Would a medical assistant be trained to insert catheters into patients?

Simply stated: it depends on the setting that you are in. More specifically, yes and no. Yes, you would be TRAINED in your PA (Physician’s Assistant) coursework. No you would not use that training if you were a PA in the usual sense (in a doctor’s office). Yes, you would do it if you were a PA at a hospital.

First-off: it must be clearly understood: medical assistants MUST always stay within their scope of practice. They must practice ONLY methods and procedures that are commonly accepted in their profession in which they were properly trained and supervised.

Medical Practice Act and the Board of Medical Examiners govern the practice of medicine to protect the health, safety, and well being of citizens! These boards have ruled that physicians are accountable for the actions of medical assistants under their employ.

Therefore a good place to start asking questions regarding the medical assistant’s scope of practice is the State Board of Medical Examiners. One can also check with their State Health Department and national recognized credentialing bodies for medical assistants such as AAMA and AMT.

Read more about what a medical assistant can and cannot do by utilizing the given links!!!