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Importance of Being a Medical Assistant

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Published: Mar 13, 2024

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Responsibilities of medical assistants, bridging the gap, efficiency and effectiveness, personal qualities.

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define medical assistant essay

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If you’d like to join the medical field, and want to do it fast , becoming a medical assistant could be a great option for you!

Medical assistants can make a real difference in people’s lives. They also have chances to transition into nursing , management, or another healthcare position. 

This guide will help answer your questions on what a medical assistant does and what you need to know to become one.

We Found The Following Schools with Online Medical Assistant Programs

Part one what is a medical assistant.

Medical assistants, or certified medical assistants, are essential members of the healthcare team. They fulfill both administrative tasks and patient care duties, acting as liaisons between patients and the physician or medical staff.

They can work anywhere from laboratories to college health centers, and they take on responsibilities ranging from answering phones and updating medical records to assisting with physical exams and drawing blood. 

define medical assistant essay

  @heartsinbloomhealth  

Despite the importance of this role, medical assistants do not require extensive education or credentials. To become a medical assistant, you’ll need a high school diploma or a GED. You’ll also need to complete a medical assisting program. (More on those in section four!)

Are MAs and CNAs the Same?

No - while medical assistants and certified nursing assistants are both entry-level healthcare providers, they have distinct roles. For example, MAs perform both office and medical tasks, while CNAs focus primarily on direct patient care. Read our guide to learn more about medical assistant vs CNA differences.

Part Two What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

The roles and duties of a medical assistant will vary depending upon the type of setting they work in. Those who work in specialized environments may get trained for that office’s specific needs. 

But in most cases, a medical assistant can expect to perform both clinical and administrative tasks ranging from answering the phones and filling out insurance forms to conducting interviews with patients and recording medical histories and symptoms in preparation for their physical exam by the doctor. 

Medical Assistant Administrative Responsibilities

  • Answering the phone
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Greeting patients
  • Acting as patient liaisons to schedule hospital admissions and diagnostic tests
  • Coding and filling out patient insurance forms
  • Updating patient medical records
  • Managing billing, bookkeeping, and correspondence
  • Computer data entry

>> Related: Medical Administrative Assistant Career Guide

Medical Assistant Clinical Responsibilities

  • Interviewing patients about medical histories and current symptoms
  • Preparing examination rooms for each patient and cleaning up after
  • Preparing patients for the physician’s exam
  • Assisting the physician with the physical exam
  • Drawing blood ( phlebotomy )
  • Getting vital signs
  • Administering electrocardiogram examinations
  • Removing sutures
  • Changing dressings on wounds
  • Instructing patients about procedures and treatments
  • Performing basic laboratory exams
  • Collecting laboratory specimens and preparing them for analysis
  • Providing information to patients regarding prescribed diets or medications
  • Transmitting prescriptions and refills to pharmacies as instructed
  • Following up with patients after office visits or treatments

Part Three Medical Assistant Salary

According to U.S. News & World Report , medical assistants rank eighth in Best Jobs Without A College Degree and tenth in Best Health Care Support Jobs . One of the reasons for this is the solid and predictable salaries that these professionals earn.

In 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported their median salary as $38,270,   with the potential to make up to almost $52k . The lowest 10 percent earned $30,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,710. Read more about how much you can make as a medical assistant in our  medical assistant salary guide .

Job location factors heavily with medical assistant salaries. Working at an outpatient care center will yield a higher annual salary than working at a chiropractic office.

Medical Assistant Salary by Place of Work

Top paying states for medical assistants.

  • Washington - $50,350
  • District of Columbia - $50,020
  • Alaska - $49,400
  • California - $47,850
  • Massachusetts - $47,330

Source: BLS

Top Paying Cities for Medical Assistants

  • Vallejo-Fairfield, CA - $62,050
  • San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA - $58,710
  • Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA - $56,450
  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA - $55,980
  • Santa Rosa, CA - $55,690

Another reason medical assisting is an excellent job is because it’s in such high demand. The BLS predicts a 14% increase in medical assistant employment over the next 10 years.

The growth in demand for trained and certified medical assistants is attributed to the aging of the baby boomers and the associated increase in the need for medical care . 

>> Show Me Medical Assistant Programs

Part Four How to Become a Medical Assistant 

In order to become a medical assistant, here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Get Your High School Diploma or GED

This is a requirement for medical assistant programs, and some medical assistants enter the field with nothing more than a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though they can't become certified that way.

Step 2: Enroll in a Medical Assistant Program

Enroll in a medical assistant program accredited by the CAAHEP or ABHES.

These programs can be offered both in-person and online and are frequently offered through community colleges and technical schools. Accredited programs will also include hands-on experience, which is sometimes called an externship. 

While there may be no such thing as a 4-week medical assistant program , the pathway to becoming a medical assistant can be quite short. Medical assistant programs range in length from a few months to two years.

Step 3: Get Certified

Within 30 days of completing the training program, students can take the  Certified Medical Assistant exam , which is credentialed through the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. We'll talk about why this is important in the next section.

Part Five Certifed Medical Assistant (CMA) Certification

According to medical assistant Taylor Brune, as a medical assistant, it’s important to be certified and become what's known as a Certified Medical Assistant. "I took a national certification exam, and every two years, I complete the required credits and retake the test to keep my certification up to date."

Why Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Is Important

Those who have earned a medical assistant certification claim the most generous salaries and are assigned positions of greater responsibility.

These programs provide students with both clinical and academic training, as well as instruction in the administration of medical offices. 

