress is arguably the most essential trait all medical personnel require.

Become a medical assistant at Goodwin.

What does a medical assistant do in a hospital?

So, what do medical assistants do in hospitals? Medical assistants in hospitals wear many hats. Here’s a breakdown of a few possible roles and tasks:

Administrative duties

Medical assistants are often the first point of contact for patients, handling tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and processing insurance paperwork. Accuracy and attention to detail are key in this role, as managing patient information requires high responsibility.

Clinical duties

On the clinical side, medical assistants help with patient care by taking vitals, assisting doctors during exams, and preparing patients for procedures. Typical tasks may include administering injections, drawing blood, handling lab samples, etc. Medical assistants are also the glue of communication between patients and their providers, keeping all messages and documents where needed.

Specialized roles in hospitals

Depending on the department, medical assistants can take on specialized roles. In areas like pediatrics, oncology, or the emergency room, medical assistants may have more focused duties. Tasks like supporting surgical procedures or assisting in high-intensity environments are everyday duties they may be assigned.

In the fast-paced ER, medical assistants help triage patients, take vitals, and prepare trauma patients for evaluation. They may aid in suturing or minor procedures, ensuring that the ER runs smoothly and that patients receive prompt care.

Medical assistants in pediatrics must have patience and empathy as they work with children and anxious parents. Assisting with vaccinations and measurements often falls on medical assistants in this field.

The impact of medical assistants on patient care in hospitals

We’ve talked about what medical assistants are and what they do in hospitals, but let’s dive into why this position is just as necessary as other critical, clinical roles.

Patient interaction and support

Medical assistants often act as liaisons between patients and healthcare providers, building rapport and ensuring patients feel comfortable. Doctors and nurses are frequently focused on patient care and aren’t always available to provide emotional and mental reassurance for their patients. That’s where medical assistants can step in.

In high-stress environments like emergency rooms, a medical assistant can communicate patients’ needs during critical moments. Maybe the patient is struggling with some news or the overall stress of being in a medical environment. Medical assistants can be there for patients when others can’t, ensuring they remain calm and knowledgeable about their situations.

Efficiency in hospitals

Medical assistants are often the unsung heroes of hospital efficiency. By accurately updating electronic health records (EHR), medical assistants can ensure that doctors and nurses have the information they need and help reduce bottlenecks in patient care. Their attention to detail can significantly reduce miscommunication, preventing delays in care.

Advancing as a medical assistant at a hospital

There are many opportunities for medical assistants to grow their careers in a hospital setting. Some pathways include pursuing higher-level certifications, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), or specializing in areas like radiology or cardiology.

Areas like medical coding are good ways to advance to hospital administration if that’s what you aim for. Some medical assistants may pursue higher-level certifications or transition into roles like Clinical Supervisor or even Health Services Manager. Pursuing further education, like a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, can open doors to these advanced roles.

Professional development at Goodwin University

Goodwin University offers various resources to help medical assistants advance their careers. Mentoring and seminars are great opportunities for students to learn more about their careers from in-field professionals. Networking events and career support services are available to assist in job placement and development where you may need them.

Going forward

Medical assistants play a multitude of roles in hospitals, from handling administrative tasks to assisting with patient care. Their presence is the muscle and tissue that keeps healthcare systems running as smoothly as a body.

Learn more about our medical assistant program at Goodwin University to see if public health is a good career choice for you.