By Josh Dalrymple, graduate of the Medical Assisting program at Peninsula College.
I finished the Medical Assisting program at Peninsula College with an AAS degree and with NCCT and CMA AAMA credentials. I have worked at North Olympic Healthcare Network (NOHN) for a little over two years as a Medical Assistant (MA).
Although my workload does not change much from day to day at NOHN, my location does. This variety adds a little excitement to the workweek. During a typical day, I open rooms, stock shelves, room patients, write referrals, review MyChart messages, field phone calls and messages, submit documentation for refills, input new patients’ health history into our electronic medical records, and perform point-of-care tasks like urine analysis, strep tests, rapid COVID tests, pregnancy tests, and drug screens.
When rooming a patient, I review their health history, gain vitals, and document their symptoms. I may also set up and assist in procedures, administer vaccines and medications, and perform eye exams, diabetic foot screenings, or EKGs. I may also perform wound care, like cleaning and dressing wounds or suture or staple removal. My evenings consist of reviewing upcoming appointments and paperwork.
During school, my biggest challenge was balancing a full-time job. But the program allows for a busy life and was flexible enough for me to not have any issues with childcare. Finances were not an issue. WorkSource helped me navigate financial needs for school and they even helped with required apparel and tools for my schooling. PC Financial Aid stepped in with purchasing books. I left with a two-year degree with practically no out-of-pocket cost!
I highly recommend the Medical Assisting Program at Peninsula College for anyone looking to get into healthcare. They have an amazing facility and consistently introduce remarkable employees to the field. I am blessed to have completed my schooling there. The quality of instructional tools and professional atmosphere helped shape my skills and expertise.
To learn more about the Peninsula College Medical Assisting Program, visit pencol.edu/medical-assisting.
