Genre Analysis (rough draft)

Julie Griesinger

Professor Ruth Benander

English 289: Intermediate English

2 May 2011

Genre Analysis (rough draft)

            In comparing the popular and professional perceptions, there is a completely different view on the medical assisting program.  Most professionals agree that “Medical assistants are the invisible blue of primary health care practices in the United States.” In the popular perception, most “people on the street” are critical of what the medical assistant does. They are nothing more than office workers that can be trained on the job. In Yahoo Answers “Why do people say a Medical Assistant Degree is a scam,” is also a major concern for students who are interested in a Medical Assisting career. Although the popular perception agree that Medical Assistants are nothing more than office workers, MA’s play a significant role for the physician and patient in the workplace.

            Popular audience feels it’s a waste of education and money to get a college degree in this career.  Medical assistant’s have blogged that others tell them that some of the programs are actually a real scam. Many have specifically warned about bogus diplomas and accreditation mills that just take your money without giving you a legitimate degree. There are many government and consumer protection agencies that tell you that the diploma mills are disservice to the public. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that the education you receive is provided by an institution of higher education and that it meets acceptable levels of quality.  An educated consumer will always research a school first.  Employers will always make sure they recognize the college you have listed on your resume when you apply for a job. The ABHES states: “Be a smart consumer and look before you leap.” Individuals who are enrolled in the MA program know that the CAAHP websites prove that Medical Assisting is an accredited program. If people enroll in costly programs that cost $30,000 or more then they are most likely being scammed. It is a legitimate and worthwhile program; it’s those career colleges that give it a bad name.  I think that most people, who are not educated in what the medical assistant does, do not understand the requirements and obligations that come with this program.  Well educated medical assistants have taken on much more today than many years ago. They work directly with the physician and patients to establish a good healthcare worker/patient relationship.  The MA’s skills that are being taught in today’s colleges are close to what the practical nurse is being taught.  A skilled medical assistant can make a good salary in any healthcare facility if they are certified

            There is a significant difference between these two genres.  The popular audience feels that the MA is a nonessential person and that anyone off the street can do the job, whereas the professional audience knows that the MA is an important asset to any healthcare facility. They are the physician’s personal assistant and without them, their business would not run smoothly. The professional indicates a more positive point of view for the medical assistant. The professional understands that MA’s are making a difference in the workplace.  They know that MA’ are trained in skills that “people off the street” cannot perform without the proper degree and certification.  The professional demands certification so that they know they are getting a well-educated and qualified MA. A professional will tell you that the Medical Assistant’s attitude is friendly and they possess outstanding communication skills.  Doctors expect the MA to be reliable, skillful, efficient, and trustworthy.  There are many challenges that come with Medical Assisting that only a well-educated MA can handle.  Many professionals also say that Medical Assistants are concerned health workers who make life in the healthcare field much easier.  Most potential employers consider a certified MA an asset to any healthcare facility and without them they could not run a successful practice.