Occupational Exposure - MA
Students planning to enter the Medical Assistant program are advised that as a health care provider they are at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens. Tasks and procedures performed by the health care professional involve risks classified by the Center for Disease Control in the following way:
- Category I – Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply.
- Category II – Activities performed without blood exposure but exposure may occur in emergencies.
- Category III – Task/activity does not entail predictable or unpredictable exposure to blood.
Everett Community College Medical Assisting Program Occupational Risks
Medical Assisting is a profession with many rewards, as practitioners can perform administrative and clinical services, filling several roles in various healthcare environments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics clearly outlines that it is a growth field, with an anticipated 18% growth from 2020 to 2030.
Medical Assistants work directly with providers and patients to provide healthcare and ensure patient safety. It is a position with a great deal of responsibility.
As with any healthcare position, there are certain occupational risks that come into play with being a medical assistant, and those hazards include the following:
- Exposure to infectious diseases
- Sharps injuries
- Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards
- Chemical and drupg exposure
- Ergonomic hazards from lifting, sitting, and repetitive tasks
- Latex allergies
- Stress
At the same time, there are protections set up with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which are fundamental within a healthcare environment. OSHA has a series of standards that protect the safety of healthcare workers and patients.
Accredited medical assisting programs are required to teach students about the hazards they face on the job and the protocols that can be implemented to ensure a workplace culture that prioritizes safety