Some medical assistants earn registered medical assistant (RMA) certifications instead of CMA certification. American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers the RNA certification. These career paths are nearly identical.

Part Six Medical Assistant Programs 

Medical assistant training programs generally take one to two years to complete, depending on whether you earn only a certificate or also complete an associate’s degree program.

Both types of training programs are available from vocational schools and technical colleges, as well as through  online medical assistant programs . 

define medical assistant essay

Online Medical Assistant Programs

If you are interested in becoming a clinical medical assistant, you can enroll in an online or traditional training program. 

Online coursework offers a lot of advantages, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many choices for online training programs, you’ll have a better chance of finding one that suits your budget and schedule.

However, many students prefer face-to-face classes, which offer more hands-on experience and more opportunities to build relationships. 

>>Related: The Ultimate Guide to Medical Assistant Programs 2021

3 Types of Medical Assistant Programs

There are three different types of Medical Assistant Programs: certificate, diploma, and Associate’s degree. 

Certificate Program

Diploma Programs

Associate Degree

Medical Assistant Program Accreditation

Make sure your medical assistant training program has been accredited by either  the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)  or the  Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) , as eligibility for the  Certified Medical Assistant Certification Exam  requires completion of a program that meets this standard. 

Medical Assistant Training Courses

Students who enroll in medical assisting training programs can expect coursework in topics including: 

  • Bookkeeping and accounting
  • Computer applications
  • Diagnostic procedures
  • Insurance processing
  • Laboratory techniques including drawing blood
  • Medical terminology
  • Office practices
  • Patient relations 
  • Pharmacology

What You'll Learn From a Medical Assistant Program

Brune shared that her program consisted of classroom lecture credits, clinical and required 200 hours of fieldwork.

She also stated that "the program style was really beneficial to help me to get on-the-job training and also land a great position right after graduation, 

  • I gained a lot of valuable on-the-job experience while I was still in school
  • I quickly graduated and got my diploma from medical assisting school
  • I was able to apply to private practices and I got a job quickly"

Part Seven A Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant 

Though every office and job setting is different, most medical assistant jobs have similar responsibilities. At its most basic, the job is patient-facing: you will interact with the patient on the phone, in the waiting room, and in the examination room.

Here’s what a typical day in the life of a medical assistant may look like:

  • Medical assistants often begin their day by recording and relaying messages that have been left on the office’s voice mail system or sent via email.
  • Then they will move on to pulling charts for all the patients expected in the office that day.
  • As patients arrive for their appointments, they may greet them, provide them with the paperwork that needs to be completed, escort them back to examination rooms and then record medical histories for new patients and update health records for existing patients.
  • Their patient interaction may also include taking and recording vital signs, blood pressure and weight, collecting and processing laboratory samples and ordering prescriptions and diagnostic tests. 
  • Throughout the day, the medical assistant may be called on to enter data into computers, order supplies, and make follow-up calls to patients. 

The position is perfect for those who like interacting with people and it can present an excellent jumping-off point for those who are considering a future career in nursing. 

Part Eight Medical Assistant Job Outlook 

Forbes magazine lists medical assistants as “one of the hottest occupations in the United States today,” citing BLS statistics showing that the profession is expected to surge nearly 14% by the year 2032. 

What's driving this demand? The National Healthcare Association says it’s our aging population and the increase in patients who have access to health insurance.  

Part Nine Where Do Medical Assistants Work?

Medical assistants can work in any team-based healthcare environment. Most work in physician’s offices or outpatient clinics, but they can also work in:

  • College and University Health Centers
  • Nursing Care Facilities
  • Diagnostic Facilities (X-ray, Imaging and Laboratory)
  • Medical Research Centers
  • Insurance Companies 
  • Doctors' Offices
  • Chiropractors' Offices

Medical assistants are increasingly valued by healthcare facilities that have come to rely on them to help with care management tasks and to act as patient liaisons, easing some of the burdens on nurses and physicians. 

Part Ten Where Can I Learn More About Medical Assistants? 

If becoming a medical assistant is something that you would like to explore further, there are numerous resources available to provide you with information. Contacting the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Registry of Medical Assistants is a good place to start. 

Also, check with the National Healthcareer Association which certifies medical assistants for specific roles including medical administrative assistant (CMAA) and clinical medical assistant (CCMA).  

The National Center for Competency Testing also certifies medical assistants and has published some professional resources on its website.

Part Eleven Why Should You Start a Career as a Medical Assistant? 

Becoming a medical assistant places you in the fast-growing medical field, and it could be the first step toward a higher-paying healthcare job.

But these aren’t the only two reasons to consider this career path.  

You Can Make a Difference

Medical assistants are highly valued members of the healthcare team who can make a real difference to patients. 

Compared to performing surgery or prescribing medication, medical assisting may seem insignificant. But without medical assistants, physicians, nurses, and other specialists couldn’t focus solely on patient care.

Plus, most medical assistants interact with patients every shift which means you’d always have chances to make someone’s healthcare experience better. 

You'll Have a Steady Job With a Good Income 

Medical assistants work predictable, stable hours, earn a good salary that often includes benefits, and can feel secure that their skills are very much in demand.

It's a Great Starting Point for Many Healthcare Careers

As we mentioned above, working as a medical assistant provides a quick entry into the medical field.

Medical assisting can provide insight into the roles that various healthcare practitioners play, giving you a chance to decide whether you would like to move into a higher-paying medical job.

>> Related: Why I’m Working as a Medical Assistant While I Advance My Education

A lot of LPNs, RNs, advanced practice registered nurses, and even some physicians and physician assistants started their careers as medical assistants.  Check out our guide on how to go from a medical assistant to a registered nurse.

