In a women’s health setting, medical assistants play a vital role in the overall experience of the patient. From assisting patients with paperwork to helping doctors and nurses during exams, it’s safe to say that medical assistants make any practice whole. At Prism Career Institute, our Medical Assistant Program prepares our students to work in a variety of specialties, including Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN). Here’s a look at what you can expect if you’re hoping to join the workforce of OB/GYN medical assistants.
Education Requirements
First and foremost, OB/GYN medical assistants are required, at the minimum, to earn a high school diploma or GED certificate. But to stand out from a large pool of applicants, it is highly recommended to seek an associate’s degree or certificate. Prism Career Institute’s diploma program for future OB/GYN medical assistants features a robust curriculum that delivers the necessary training to excel in the field and includes:
- Heavy emphasis on medical terminology
- Foundational courses in biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology
- Coursework and hands-on demonstrations relating to clerical, clinical, and laboratory duties
Clinical Duties
Aside from obtaining the proper education, OB/GYN medical assistants must also prove proficiency in a wide range of clinical responsibilities in order to be hired. These duties are sometimes confused with those of a physician’s assistant, but medical assistants are not allowed to diagnose or treat patients, or issue prescriptions. Still, they will be expected to be able to handle routine tasks at a moment’s notice, such as:
- Administering medications
- Collecting a patient’s medical history
- Preparing the patient for their examination
- Measuring vital signs, like temperature and blood pressure
- Assisting the gynecologist or obstetrician during appointments
- Explaining to the patient what will happen during their exam, treatment, or procedure
- Performing laboratory tests like electrocardiograms (EKGs), sample collections, or blood draws
- Providing information to the patient about their medications, special diets, or anything else they’ve been prescribed
Administrative Duties
Also, OB/GYN medical assistants must be willing and able to perform an array of administrative duties. Though the scope of these responsibilities will vary depending on the employer’s size, location, and the state laws it follows, you can be expected to execute any of the following tasks:
- Scheduling appointments
- Answering emails and phone calls
- Welcoming patients at the front desk
- Coordinate laboratory services, hospital admissions, and insurance information
- Utilizing computer programs to update medical records and handle billing and bookkeeping
Start Your Career Journey Today
By completing our Medical Assistant Program, which is offered at our Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City campuses in New Jersey, you are putting yourself in a fantastic position to excel alongside fellow OB/GYN medical assistants.
If you’re still not sure if this is the right path for you, you can take our Prism Medical Assistant Career Readiness Quiz, which only takes a few minutes to complete and will provide you with a personalized report and readiness score. You can also learn about other medical assistant career opportunities spanning various specialties across the healthcare industry. For more information, contact Prism Career Institute, or if you’re ready to start your journey towards becoming an OB/GYN medical assistant, apply online today.