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Medical Assistant
Occupation Code: 3256
Alternative titles: Clinical Assistant, Doctor’s Assistant, Ward Assistant
Number of employees (2017)
157
Share of foreigners (2017)
28%
Job Outlook (2018 - 2022)
+16%
Median Pay (per annum)
€20,700
Job description and duties
Medical Assistants support medical professionals by performing clinical and administrative tasks under the direct supervision of a Medical Practitioner or other health professional. A Medical Assistant is typically expected to:
• Record and document patient medical history
• Prepare patients for examination by a Medical Doctor
• Prepare collected tissue and blood samples for inspection
• Perform general administrative tasks (including scheduling of appointments)
• Remove old bandages and redress wounds
• Inspect instruments and machinery
• Sterilise equipment, dispose of unwanted
substances and replace used supplies
Work environment
Medical Assistants work in the private sector in a variety of settings including hospitals, doctors’ offices, health clinics and other institutions. This
role may also be offered on shift basis. Medical Assistants may be required to work during weekends and public holidays.
Occupation data
Entry level education / special licences / warrants
To work as a Medical Assistant, a qualification at MQF Level 4 or higher is required. Training programmes include:
• Advanced Diploma in Health Sciences (MCAST) (MQF Level 4)
Training programmes typically include an element of practice.
Additionally, Medical Assistants may require:
• A clean Police Conduct Certificate
• A Vaccination Record that should include 2
MMR injections and 3 Hepatitis B injections
• A certificate in First Aid
For further details on specific entry requirements, it is advisable to consult the respective educational institution’s website.
Qualifications awarded by foreign bodies need to be recognised or pegged with a particular MQF Level by the MQRIC office within NCFHE.
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