A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs both administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office to help ensure that a medical practice runs smoothly. They work independently after which they have obtained the minimum degree of neccessary competency to safeguard the public,and also work under the direction of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.  Some of the responsibilities of a medical assistant include:Patient carePreparing patients for exams, taking vital signs, and assisting during examsAdministrative tasksScheduling appointments, entering patient information into medical records, and transmitting prescription refillsLaboratory workCollecting and preparing laboratory specimens, and performing basic laboratory testsMedicationPreparing and administering medications, including injections and vaccinationsWound careChanging dressings and providing wound careExplaining proceduresExplaining treatment procedures to patients and instructing patients about medication and special diets  Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings, including doctors' offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, labs, and dialysis centers.