Medical assistants are among the unsung heroes in the healthcare industry who help keep medical facilities operating smoothly and efficiently. These professionals balance their clinical duties with administrative tasks to enhance patient care and operational efficacy.
If you’re aspiring to pursue this career to fast-track your medical career, Texas is one of the best places to be. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas employed the second-highest number of medical assistants in May 2023, coming second only to California.
Medical assistants are also held to certain standards you must be aware of. Before we delve into the scope of practice and standard of care for medical assistants in Texas, it helps first to understand who they are and their role in our healthcare system.
What Is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants are multi-skilled professionals who provide administrative and clinical support to ensure smooth operations within medical facilities.
Medical Assistants can perform a wide range of tasks, and their versatility and efficiency are vital in facilitating quality patient care. They also often serve as essential liaisons between patients and healthcare providers.
Becoming a medical assistant in Texas lets you embark on a rewarding career path that offers stability and growth opportunities within the healthcare sector. However, there are duties you must be prepared to undertake and guidelines you must follow in this line of work, as with any other role in healthcare.
Standard of Care for Medical Assistants: The Duties and Responsibilities of Medical Assistants in Texas
The standard of care refers to the level and type of care an average, prudent, similarly qualified medical assistant would provide in similar circumstances. It serves as a guide to ensure that all patients receive consistent, competent, and safe care.
According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), medical assistants in Texas are expected to perform a range of clinical duties under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. These include the following:
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Recording patients’ medical history
- Drawing blood for tests
- Administering medications as directed
- Assisting physicians in minor surgical procedures
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens.
In addition to clinical tasks, medical assistants are often responsible for administrative duties that include the following:
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Managing the physician’s calendar
- Maintaining medical records
- Billing and coding for insurance purposes
- Answering phones and providing patient assistance
- Coordinating with other healthcare professionals
Other Ethical and Legal Guidelines Medical Assistants Must Follow
Medical assistants are expected to do the following to uphold the standard of care:
- Remain within the scope of their training and competencies to ensure patient safety and welfare.
- Use equipment and perform procedures following established protocols.
- Document all medical records and notes accurately and promptly to ensure they reflect the true nature of patient care and comply with legal standards.
- Ensure patient information remains private, following the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Provide care to all patients regardless of age, gender, race, or socio-economic status.
How To Become a Medical Assistant
In Texas, there are specific steps you must follow to launch your career as a medical assistant. Here, we discuss the five fundamental steps to achieving this rewarding career.
- Obtain a High School Diploma or GED
Before you embark on specialized medical assisting training, you must complete your basic educational foundation by obtaining a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. This is crucial as it prepares you for the academic requirements you’ll encounter in specialized training programs.
- Complete a Medical Assisting Training Program
The next step is to enroll in a medical assisting training program. Texas has numerous accredited institutions offering certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees in medical assisting.
You will cover various subjects during your training, including medical ethics, medical codes, patient relations, and insurance forms. Clinical aspects of your education will include instruction in administering medications, taking vital signs, drawing blood, performing electrocardiograms, evaluating routine laboratory tests, and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
- Earn a Medical Assisting Professional Certification
Although Texas does not require certification for medical assistants, obtaining professional certification can significantly improve your job prospects and credibility.
Leading certifications for medical assistants are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists.These certifications are recognized by major hospitals and other medical facilities across the United States; thereby, opening medical assistants to better job opportunities and security.
Other medical assistant certifications you can pursue in Texas include:
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Apply for Jobs
With your certification, you’re ready to enter the job market. Create a compelling resume highlighting your education, certification, and any relevant experience. Be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to showcase how your skills match the position you are applying for.
Utilize online job boards, healthcare career fairs, and the career services department of your training program to find job openings. At Texas Health School, we offer job placement assistance to connect our graduates with potential job opportunities and prospective employers.
- Maintain Your Certifications
Once you’re employed as a medical assistant in Texas, you must maintain your certification by fulfilling any continuing education requirements. This ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest practices in medical assisting and continue to provide the best possible care to patients.
Of course, maintaining your certification also signals to employers that you are committed to the profession and your personal growth within it.
Take Your Medical Assistant Program at Texas Health School
If you’re interested in pursuing this rewarding career, selecting the right training program is a significant first step. At Texas Health School, we offer a medical assistant program designed to help you become an asset to any medical team.
Our program is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the job’s administrative and clinical aspects. With our Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)-accredited institution, comprehensive curricula, flexible hybrid schedule, and hands-on training opportunities, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the demands of this essential role.
Get in touch today to learn more about our programs or make an appointment to visit. We’d love to prepare you for your next career step.