Part Twelve Medical Assistant FAQs 

How long does it take to become a medical assistant.

  • You can become a medical assistant in one-to-two years, depending upon whether you choose to pursue hands-on training, certification, or an accredited program offered as part of an associate's degree. 

Where can I take the Certified Medical Assistant exam? 

  • The Certified Medical Assistant exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. You can apply to take the exam here .

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What Is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics.

In Demand  |  Medical assisting is one of the nation's careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics , attributing job growth to the following:

  • Predicted surge in the number of physicians' offices and outpatient care facilities
  • Technological advancements
  • Growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment

Job Responsibilities  |  Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties, as evidenced by the Occupational Analysis of Medical Assistants .

Here is a quick overview (duties vary from ​medical practice to medical practice depending on location, size, specialty, and state law):

Clinical Duties  (may include, but not limited to):

  • 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
  • Taking electrocardiograms
  • Wound care and changing dressings

Administrative Duties  (may include, but not limited to):

  • Using computer applications
  • Answering telephones
  • Welcoming patients
  • Updating and filing patient medical records
  • Coding and filling out insurance forms
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
  • Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

Patient Liaison  |  Medical assistants are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the physician’s office and often explain the physician's instructions.

PCMH Team Member  |  Medical assistants are essential members of the ​patient-​centered ​medical ​home team. According to a survey by the Healthcare Intelligence Network , medical assistants ranked as one of the top five professionals necessary to the PCMH team.

CMA (AAMA) ® Certification  |  Many employers of allied health personnel prefer, or even insist, that their medical assistants are CMA (AAMA) certified.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers certification to graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) .

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What Does a Medical Assistant Do? A Closer Look at This Caring Career

By Brianna Flavin on 03/01/2019

What does medical assistant do

Working in healthcare has always sounded like an appealing option for you—but the path to actually doing it is a different story. Getting into a program, years of college work and residencies just aren’t in the cards for you as you’ve got a lot on your plate already. But there are a few options for those who want to work in healthcare with less of an upfront investment.

Becoming a medical assistant is one intriguing option—but before you get too far along in making any career decisions, you’d like to learn more about the role and what medical assistants do on a daily basis. Put simply, a medical assistant is the healthcare professional that keeps busy hospitals and clinics running smoothly. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what that entails and how it may vary depending on the setting—so let’s get right into it.

What does a medical assistant do, exactly?

Wondering what these healthcare pros do during each shift? We created this short video to provide you with a high-level look at what a medical assistant does. Take a look and keep reading below for even more info.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Role of a medical assistant

“Medical assistants have a very diverse and wide skill set,” says Rasmussen University Medical Assisting department chair Denise Pufall. “They are a great support to a medical practice by having the ability to perform both patient care duties and both front- and back-office duties.”

This broad skill set is fairly unique in a medical setting—most roles are focused squarely on either the patient care side or the administration side. Medical assistants play a hand in both.

The clinical side of medical assisting translates most directly to recording vital signs when interacting with patients, compiling patients’ medical histories and administering medications under direction of a supervising physician. In the administrative realm, medical assistants can be responsible for everything from scheduling appointments to billing and assisting patients in filling out insurance forms.

“They streamline the process and make the practice extremely efficient,” Pufall says. As the healthcare industry scrambles to cut costs , professionals who can boost efficiency are a crucial pillar of the future.

Top medical assisting skills

“Medical assistants need to be compassionate, understanding, good listeners and problem solvers,” Pufall says. “They need to adapt to change quickly and be able to take direction from physicians and other members of the patient support team.” Being quick on the uptake is also vital in this role that often fills last-minute needs in a healthcare facility.

What else is important for medical assistants to know? To answer that, we analyzed over 95,000 medical assistant job postings to identify the top skills employers were looking for were: 1

  • Patient care
  • Vital signs measurement
  • Communication skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Organizational skills

Medical assistants who find work in specialized facilities (e.g., dialysis centers, nursing homes, outpatient surgical centers) might need extra skills and knowledge applicable to their environment.

For a more detailed look at important skills in medical assisting, check out, “ Medical Assisting Skills: What You Need to be Confident in Your Career .”

Medical assistant job settings

As of 2016, most medical assistants worked in doctor’s offices, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other major employers were hospitals and outpatient care centers. 2

“Medical assistants are hired in areas that include phlebotomy, EKG technicians and medical administration,” Pufall says. Professionals in these settings might have other titles though they are still using their medical assisting skills.

While jobs in doctor’s offices and hospitals make up the bulk of medical assistant employment, there are certainly opportunities to be found in facilities that might not be top-of-mind.

“Other healthcare facilities that are starting to utilize medical assistants include dental offices, chiropractic offices and both long- and short-term healthcare centers and nursing home facilities,” Pufall says. The work setting and schedule for medical assistants is highly dependent on their employer. Those who work in a hospital or long-term care facility can expect to work certain weekends and holidays. Those who work in a clinic will probably work during standard business hours.

What does a medical assistant do in a clinic?

In a clinic, rather than specializing in a specific unit or wing of a big hospital, medical assistants’ work is more comprehensive, filling in any gaps as needed.

In small clinics, medical assistants are often referred to as “generalists” because they do everything from greeting patients and answering telephones to changing wound dressings and removing sutures. They also instruct patients about general care, medicinal procedures and special diets. Electronic health records (EHRs) are changing some medical assistants’ jobs, according to the BLS. Most MAs will have regular interaction with EHR software and will need to learn the system their office uses.

