MFA: Responsibilities, Salary & Relief through Digitalization

What are the tasks of an MFA in various subject areas?

The tasks of an MFA are varied and can vary significantly depending on the subject area and work environment. MFA can be found in numerous medical disciplines, such as general medicine, pediatrics or dermatology. In specific areas, however, there are alternative names: In the dental sector, for example, we speak of ZFA (dental specialist). In the following, we take a brief look at the specific areas of responsibility of MFA in various disciplines:

Tasks of an MFA with a family doctor

In a general medical practice, MFA performs tasks that are both organizational and medical-technical. She is often the first point of contact for patients and ensures that everyday practice runs smoothly:

• Organizing appointments and taking care of patients at registration.
• Managing and maintaining medical records.
• Measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse and blood sugar.
• Preparation and assistance for minor procedures, such as wound care.
• Carrying out routine tests such as blood tests or ECGs.
• Ensuring the hygiene and sterilization of instruments.
• Care of patients before, during and after examinations.

Tasks of an MFA at an ophthalmologist

In ophthalmology, MFAs are responsible both for caring for patients and for assisting with technical and diagnostic procedures. Precise work and a good technical understanding play an important role:

• Carrying out eye tests and measuring intraocular pressure.
• Preparation and care of patients during examinations.
• Assistance with imaging techniques, such as OCT (optical coherence tomography).
• Care and maintenance of the medical devices used.
• Documentation of examination results and administration of patient records.
• Assistance with minor procedures or treatments, such as injections in the eye area.

Tasks of an MFA at a pediatrician

In a pediatric practice, it is particularly important to treat children and their parents with empathy. MFAs ensure a smooth process and support the medical care of young patients in the following ways:

• Measuring children's height, weight, and other vital signs.
• Preparation and follow-up of vaccinations and screenings.
• Care for parents and children during practice visits.
• Assistance with minor surgeries or medical examinations.
• Documentation of patient data and maintenance of preventive records.
• Organization and scheduling of U-tests and vaccination series.

Responsibilities of an MFA in Gynecology

In gynecology, empathetic and discreet treatment of patients is of particular importance. MFAs perform the following tasks in gynecology:

• Preparation and care of patients before, during and after examinations.
• Assistance with gynecological examinations such as ultrasound, swabs or biopsies.
• Preparing examination rooms and ensuring hygiene
• Implementation and documentation of preventive measures, such as vaccinations or preventive examinations.
• Counseling patients on general health and prevention issues.
• Maintaining and managing patient records.

Tasks of an MFA in orthopedics

In orthopedics, MFAs are an important part of everyday practice and perform tasks that include both diagnostic and care activities. Your work requires technical know-how and organizational skills:

• Preparation and implementation of diagnostic procedures, such as radiographs.
• Assistance with the adjustment of orthopedic devices such as splints or bandages.
• Care of patients following injuries or surgical procedures.
• Coordination and organization of physiotherapy or other treatment measures.
• Documentation of examination results and maintenance of patient records.
• Ensuring the hygiene and maintenance of medical devices.

Tasks of an MFA in radiology

In radiology, the focus is on working with modern imaging techniques. MFAs combine technical knowledge with organizational skills to make processes smooth:

• Preparing patients for imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT, or MRI.
• monitoring that the investigations are carried out correctly.
• Operation and care of medical devices in compliance with safety standards.
• Assisting the radiologist in preparing and documenting diagnostic results.
• Ensuring hygiene in examination rooms and equipment.
• Care and education for patients before and during imaging

Tasks of an MFA in neurology

In neurology, MFAs are essential for preparing and supporting diagnostic tests. Their technical understanding and ability to support patients play a central role:

• Assistance with neurological tests such as EEG (electroencephalography) and EMG (electromyography).
• Preparation of medical devices and ensuring that they function properly.
• Information and care for patients during examinations.
• Documentation of test results and forwarding them to the treating physician.
• Support in the analysis and diagnosis of neurological diseases.
• Organization and follow-up of examination appointments.

Responsibilities of an MFA in hospital

In hospitals, MFAs work in a variety of departments and make an important contribution to patient care and organization. Your tasks are varied and require flexibility and teamwork:

• Supporting medical care in wards through patient care and vital signs measurement.
• Assistance with surgical procedures and preparation of operating rooms.
• Organization and implementation of administrative processes in patient admission.
• Coordinating cooperation between nurses and doctors to ensure efficient everyday clinical practice.
• Documentation of patient data and management of medical records.
• Ensuring compliance with hygiene regulations in various areas of clinics.

Requirements and training for an MFA

The profession of medical assistant is varied and demanding, and we have already been able to convey this. It is precisely for this reason that certain requirements and sound training are necessary. Here you can find out which qualifications and competencies are required and how the training works:

1. School requirements

Most training companies prefer applicants with a middle school leaving certificate (secondary school diploma). But a good secondary school leaving certificate also offers opportunities.

2. Personal qualities

• Friendliness and empathy when dealing with patients.
• Organizational ability and stress resistance in hectic situations.
• Interest in medical and administrative tasks.

3. Training structure

MFA training usually takes 3 years and is dual. This means that it is carried out in a doctor's office and in vocational school.

• practice: Here, trainees learn how to deal with patients, organizational tasks and medical basics.
  
• School: Imparting theoretical knowledge, e.g. in anatomy, hygiene and billing systems.

4. Exams and Conclusion

The training concludes with a written, practical and oral examination. After successful completion, the state-recognized professional qualification is awarded.

With the right education and the right qualities, the profession of MFA opens up numerous career opportunities, both in medical practices as well as in clinics and specialized areas. More about that later.

