A Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant

Recently, the AJC cited healthcare as one of the fastest growing industries in Georgia. Coupled with the aging population, there will continue to be an increased need of skilled medical technicians — especially medical assistants. We were able to gather invaluable insight into this exciting profession from three of our Medical Assisting Certificate instructors.

Meet the Instructors

Paula Harper is a certified medical assistant with WellStar Health System’s internal medical.

Kia Redwine is clinical management consultant for pediatrics for WellStar Health System. She is also a certified medical assistant and a nurse.

Jackie Hayes is a retired clinical nurse administrator with 43 years of nursing experience including staff nursing, hospital education and nursing administration and 20 years in clinical management for large medical group. She is currently working part-time as an ethics educator in advance care planning.

What is a typical day like as a medical assistant?

Harper: A typical day for me is busy, exciting, and I am always learning something new.

Redwine: As a medical assistant, one can expect to be very busy. Customer service, quality assurance, point-of-care testing, multi-tasking, patient instructions, pre-requisitions, insurance claims, billing, collections, and the coordination of care are all aspects of the work on any given day.

What are the most important aspects of the knowledge you’ve obtained in the real world, and how are they applied to training your students?

Harper: My experience as a medical assistant in the medical field is my most important aspect because it allows me to give more to the students. This is something I do every day.

Redwine: I want my students to know more than I do.  I encourage them to learn more, to critically think, and be prepared for an allied healthcare field that is ever-changing.

Medical assisting is a profession with an expected growth rate of 29% according to the U.S. Department of Labor. We have much to do and the medical field needs well-trained medical assistants to continue in the advancement of high-quality care.

Hayes: Having worked closely with physicians, office managers, front office and billing staff as well as clinical staff in many different specialties of a large medical practice, I feel I can relay the theory and the practice behind the clinical, operational and financial aspects of the physician office setting. I try to share reality of the practice setting with the clinical knowledge and skill competency information.  I also try to include the caring, service and communication components along with the science and procedural aspects.

Share what your teaching role is in our Medical Assisting Certificate program.

Harper: As an instructor it is my job to train students on how to do various procedures in the front and back office such as EKGs, injections, vital signs, history of the patient, chief complaint of the visit, and to work closely with physician, making appointments and making referrals.

Redwine: My role is to foster an atmosphere of educational growth. KSU may be the first step in a student’s quest for knowledge, but it is not the last. We strive to develop lifelong learning. It is exceptional to see others develop their own professional motto.

Hayes: My role is clinical instructor. With many years of experience as a clinical leader for medical assistants in practice, I can jump in and help wherever there is a need. I have taught anatomy and physiology and clinical procedures courses.

What do students gain from the KSU’s Medical Assisting program that they wouldn’t in other programs?

Harper: KSU’s Medical Assisting program is unique and will give the students what they need to be successful in medical field.

Redwine: KSU students get diversity in the instructors, an educational support team that works hard to see their success, and an education that opens the doors of opportunity.

Hayes: A variety of instructors who are still directly involved with delivery of healthcare and practice as well as teaching it. Exposure to academic environment and other students in different fields of healthcare as well other careers. Collaboration on many levels with WellStar Health System as an education partner.

You Can Do It
Intrigued to know more? We have a free Medical Assisting information session at our upcoming Open House. Meet the instructors, learn about your financial aid options and take advantage of a 10% course discount coupon. Our next class begins in October.