This blend of routine administrative and clinical duties helps keep everything running smoothly, a role highly valued by the office managers, physicians, nurses and other health practitioners in the clinic.

What does a medical assistant do in a hospital?

A medical assistant working in a hospital will have many of the same duties—clerical work, EHR management and patient interaction are still key. The specific duties assigned to medical assistants working in a hospital, however, are dependent on the needs of their unit.

The balance between administrative and clinical work is still very evident. Medical assistants in a hospital handle callers and drop-ins, schedule procedures, coordinate billing, help with paperwork and more. The clinical side of the job can be both patient-based and laboratory-based.

While direct patient needs, such as administering medication or immunizations, are an important part of the job, medical assistants in hospitals may also spend time in the lab examining blood, urine and stool samples.

Is a medical assisting career in your future?

So, what does a medical assistant do? A lot! Medical assistants work to make life easier for both physicians and patients. And the good news is that it doesn’t have to stop there if you decide that healthcare is something you really love.

Now that you know what a medical assistant does, take the step to see if you can translate the skills you’ve acquired as a parent into the skills you’ll need in medical assisting.

Wherever you aim to work, a career as a medical assistant could be the perfect way to find steady employment in the healthcare industry without needing to commit to years and years of education first. In fact, a Medical Assisting Diploma can be completed in as few as 12 months. 3 For a few more details on what it takes to get started in this vital healthcare career, check out our article, “ How to Become a Medical Assistant: 5 Steps You Can't Ignore .”

1 Source: Burning-Glass.com (Analysis of 97,130 medical assisting job postings, Jul. 01, 2017 – Jun. 30, 2018). 2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [information accessed February, 2019] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. Employment conditions in your area may vary. 3 Completion time is dependent on the number of transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term. EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in March 2014. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2019.

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About the author

Brianna Flavin

Brianna is a senior content manager who writes student-focused articles for Rasmussen University. She holds an MFA in poetry and worked as an English Professor before diving into the world of online content. 

Brianna Flavin

Posted in Health Sciences

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  • medical assisting

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What Does a Medical Assistant Do? Role & Job Description

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Working in healthcare can lead to a very rewarding career. If you are looking for a fast way to start your career in healthcare, you might consider becoming a medical assistant. Medical assistants are an important part of the medical field and can help in both administrative and clinical roles in a healthcare facility.

Medical assistants are in demand according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , who projects 14% growth between 2022-2032 . If you are interested in pursuing your medical assisting diploma or degree, now is a great time to start your education.*

Typical medical assistant duties, roles and responsibilities

If you are the type of person who loves a lot of variety in their work, then medical assisting could be the career for you! Medical assistants have a variety of responsibilities that differ according to practice. They work on many levels of patient care, from their interactions before an appointment to assisting with direct patient care. Some of their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Recording patient history and personal information
  • Scheduling patient appointments
  • Assisting patients as they first enter the office
  • Process insurance payments
  • Measure vital assigns such as taking blood pressure, pulse and respiration
  • Set up exam rooms for examinations
  • Gathering patient information such as billing and contact information
  • Drawing blood and pregnancy tests
  • And making sure the patient is comfortable during an appointment

While a medical assistant’s daily routine can differ greatly depending on the type of medical assistant job , having attention to detail, a professional manner and caring can help you have a successful career.

How do these duties differ from other positions?

Because of the diverse role that medical assistants play in healthcare, they are often mistaken for licensed practical nurses (LPN), physician assistants or nursing assistant. Although there is some overlap in responsibilities, medical assistants are their own unique profession. Medical assistants usually work in medical facilities where LPNs and nursing assistants usually working in hospitals and nursing facilities.

Medical Assistant vs. LPN

Both LPNs and medical assistants work under a practicing doctor or nurse. Medical assistants may help administer medication and assist a doctor during an exam, which is like LPNs, but they have differing responsibilities. In some states, LPNs can insert catheters, administer intravenous drips and even assist in the delivery of an infant. Medical assistants carry have a more administrative role especially as healthcare organizations adopt an electronic health record (EHR) .

There is also a vast difference in educational requirements. In order to become a nurse, you will have to not only complete a nursing program, but also sit for some form of the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) either for practical nurses or for registered nurses (RN) in order to become a nurse. While a medical assistant can become a nurse with additional education and licensure, the medical assisting program at Herzing does not directly transfer into any nursing programs.

There are also other requirements to become a medical assistant. While it is not required, some medical assistants will choose to become certified in order to give themselves more competitive leverage in the job market. Medical assistants are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. Herzing University will even pay for the first attempt for medical assisting graduates.

Medical Assistant vs. Physician Assistants

Physician assistants work directly under a practicing physician although their specific duties can vary greatly according to practice, physician and state. One major difference between medical assistants and physician assistants is that physician assistants can examine, diagnose and treat patients sometimes in the absence of a physician. While medical assistants can offer support, they do not act in the place of a physician.

Medical Assistant vs. Nursing Assistant

A nursing assistant plays a more direct role in patient care by providing basic care to patients usually in hospitals and long-term care facilities. They assist with dressing and grooming, deliver patient meals and sometimes help patients eat and drink. While medical assistants will help with patient care, their role generally functions under a physician, such as sterilizing medical equipment and helping patients who come into a medical office.

Some nursing assistants may have to complete a CNA program approved by their state and complete a final certification exam before being registered to work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. In some states, passing this exam allows them to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) but other states require additional education and licensure.

How do I become a medical assistant?

You can become a medical assistant by choosing your degree, getting certified and gaining work experience.