Salary: How much does a medical assistant earn?

The salary of a medical professional varies depending on the region, professional experience and work environment. Here are the main factors that influence income:

1. Training allowance

During the three-year apprenticeship, the salary is divided by apprenticeship:

1. Training year: around 900 to 1,050 euros gross per month.
2. Training year: around 950 to 1,100 euros gross per month.
3. Training year: around 1,050 to 1,200 euros gross per month.

2. Starting salary

After training, the starting salary of an MFA is usually between 2,100 and 2,400 euros gross per month.

3. Professional experience and specialization

With growing experience and continuing education, for example in billing or special fields such as radiology or neurology, the salary can rise to 2,600 to 3,200 euros gross.

4. Work environment

In a medical practice, the salary is often lower than in a hospital or with specialist doctors. Clinics or large medical care centers often offer additional supplements and higher salaries.

5. Regional differences

In southern Germany (e.g. Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg), wages are generally higher than in eastern German states.

6. Additional services

Many employers offer MFAs additional benefits such as Christmas bonuses, vacation pay, travel allowances or company pension plans.

The salary of an MFA may initially appear low compared to other occupations, but the profession offers good career opportunities and the opportunity to increase income through specializations and continuing education.

Let's take a closer look at that now:

Career prospects and career of an MFA

The profession of medical assistant offers excellent prospects for the future. Due to demographic change and constantly increasing demands in the healthcare sector, qualified MFAs are more in demand than ever. There are numerous opportunities, especially in rural regions and specialized fields.

Continuing education opportunities

After training, MFAs have completed their training, there are various paths to specialization. Continuing education in fields such as radiology, oncology or dialysis makes it possible to take on more demanding tasks. Additional qualifications in areas such as practice management, billing or hygiene open up further career opportunities. Advanced training to become a healthcare specialist or practice manager is particularly popular.

Career opportunities in practices and clinics

With growing experience and targeted continuing education, MFAs can take on responsible management functions. In medical practices, the focus is on organizing practice operations, while in hospitals, it is possible to work in specialized departments or manage medical processes. Large clinics also offer the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Future prospects through digitization

Progressive digitization in healthcare opens up new career opportunities. knowledge of digital practice management, telemedicine and data management are increasingly in demand. MFAs who continue their education in these areas secure a decisive advantage on the job market and become indispensable interfaces between medicine and modern technology.

Long-term security at work

The steadily increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals ensures long-term job security. At the same time, the job remains varied and offers continuous development opportunities through new technologies and medical advances.

What characterizes a good MFA?

A good medical assistant impresses with a combination of professional competence, social skills and organizational talent. These qualities are particularly important:

• Technical expertise: Profound knowledge in medicine, hygiene, billing and the use of technical devices such as ECGs or X-ray systems.
  
• Empathy: Patience and understanding when dealing with patients to create an atmosphere of trust — particularly among children, older people or anxious patients.
  
• Organizational skills: Efficient appointment management, structured processes and the ability to keep track even in hectic situations.
  
• Strong communication skills: Clear and friendly communication with patients, doctors and colleagues, combined with the ability to communicate medical information in an understandable way.
  
• Commitment and flexibility: Quiet and solution-oriented work in the event of spontaneous emergencies or changes in practice.
  
• ability to work in a team: Working closely with the entire medical team to jointly ensure the best patient care.

Relieve MFA with digital tools: increase efficiency and reduce costs

The everyday life of MFAs is always characterized by high demands, but digital tools can specifically relieve them and increase the efficiency of practical processes. technologies such as:

• the electronic health record
• digital document management
• and scheduling systems

help reduce administrative tasks and free up more time for patient care

An example:

With Nelly, patients can Fill out your medical history online at home, which significantly reduces the workload for practice staff and at the same time reduces Reduced waiting times in practice. Even the digital invoicing is easy to integrate into the workflow. This allows patients to view and pay their bills directly online, while the practice is immediately notified of incoming payments.

In addition, offers Nelly other functions, such as automated document management and reminders via SMS to patients — for example for signing documents or Review reminders. This not only makes the work of MFAs easier, but also ensures a smooth and modern everyday practice.

Make your practice more efficient and relieve your team customized digital solutions such as Nelly. This leaves more time for what really counts: your patients.

Common questions

Are MFA and nurse the same?

No, MFA and nurse are different professions. An MFA mainly works in medical practices and performs organizational and medical assistance tasks, while nurses work in hospitals or care facilities and focus on nursing care.

What is the difference between MFA and physician assistant?

There is no difference between MFA and physician assistant. Physician assistant is the older name, which has now been replaced by the more modern term medical assistant MFA.

How difficult is the MFA profession?

The MFA profession is demanding as it requires medical knowledge as well as organizational talent and empathy. Everyday life can be stressful, especially in hectic practices, but it also offers a lot of variety and meaning.

What can an MFA do in nursing?

An MFA may take on basic nursing tasks, such as assisting with personal hygiene, administering medications under instruction and documentation. Activities such as the medical treatment of wounds are usually reserved for medical or specially trained nursing staff.

What can an MFA do?

An MFA performs a variety of tasks, including patient care, scheduling appointments, medical assistance with examinations and carrying out diagnostic tests such as ECGs. With continuing education, she can specialize in subject areas such as radiology, oncology or practice management.

How much does an MFA earn with 30 hours?

The salary of an MFA with a 30-hour week varies depending on the region and professional experience. On average, it is between 1,600 and 2,200 euros gross per month. Additional benefits such as Christmas or vacation pay can supplement your income.