Medical assistants are a vital part of the healthcare system, working in physician’s offices and hospitals under the supervision of doctors. Generally, medical assistants do clinical and administrative tasks to help doctors with patient visits.
In most medical offices, a medical assistant will take vital signs, schedule appointments, prepare patient rooms, and update patient charts and medical records.
In California, there are certain invasive procedures that medical assistants are not allowed to do, such as administering chemotherapy, inserting a catheter, or administering medicine via IV.
Medical assistants must work under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. But can they do the duties that a phlebotomist would typically perform?
They can perform some phlebotomy duties as Medical Assistants.
What is Phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy is the act of removing blood from the body for medical examination, most often puncturing a vein in the arm with a needle. This is also known as venipuncture. Phlebotomists can also use finger pricks to draw small amounts of blood for samples. A phlebotomist may also draw blood for donation or transfusions.
Are Medical Assistants Allowed to Draw Blood?
Yes, medical assistants can perform venipunctures as long as they have met the minimum requirements for training in their respective state or region.
In California, medical assistants must complete at least 10 hours of venipuncture training before they are allowed to draw blood.
In Which States Can Medical Assistants Draw Blood?
Medical assistants have no restrictions on drawing blood or doing venipunctures, except for four states: California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington.
In California, medical assistants must complete at least 10 hours of venipuncture training.
Louisiana requires medical assistants to have a phlebotomy certification to draw blood.
In Nevada, medical assistants need a phlebotomy certification to do venipunctures and draw blood.
Medical assistants in Washington must complete a phlebotomy certification program to draw blood.
In every other state, medical assistants can draw blood without a phlebotomy certification.
All medical assistants across the US can only draw blood in a medical office under a physician’s license.
When Would a Medical Assistant Draw Blood?
There are many situations where a medical assistant might draw blood from a patient, including these:
· Collecting blood for donation
· Gathering blood samples for testing
· Monitoring levels of blood components
· Checking blood to diagnose a patient condition
Can Certified Phlebotomists Become Medical Assistants?
If you’re already a CPT-1 certified phlebotomist, you must complete a medical assistant training program and pass a certification exam to work as a medical assistant.
Become a Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy Certification
If you want to enter the medical field, you can earn your medical assistant certification and CPT I phlebotomy certification in 48 weeks at Campus Sacramento. The Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy Certification program prepares students to start your career in medical offices, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. You’ll earn the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification and Certified Phlebotomist Technician (CPT I) certification. If you’re interested in a healthcare career and want more information, contact our Admissions team today!