Some employers of medical assistants may require either a diploma in medical assisting or an associate degree in medical assisting . Both degrees are a fast way to enter the healthcare industry and learn basic skills to develop a successful career.

At Herzing University, you can earn your diploma in medical assisting in as few as 10 months and will qualify you for some entry-level positions. Some students will opt for the associate degree in medical assisting program which can be completed in as little as 16 months. Earning your associate degree can provide for better job opportunities in medical assisting, but may also provide for more clear educational pathways later such as a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration , or even going from MA to registered nurse .

According to the BLS , medical assistants most commonly work in physicians’ offices, hospitals and outpatient care centers, but they are not limited to only working in these environments. If you are someone who likes a lot of change and travel, then you might consider becoming a traveling medical assistant. Traveling medical assistants will work in a variety of different locations depending on when and where they are needed.

Learn more about the Herzing University Medical Assisting program

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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5 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant

  • Jun 13, 2019

Are you interested in a rewarding career in which you can help others? Have you ever considered a career as a Medical Assistant? Becoming a Nurse, a Doctor, or a Pharmacist takes years of schooling and thousands of dollars in tuition, but you can train to be a Medical Assistant in as few as 9 months with training from NCE. Read on to discover 5 great reasons to pursue this rewarding medical career.

  • Medical Assistants are in High Demand

The Healthcare industry in the United States is booming, and with an aging population, and ever increasing demand for healthcare services and the professionals that provide them , Medical Assistants are more in demand than ever. Medical Assistants work in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, private labs, and other healthcare facilities in every town, every city, and every part of the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, adding about 2.4 million new jobs, much faster than the average for all occupations.

  • Medical Assistants are an Important Part of a Medical Team

Medical Assistants play a vital role in the healthcare field. A Medical Assistant is a type of Allied Health Professional, and they work directly alongside doctors, physicians, and other medical providers to provide patients with the highest level of care. Medical Assistants perform an assortment of both administrative and clinical tasks, freeing up the doctor’s time for other important tasks. Medical Assistants are often responsible for important administrative duties, including greeting patients, updating and filing patients' medical records, and scheduling appointments.

  • Medical Assistants Perform Vital Healthcare Tasks

Medical Assistants are responsible for many important clinical tasks that assist and support the doctor and the other medical staff. The Medical Assistant may be responsible for conducting routine tasks and procedures such as measuring patients’ vital signs, administering medications and injections, recording information in medical recordkeeping systems, preparing and handling medical instruments and supplies, and collecting and preparing specimens of bodily fluids and tissues for laboratory testing. The Medical Assistant will also prepare the patient for any scheduled procedures, and answer any questions they may have regarding the procedure. Medical Assistants organize patient’s charts, arrange for hospital admissions, order prescriptions through the pharmacy, and clean the exam rooms between patients.

  • Medical Assistants Help Patients

Medical Assistants are hands-on health workers, providing direct care to patients. A tolerant, patient, and caring manner is important for these workers. Medical Assistants act as a patient coordinator by providing a means of communication between patients, doctors and other health care providers. The Medical Assistant is often the one who explains and prepares the patient for a medical procedure; the Medical Assistant is also the one who takes the patient’s medical history and receives and discerns any pertinent health information. The Medical Assistant manages the relationship between the patient and the other medical staff. The Medical Assistant is often the first, and the last, face the patient sees during their medical visit.

  • NCE can train you to be a Medical Assistant in just 9 months!

Unlike becoming a nurse or a doctor, you can train to be a Medical Assistant in months, not years. NCE offers an excellent, industry-recognized training program that is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). NCE provides hands-on training from industry professionals, and prepares students for the Medical Assistant National Certification from the NCCT. With training from NCE, you can enter the medical field in less than a year!

If Medical Assisting sounds interesting to you, give NCE a call at 888-317-4140 to speak to one of our friendly Admissions Representatives. We can answer your questions, schedule a visit to NCE’s large, modern campus in beautiful Citrus Heights, California, or help you begin the enrollment process. What are you waiting for? Make it happen with NCE!

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define medical assistant essay

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Medical assistant Essay Samples

We found 7 free papers on medical assistant, essay examples, role of a medical assistant.

Medical assistant

Role of the Medical Assistant in Health Information Technology A certified Medical Assistant has a wide range of duties that are office and clinically related. And they are performed under the direction of a physician and or sometimes an office manager. On the administrative side a Certified Medical Assistant maintains medical records computer and handwritten…

A Medical Assistant: The Professional Who Makes a Medical Practice Successful

A Medical Assistant (MA) plays a vital role in the healthcare team, handling administrative tasks, assisting in exams, and working in the physician office lab. They act as a crucial link between doctors and patients, ensuring the success of the medical practice. Pursuing a career as an MA comes with distinct benefits including pride, respect,…

Communication Strategies Used in Healthcare

Health Care

Introduction This assignment aims to outline and discuss the importance of communicating effectively with residents/clients/patients. In order to achieve this, this assignment will define communication. It will then briefly outline the various types of communications that exist, and with methodologies of communication. Following this, a focus will be made on how there can be a…

Why I Chose to Become A Medical Assistant Research Paper

The numerous opportunities and potential for growth in the medical industry are driving my decision to become a Certified Medical Assistant. I am confident that obtaining certification in this field will lead to long-term satisfaction in my chosen career. Having a strong passion for the medical field and a genuine desire to help others, working…

Career Investigation

Radiology Technician Career Formal training programs in radiography range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Although hospitals will remain the primary employer, a greater number of new radiology technicians careers, medical jobs will be found in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers. Job opportunities…

