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Efficient, patient-centered care is an essential approach for any medical clinic. Since the demand for functional medicine is rising, having the right staffing approach for a wellness clinic is critical.
Medical assistants (MAs) are versatile healthcare professionals who support clinical and administrative operations in medical settings. In functional and naturopathic clinics, they can dramatically improve efficiency, compliance, and patient satisfaction.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to adding medical assistants to your wellness clinic. It covers their roles, certification requirements, and hiring strategies tailored for integrative healthcare environments.
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Understanding the role of medical assistants in wellness clinics
Medical assistants are integral components of wellness clinics, playing several roles.
What’s a medical assistant?
MAs are staff members who assist with lab testing, providing education, administering medications (where permitted), and scheduling. They can also help practice efficiency and workflow by taking patients back to their rooms and helping prepare them for their medical visits.
The education, responsibilities, and training requirements of different office personnel vary. Most wellness clinics have a mix of MAs, registered nurses (RNs), and office administrators on staff. Understanding the distinctions between these roles can help improve your practice and assist in making staffing decisions.
Key responsibilities in a wellness setting
MAs have varied responsibilities in a wellness clinic. Their clinical duties typically include updating the patient’s medical record, taking vital signs (such as blood pressure), assisting in medical examinations, and giving medications (scope of practice varies by state).
MAs often draw blood as well (phlebotomy). They can usually perform an electrocardiogram but cannot interpret or communicate the results to the patient.
On the administrative side, MAs also schedule appointments, call patients, put medical information into the chart, and maintain supply inventory. Active listening and patient education are essential aspects of holistic care. Medical assistants can provide support to contribute to a personal, patient-centered environment.
Legal scope of practice and state regulations
There are state-by-state differences in the scope of practice for medical assistants.
Delegation and supervision laws
Key differences include the ability to administer medications, supervision guidelines (MD vs. RN), and liability considerations. Refer to the state guidelines for your practice before integrating a medical assistant into your practice.
What MAs can and cannot do
It’s essential to understand a medical assistant’s legal responsibilities. They should not be confused with similar-sounding professions, such as physician assistants, who can prescribe medication and analyze results.
Certification, education, and training
Here are some clarifying points about what it takes to become a medical assistant.
Do MAs need to be certified?
While not mandated in most states, certification can improve hiring potential and ensure a higher level of training. Certification typically involves meeting the education requirements and passing the necessary testing.
Major certifying bodies
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers certification for MAs after graduation from a “postsecondary medical assisting program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.”
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers MA certification if a candidate has a high school diploma or GED and has completed a medical assistant training program within the past five years.
They also offer certification if the candidate has a GED/high school diploma and one year of supervised work experience within three years or two years of experience in the last five years.
They state the benefits of certification include “fulfilling employer requirements, accessing better career opportunities, maximizing earning potential, and enhancing knowledge and skills.”
American Medical Technologists (AMT) also offers a registered medical assistant (RMA) certification. Requirements include graduation from an accredited MA program within the past four years, 720 hours of instruction, and final transcripts showing graduation.
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) also offers independent credentialing and testing for MAs. Its eligibility criteria include current student status and work experience, and it offers a military pathway to certification.
Meeting the criteria and passing the test for this organization earns the candidate an NCMA certification.
Educational pathways
There are multiple paths to becoming a medical assistant. The choice between curricula depends on background and preference.
Some medical assistants have a high school diploma. If a high schooler is interested in medical assisting, they should take biology and chemistry for medical background knowledge. A course in human anatomy would also benefit their future career opportunities.
Some medical assistants pursue an associate’s degree, typically taking one to two years to complete. These programs include a more in-depth study of human anatomy and pharmacology (how medications work) and an internship.
Essential skills for a medical assistant student to develop include:
Empathy
Attention to detail
Emotional intelligence
Interpersonal communication skills
Critical thinking
Hiring medical assistants for a wellness clinic
Here are some considerations when considering hiring a medical assistant.
