Kettering College - Pacemaker Yearbook (Kettering, OH)

Page 32 text:

As the private practice of medicine became more complex, the physician came to rely upon the help of allied medical person- nel to assist in providing scientific medical services to an increasing number of patients. Now, to aug- ment this team, to relieve the physician of the routine respon- sibilities of running an office and to assist in patient care, the doctor looks to the medical assistant. The assistant must have a broad, general knowledge of the principles of medicine and an in- telligent understanding of the treatment as prescribed by the doctor. The assistant is trained to per- form a number of routine func- tions in the area of business, office procedures, nursing and laboratory techniques to an extent that can serve the common office needs of most doctors. Because the medical assistant is the doctor’s patient and public relations officer the medical assis- tant must create a good impression with warmth, dignity and a profes- sional attitude.

Page 34 text:

Medical assisting is a program which qualifies its students to per- form all routine clinical and business functions in a doctors office. In the first year a broad basis from which the M.A. must function is presented. This includes most of the general education requirements, basic sciences and an introduction in- to patient care. Considerable skill is obtained in typing and medical transcription during the year. Building on the first year the second year courses provide practical application with the use of many laboratory courses. Office ad- ministration is taught in courses such as accounting, office practice and medical office management. An understanding of the diseases, com- monly seen in the doctors office and the treatment of these diseases comes through courses such as survey of medicine, pharmacology, physical ex- aminiation and introduction to med. laboratory. Upon satisfactory completion the student may sit for the certification exam. This year the M.A. program will graduate their last class. The reason for this is that too many doctors are willing to hi re M.A.’s with only technical skills who have three to six months training rather than the broader education of a two-year col- lege degree.