The Company Of Interest

The American Red Cross. I am in the medical assistant program to further my knowledge and skill base in the health care field. Medical Assistant Although I have a large skill base, wanted to learn more. I want to be able to work in a fast paced environment that challenges me. Ark best under pressure…

A Physician’s Integrity Forms a Foundation

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is important characteristic to have for anything an individual does, any job an individual applies for, and just anything in general. It is a concept that includes consistency in actions, expectations, measures, methods, outcomes, principles and values. Medical providers, specifically, are asked…

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical assistant

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What the New Overtime Rule Means for Workers

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One of the basic principles of the American workplace is that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Simply put, every worker’s time has value. A cornerstone of that promise is the  Fair Labor Standards Act ’s (FLSA) requirement that when most workers work more than 40 hours in a week, they get paid more. The  Department of Labor ’s new overtime regulation is restoring and extending this promise for millions more lower-paid salaried workers in the U.S.

Overtime protections have been a critical part of the FLSA since 1938 and were established to protect workers from exploitation and to benefit workers, their families and our communities. Strong overtime protections help build America’s middle class and ensure that workers are not overworked and underpaid.

Some workers are specifically exempt from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime protections, including bona fide executive, administrative or professional employees. This exemption, typically referred to as the “EAP” exemption, applies when: 

1. An employee is paid a salary,  

2. The salary is not less than a minimum salary threshold amount, and 

3. The employee primarily performs executive, administrative or professional duties.

While the department increased the minimum salary required for the EAP exemption from overtime pay every 5 to 9 years between 1938 and 1975, long periods between increases to the salary requirement after 1975 have caused an erosion of the real value of the salary threshold, lessening its effectiveness in helping to identify exempt EAP employees.

The department’s new overtime rule was developed based on almost 30 listening sessions across the country and the final rule was issued after reviewing over 33,000 written comments. We heard from a wide variety of members of the public who shared valuable insights to help us develop this Administration’s overtime rule, including from workers who told us: “I would love the opportunity to...be compensated for time worked beyond 40 hours, or alternately be given a raise,” and “I make around $40,000 a year and most week[s] work well over 40 hours (likely in the 45-50 range). This rule change would benefit me greatly and ensure that my time is paid for!” and “Please, I would love to be paid for the extra hours I work!”

The department’s final rule, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024, will increase the standard salary level that helps define and delimit which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay protections under the FLSA. 

Starting July 1, most salaried workers who earn less than $844 per week will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule. And on Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers who make less than $1,128 per week will become eligible for overtime pay. As these changes occur, job duties will continue to determine overtime exemption status for most salaried employees.

Who will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule? Currently most salaried workers earning less than $684/week. Starting July 1, 2024, most salaried workers earning less than $844/week. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers earning less than $1,128/week. Starting July 1, 2027, the eligibility thresholds will be updated every three years, based on current wage data. DOL.gov/OT

The rule will also increase the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (who are not entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA if certain requirements are met) from $107,432 per year to $132,964 per year on July 1, 2024, and then set it equal to $151,164 per year on Jan. 1, 2025.

Starting July 1, 2027, these earnings thresholds will be updated every three years so they keep pace with changes in worker salaries, ensuring that employers can adapt more easily because they’ll know when salary updates will happen and how they’ll be calculated.

The final rule will restore and extend the right to overtime pay to many salaried workers, including workers who historically were entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA because of their lower pay or the type of work they performed. 

We urge workers and employers to visit  our website to learn more about the final rule.

Jessica Looman is the administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Follow the Wage and Hour Division on Twitter at  @WHD_DOL  and  LinkedIn .  Editor's note: This blog was edited to correct a typo (changing "administrator" to "administrative.")

  • Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act
  • overtime rule

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Meta, in Its Biggest A.I. Push, Places Smart Assistants Across Its Apps

Users of Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger will be able to turn to the new technology, powered by Meta’s latest artificial intelligence model, to obtain information and complete tasks.

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define medical assistant essay

By Mike Isaac and Cade Metz

Mike Isaac covers Meta and Silicon Valley. Cade Metz writes about artificial intelligence.

On a call with investors last spring, Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta, said he believed that he had an opportunity to introduce artificially intelligent assistants “to billions of people in ways that will be useful and meaningful.”

A year later, he is making good on his statement.

On Thursday, Meta will begin incorporating new versions of its A.I.-powered smart assistant software across its apps, which include Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Facebook. The latest technology will be rolled out in more than a dozen countries, including Australia, Canada, Singapore and the United States.

The A.I. software will become practically omnipresent — inside the news feed, in search bars and in chats with friends. People will be able to ask the assistant, Meta A.I., for help in completing tasks and getting information, such as what concerts might be occurring in San Francisco on a Saturday night or the best options for vegan enchiladas in New York.

Meta A.I. is powered by LLaMA 3, the company’s newest and most powerful large language model, an A.I. technology that can generate prose, conduct conversations and create images.

define medical assistant essay

“With LLaMA 3, Meta A.I. will now be the most intelligent freely available assistant,” Mr. Zuckerberg said in an interview. “And because we’ve reached the quality level we want, we’re now going to make it much more prominent and easier to use across all our apps.”

The effort is Meta’s biggest rollout of products that include powerful A.I. technology. The social networking giant started weaving generative A.I. into its apps last year in a limited capacity, debuting a series of A.I.-powered chatbots and characters that could conduct conversations with users in September. But this new initiative exceeds that in scope and aim, placing A.I. products into the most visible and most used parts of Meta’s apps.