Unique needs of integrative practices
Wellness practices, including those rooted in functional medicine, often emphasize a personalized and preventive approach to care. MAs working in these settings benefit from understanding holistic care under clinical supervision.
They should be comfortable educating patients about lifestyle changes and nutrition under the guidance of their supervising medical provider.
Interview and assessment strategies
When interviewing a potential medical assistant to hire for your practice, it’s essential to assess if they align with your clinic’s values and staff culture.
The interview process can help determine a candidate’s communication skills and have them shadow at the clinic for the day. Asking the candidate to act out a potential scenario at the practice, such as providing patient education, can give the hiring manager a good feel for their skills and personality.
All potential staff for a medical practice should understand the details and importance of preserving patient privacy through HIPAA laws.
Additionally, a working knowledge of medical technology, including quickly learning your electronic health record (EHR), is a vital aspect of the interview process.
Onboarding, training, and professional development
Clear contracts and role descriptions are vital for any business when onboarding a new employee.
Building role clarity
Communicating expectations can help ensure the success of both the employee and the employer. Organized onboarding (initial job training) can also ensure the well-being and efficiency of the new staff member.
Providing a handbook for practice values, protocols, and staff expectations allows for better understanding and future reference.
Training modules
Providing staff with training modules when they start and then yearly thereafter can enhance clinical competency. Common training module subjects include clinical scenarios, technology and documentation, and patient communication skills.
Educational handouts about lifestyle medicine subjects can also increase employees’ knowledge base.
Retention and growth
Preventing burnout and supporting employee well-being should be integrated into every medical practice. Employing these strategies can help employee retention and satisfaction. Additionally, continuing education opportunities should be offered to employees to increase their knowledge and expand their career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about medical assisting.
What qualifications should a medical assistant have for a wellness clinic?
A medical assistant applying to work in a wellness clinic should have a high school diploma or an associate’s degree. Obtaining a medical assistant certification can help improve pay and job prospects.
Can a medical assistant interpret lab results?
No, analyzing lab results and interpreting them for the patient is outside the scope of practice for a medical assistant.
Is certification necessary for a medical assistant in my state?
Certification laws for medical assistants by state can be accessed on the American Association of Medical Assistants website.
What’s the difference between a certified and a non-certified MA?
A certified medical assistant has completed additional testing by a certification body and met the organization’s educational requirements.
How do MAs support patient-centered care in integrative medicine?
Medical assistants trained in integrative care can support the delivery of patient-centered services by facilitating communication, assisting in lifestyle education under supervision, and helping ensure smooth clinical workflows.
Key takeaways
Medical assistants support healthcare providers by performing clinical tasks, including taking vital signs, drawing blood, and updating patient records.
They also assist with administrative duties, including scheduling appointments, managing inventory, and communicating with patients.
Scope-of-practice laws for medical assistants vary by state, so it’s crucial to understand local regulations.
While certification is not always required, hiring certified medical assistants can enhance the quality and credibility of care provided.
Becoming a medical assistant typically involves completing a postsecondary training program and developing strong communication and critical thinking skills.
In wellness or functional medicine settings, hiring medical assistants who align with the clinic’s values and work well in team-based care models is essential.
Providing clear job descriptions, proper onboarding, and ongoing professional development helps medical assistants remain engaged and effective in their roles.
As the wellness industry grows, MAs will be at the center of patient experience when empowered, trained, and valued.
Subscribe to our newsletter for hiring guides, or explore our EHR onboarding toolkit for wellness clinics.
Ready to start delivering better patient care?
Join 100,000 healthcare providers who rely on Fullscript to dispense top-quality supplements and labs to their patients.
The information in this article is intended for healthcare practitioners for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for informed medical, legal, or financial advice. Practitioners should rely on their own professional training and judgement, and consult appropriate legal, financial, or clinical experts when necessary.
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