A medical assistant is a multi-skilled allied health care professional that specializes in procedures commonly performed in the ambulatory health care setting.  The medical assistant performs both clinical and administrative duties and assists a variety of providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.  They typically work in medical offices, clinics, urgent care centers and may work in general medicine or specialty practices.

Common duties of a medical assistant include administrative and clinical tasks like:

• checking patients in and out upon arrival and departure
• answering phone calls and questions
• assisting providers with exams and procedures
• administering injections or medications
• working in the electronic health record (EHR)
• performing EKG, phlebotomy, and laboratory procedures
• taking patient vital signs