Other tech giants are also plugging A.I. into their products, as Silicon Valley start-ups raise billions of dollars to build A.I.-powered apps and services that they believe will define the next phase of computing.

Last year, Microsoft incorporated OpenAI’s ChatGPT into the software giant’s Bing search engine. Google has integrated A.I. into products like Docs, Gmail and Google Search. Start-ups such as Perplexity and Anthropic are also aiming to get more A.I.-powered products and services to consumers.

Meta’s efforts stand out because of the sheer scale of its products, which are used by nearly four billion people globally every month. It is also one of the few companies to “open source” most of the A.I. technology they are building, which means that anyone can look at the underlying tech and use it to build products or services for free.

  • Meta A.I.'s new group chat features. Meta
  • Meta A.I.'s new WhatsApp features. Meta
  • Meta A.I.'s new Facebook features. Meta

Mr. Zuckerberg said the new A.I. rollout was part of Meta’s historical “playbook” of adding a feature to its apps “when we felt it was ready.” He pointed to products like Stories and Reels, two video and image products that appeared in Instagram, and how those were later amalgamated into Facebook and WhatsApp.

When ChatGPT arrived in late 2022 , wowing people with the way it answered questions, wrote term papers and generated computer code, the tech industry raced to build similar technology — even as the tools sometimes made mistakes and generated untruths.

Because of such flaws, OpenAI and other leading A.I. companies said they would not open source the underlying technology that powered these chatbots. (The New York Times has sued OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming copyright infringement of news content related to A.I. systems.)

Meta took a different tack. It open sourced the first version of LLaMA in February 2023, before releasing a more powerful version less than six months later. Other companies have followed, including Google and a prominent French start-up, Mistral . By open sourcing the technology, independent researchers and engineers everywhere can help spot problems in the technology and improve it, the companies have said.

“We have always believed in this principle and are happy to see that the industry is embracing the power of open source and the positive possibilities it can create,” Ahmad Al-Dahle, Meta’s vice president of generative A.I., said in an interview.

Mr. Dahle said LLaMA 3 had shown vast improvements over Meta’s previous large language models, calling it “significantly better” than what people were used to.

Meta has also fine-tuned the A.I. model to make it slightly less conservative in the type of questions Meta A.I. will answer, meaning the assistant will be less likely to refuse to answer some questions. In the past, Meta, Microsoft and others aimed to limit their chatbots from discussing third-rail topics like politics, religion and medical advice, fearing repercussions from political or interest groups.

To attract users, Meta will also add a faster image-generation technology into the A.I. assistant, and later plans to incorporate the A.I. tech into its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

The challenge will be to convince people that the new assistants can be useful. Meta is working on helping people learn what kind of questions they can ask the assistants to bring them to life, Mr. Dahle said.

“Despite how prevalent these A.I. have become, there’s still an education factor on how to interact with an A.I.,” he said.

Like most of Meta’s products, the new assistants are free to use — and likely difficult to avoid if you are a regular user of the company’s apps.

Meta’s executives don’t appear worried about A.I. saturation. “We’re excited to share our next-generation assistant with even more people and can’t wait to see how it enhances people’s lives,” the company said.

Mike Isaac is a technology correspondent for The Times based in San Francisco. He regularly covers Facebook and Silicon Valley. More about Mike Isaac

Cade Metz writes about artificial intelligence, driverless cars, robotics, virtual reality and other emerging areas of technology. More about Cade Metz

Explore Our Coverage of Artificial Intelligence

News  and Analysis

Saudi Arabia is plowing money into glitzy events, computing power and artificial intelligence research, putting it in the middle of an escalating  U.S.-China struggle for technological influence.

Microsoft gave more signs that its hefty investments in A.I.  were beginning to bear fruit, as it reported a 17 percent jump in revenue and a 20 percent increase in profit for the first three months of the year.

Meta projected that revenue for the current quarter  would be lower than what Wall Street anticipated and said it would spend billions of dollars more on its artificial intelligence efforts, even as it reported robust revenue and profits for the first three months of the year.

The Age of A.I.

A new category of apps promises to relieve parents of drudgery, with an assist from A.I . But a family’s grunt work is more human, and valuable, than it seems.

Despite Mark Zuckerberg’s hope for Meta’s A.I. assistant to be the smartest , it struggles with facts, numbers and web search.

Much as ChatGPT generates poetry, a new A.I. system devises blueprints for microscopic mechanisms  that can edit your DNA.

Could A.I. change India’s elections? Avatars are addressing voters by name, in whichever of India’s many languages they speak. Experts see potential for misuse  in a country already rife with disinformation.

Which A.I. system writes the best computer code or generates the most realistic image? Right now, there’s no easy way to answer those questions, our technology columnist writes .

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Global Medical Assistance offers service filling to insurance companies for insurance of critical diseases, and also reduction of expenses due to use of means of both compulsory and voluntary medical insurance.

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COMMENTS

  1. Medical Assistant Essay Examples

    Being A Medical Assistant Essay A medical assistant is a professional, multi-skilled person who is dedicated to assisting in all aspects of the medical practice. Medical assistants work directly under the physician's supervision and responsibility. Medical assistants should consistently work hard, be loyal to their physician, be a

  2. Why I Choose Medical Assistant [Admission Essay Example]

    Choosing to become a medical assistant was not a decision I made lightly. It was the result of personal experiences, academic pursuits, and a genuine passion for helping others. Through my dedication to patient care, continuous learning, and career aspirations, I am confident that I can make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and ...

