How to Get a Job as a Medical Assistant
The good news for aspiring medical assistants is that the industry requires relatively little in the way of formal training or education compared with other jobs in the medical field. But that also means it can be tougher to stand out among a sea of applicants. In addition to certification programs, networking with organizations in the field can make a huge difference, says Jean Lynch, director of communications and marketing at the American Association of Medical Assistants. One of the best ways to get ahead as a medical assistant is to volunteer, she says. "It doesn't have to be your whole life. Work on a blood-pressure drive. Spend a Saturday at it. That can go on a resume," Lynch says. She also recommends keeping abreast of how the healthcare industry is changing and what issues are facing the people who actually hire medical assistants, by reading up on the industry using the websites of organizations like the Medical Group Management Association.
Interview Questions Submitted by Real Medical Assistants
"All patients must be treated with good service because some of them might be in important positions, even though they might be impatient or rude. Do you understand the importance of this, and can you achieve this?" - Concentra Medical Assistant Candidate (Louisville, KY)
"Best advice your mother gave you?" - Day Medical Medical Assistant Candidate (Location Unknown)
"What quality do you feel is most important in a supervisor and/or when supervising someone?" - Sentara Healthcare Medical Assistant Candidate (Location Unknown)
What is the Job Like?
The job often comes with a regular 40-hour week, although some assistants work nights, evenings, and weekends. Stress levels can vary depending on the type of environment. The job requires people skills and a knack for organization, since meeting with patients and shepherding them through their office visit will be a big part of the job. Largely an entry-level position, medical assistants often advance into other administrative positions or pursue additional education to become nurses.
Real Reviews From Medical Assistants
+ "Decent pay wages and a friendly atmosphere to work with. Pleasant people." - Kaiser Permanente Medical Assistant (Bellflower, CA)
+ "Flexible, easy to get time off, ability to add extra hours when needed, long lunch breaks, free lunches provided by drug reps, and most the docs are very chill." - Tanner Clinic Medical Assistant (Layton, UT)
- "Should keep trying to average the work load throughout the working days in a week and making every equipment and every detail environment up to date and regulations." - U.S. Healthworks Back Office Medical Assistant (El Monte, CA)
- "Small practice you may not have a lot of opportunity for advancement however a position was created for me which gave me increased responsibilities and a promotion." - Westbank Family Medicine Medical Assistant (Morgan City, LA)
Review information and interview questions supplied by Glassdoor.
loading...
