According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height. | 95% |
| Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies. | 95% |
| Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients. | 94% |
| Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records. | 94% |
| Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean. | 93% |
| Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing. | 93% |
| Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician. | 92% |
| Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures. | 92% |
| Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses. | 91% |
| Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic. | 91% |
| Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms. | 90% |
| Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician. | 89% |
| Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies. | 88% |
| Change dressings on wounds. | 87% |
| Schedule appointments for patients. | 84% |
| Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment. | 82% |
| Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission. | 80% |
| Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests. | 79% |
| Set up medical laboratory equipment. | 74% |
| Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients. | 71% |
