The graduate of this program will be able to perform routine administrative and clerical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly. Clinical duties vary and may include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They may instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures and change dressings. Medical assistants who specialize in a given medical specialty may have additional duties.