  3. What Is a Medical Assistant?

    Earn a medical assistant certification by taking an exam. Recertify every five years by taking an exam or completing continuing education activities. Some medical assistants complete high school and then gain on-the-job training instead of completing a medical assistant program. Depending on where you live, you may need a medical assistant license.

  4. Medical Assistants: What do they do?

    Medical assistant administrative duties. These may include: Greeting patients. Answering phones and scheduling appointments. Filing and updating medical records. Coding and completing insurance ...

  5. Importance of Being a Medical Assistant

    Medical assistants play a crucial role in supporting healthcare professionals, ensuring the smooth operation of medical facilities, and providing essential care to patients. This essay will explore the importance of being a medical assistant, examining the various responsibilities they undertake, the impact they have on the healthcare system ...

  6. What Does a Medical Assistant Do? Job Overview

    Medical assistants, or certified medical assistants, are essential members of the healthcare team. They fulfill both administrative tasks and patient care duties, acting as liaisons between patients and the physician or medical staff. They can work anywhere from laboratories to college health centers, and they take on responsibilities ranging ...

  7. AAMA

    What Is a Medical Assistant? Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. In Demand | Medical assisting is one of the nation's careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics ...

  8. What Does a Medical Assistant Do? A Closer Look at This Caring Career

    Health Sciences Blog. Health Sciences. What Does a Medical Assistant Do? A Closer Look at This Caring Career. By Brianna Flavin on 03/01/2019. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content.

  9. Medical Assistant Essays (Examples)

    The initial cost of investment for Proposal 2 was $50,000 putting the total budget deficit for Proposal 2,-year 1 at $200,000. Total costs for year two are $1,350,000 while gross revenue reaches $1,425,000. This presents a positive cash flow of $75,000 however because of the loss of $200,000 in year one, net profits for year two are negative at ...

  10. Medical assistant

    A medical assistant, also known as a "clinical assistant" or healthcare assistant in the US is an allied health professional who supports the work of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health professionals, usually in a clinic setting. Medical assistants can become certified through an accredited program. Medical assistants perform routine tasks and procedures in a ...

  11. Why do You Want to Be a Medical Assistant? 9 Interview Answers

    9 Answers to The Interview Question "Why do You Want to Be a Medical Assistant". Answer 1: Passion for Healthcare: I have a deep-rooted passion for healthcare and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Becoming a medical assistant gives me the opportunity to directly contribute to the well-being and comfort of ...

  12. Being A Medical Assistant Essay

    List and define five medical office specialist's job titles and responsibilities Medical Office Assistant Define: Usually a certified person who work alongside the physician in an outpatient or ambulatory care setting. Discuss: This position entails administrative duties such as scheduling patient's appointments, compile and record medical ...

  13. What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

    Both LPNs and medical assistants work under a practicing doctor or nurse. Medical assistants may help administer medication and assist a doctor during an exam, which is like LPNs, but they have differing responsibilities. In some states, LPNs can insert catheters, administer intravenous drips and even assist in the delivery of an infant.

  14. Why I Want to Be a Medical Assistant (Essay Samples)

    I understand why it's so crucial to update patient charts and to be able to report to doctors accurately. I am also a structured person and thrive in following a consistent process to the letter. I also want to be in the medical field. All of these personal characteristics and passions are what made me decide to become a medical assistant.

  15. 5 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant

    Medical Assistants organize patient's charts, arrange for hospital admissions, order prescriptions through the pharmacy, and clean the exam rooms between patients. Medical Assistants are hands-on health workers, providing direct care to patients. A tolerant, patient, and caring manner is important for these workers.

  16. Medical assistant Essay Samples

    Words: 650 (3 pages) A Medical Assistant (MA) plays a vital role in the healthcare team, handling administrative tasks, assisting in exams, and working in the physician office lab. They act as a crucial link between doctors and patients, ensuring the success of the medical practice. Pursuing a career as an MA comes with distinct benefits ...

  17. 10 Skills and Qualities of a Good Medical Assistant

    If you have the following qualities of a good medical assistant, you might find that this job is a perfect fit for you. Grace under pressure. Attention to detail. Excellent problem solving skills. Independence. Good communication. Thinking on your feet. Top-notch writing skills. Social savvy.

  18. Essay On Medical Assistant

    Becoming A Medical Assistant Essay The medical profession I've recently decided to pursue was a certified medical assistant. You will need some type of plan before you decide to pursue in anything.

  19. Medical Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2024]

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  20. Medical Office Assistant Certifications To Consider (With FAQs)

    Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, the CMA certification covers a wide array of clinical and administrative tasks. While demanding higher eligibility standards, this certification may lead to accelerated career advancement career advancement and specialized job opportunities. Certified ...

  21. What the New Overtime Rule Means for Workers

    The department's final rule, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024, will increase the standard salary level that helps define and delimit which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay protections under the FLSA.

  22. PDF The ACTR National Post-Secondary Russian Essay Contest Instructions for

    All essays must be submitted as specified here: 1. Group the essays by Category AND Level, e.g., A1, B3, C2, etc. 2. Scan the essays in the same group, such as A1, as ONE single PDF file, and save it with a file name exactly like this: A1 Essays_[YOUR INSTITUTION], e.g. A1 Essays_Moscow State University. This file should contain only the A1 essays

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  24. About us

    GMA.LIFE patients receive assistance from the best certified and graduate doctors. This guarantees the diagnosis accuracy, a serious reduction in the treatment time and the selection of effective, personalized methods for fighting the disease. Global Medical Assistance offers service filling to insurance companies for insurance of critical ...

  25. Faculty of Pharmacy

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  26. Physician assistant joins Moscow Medical

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