PCI
HEALTH TRAINING CENTER
RICHARDSON & DALLAS, TEXAS

American Medical Technologists National Medical Assistants Week

National Medical Assistants Week is October 17th to 23rd, 2005 and this year’s theme is "Medical Assistants: Dedicated to Making a Difference."

American Medical Technologists (AMT) will be observing National Medical Assistants Week October 17–21, 2005. Since 1984, AMT and others in the healthcare community have honored the vital role and the professional excellence that medical assistants provide in the delivery of healthcare to patients. The 2005 theme, “Dedicated to Making a Difference” emphasizes their dedication as vital members of the healthcare team.

In addition to NMAW activities headed by AMT and its state societies, numerous hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and schools around the country will also celebrate the week with events to educate the public about health care and the role of medical assistants.

Medical Assistants certified by AMT as RMA’s must pass an exam and have the required education and experience to receive this professional certification. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who combines clinical and administrative responsibilities to assist in all aspects of medical practice in a physician office, hospital, clinic, government agency, or laboratory. Clinical functions include: taking vital signs, charting patient information, recording medical histories, performing routine tests, and applying dressings. Administrative duties include: scheduling appointments, billing and maintaining patient files. “Medical assistants have become essential to providing a professional and comforting atmosphere for patients. Their commitment to patient care is critical in today’s healthcare setting,” says Christopher A. Damon, J.D., Executive Director of AMT.

About American Medical Technologists: American Medical Technologists is a nationally recognized nonprofit certification agency and membership association representing over 32,000 individuals in allied health professions. Since 1939, AMT has been setting standards in allied health certification. AMT currently certifies the following professions: Medical and Dental Assistants, Medical Administrative Specialists, Phlebotomy Technicians, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Medical Technologists, Office Laboratory Technicians, Allied Health Instructors and Laboratory Consultants