Expectations of a Medical Assistant Internship

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You can learn a lot in the classroom—but you can’t learn everything, especially if you’re studying to be a Medical Assistant. It’s a job that requires a lot of medical knowledge, as well as skills and professional attributes that can only be gained through hands-on experience. At the Allen School of Health Sciences, which comes in the form of an internship: 275 hours in a health care facility. We want to prepare our students for all aspects of the work, and to help you prepare, we’ve written an outline of what to expect from your Medical Assistant internship.

Working under Supervision

The greatest benefit of a Medical Assistant internship is the opportunity it provides to practice skills and duties while being supervised. In your classes, you’ll learn what and why Medical Assistants do what they do, but the moment you take that knowledge into the real world with real patients, even the simplest things like taking blood pressure can be daunting. The good news is: You’re not alone.

Your supervisor will work with you closely, especially at the beginning, to ensure you remember everything you’ve learned in class—and that you feel comfortable administering your duties. In addition, your supervisor may also serve as your safety net to ensure you don’t miss anything. That aspect of supervision can and should relieve a lot of pressure. It’s common to feel nervous before you’ve gained your skill, practice, and habits, but a supervisor’s presence should assuage most of those fears.

You’ll also be able to watch your supervisor and others perform procedures you’ll eventually do yourself. It’s one thing to read about medical assisting in a textbook and do hands on learning in our classroom’s clinical setting and quite another to witness it in a working environment. The example of your supervisor and others will give you more opportunities to learn before you do a task yourself.

Asking a Thousand Questions.

Your Medical Assistant internship should be a time to unleash your curiosity. These 275 hours are training, but they’re also an opportunity to learn all aspects of a job from the people who are doing it. In class, you’ll learn about best practices and may have already asked why different medical procedures are done a certain way. In your internship, you can ask the less technical questions like “How do you help nervous patients calm down?” and “Why do we put away the files like this?”

Asking questions that interest you will make all aspects of the work more personal—and will help you with getting the skills necessary to be a medical assistant.

Learning the Role

A big part of the job is all about communication. The authority with which you carry yourself, and the empathy you bring to patient interactions can’t be taught in a lecture. ,These are critical skills that you can only learn in your medical assistant internship. As you practice and watch the professionals around you, you’ll understand the interpersonal aspects of the work, and you’ll become good at them. When you begin your internship, you’re going to feel like a student. By the time you leave, you can expect to feel like you fit the role.

Gaining Confidence

As a result, you can expect to feel confident in your abilities to be a medical assistant at the end of your internship. Self-confidence is a huge part of any healthcare job, which can be challenging for educators since it can’t be learned in a textbook or seminar. Gaining confidence in your ability to perform administrative and clinical duties requires practice, life experience, and supportive supervision. It requires, in other words, an internship, where you won’t just learn how to be a medical assistant: You’ll become one.

At the Allen School of Health Sciences, we’re committed to preparing our medical assistant students for work as soon as they graduate, which is why internships are such a critical portion of our program. If you’re interested in our accelerated program where you can graduate in less than a year the Allen School of Health Sciences is enrolling now for classes starting soon. Contact us today! www.allenschool.edu

Medical Assistant Interviewing Tips:

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Are you preparing for a job interview for a Medical Assistant position? Familiarizing yourself with these common interview questions will help you feel more comfortable and prepared. While attending the Allen School of Health Sciences, our career services team will assist you using these questions to give you a practice interview.

  1. Tell Me a Little About Yourself.

This is a basic interview question that can be tough to answer due to its open-ended nature. Instead of sharing hobbies or personality traits, keep your answer focused on your professional experience and education.

Example: “I recently completed my Medical Assistant program at the Allen School of Health Sciences where I learned to work with patients. I took vital signs and assisted doctors in physical exams and other procedures. I especially enjoy communicating with patients and helping to make their experience easy and comfortable.”

  1. How Much Experience Do You Have as a Medical Assistant?

If you have prior experience as a Medical Assistant then tell them where you have worked, and how long you worked there. If you are new to the field then tell them about your experience with the Allen School and the 275 clinical hours you obtained at your internship.

Example: “I recently completed a 275-hour internship at City Medical where I gained valuable hands-on experience in the responsibilities of a Medical Assistant. Now that I have graduated and completed my internship, I am looking forward to finding a full-time position and continuing my professional growth.”

  1. What Are Some of Your Strengths?

When answering this question, it’s important not to brag; Simply discuss the areas that you feel you are strongest in.

Example: “My phlebotomy skills are one of my biggest strengths- I feel confident when drawing blood. I am also good at communicating with patients and making them feel comfortable.”

  1. What Are Some of Your weaknesses?

When answering this question do not put yourself down or say you are bad at something. Instead, simply mention areas where you are looking to improve.

Example: “I am currently more comfortable with clinical tasks than administrative responsibilities, but I am good at communicating, so I am confident that I can adapt to that role quickly.”

  1. Are You Experienced in Front Office Administrative Responsibilities? Are You Comfortable on The Phone?

It is common for Medical Assistants to do a combination of clinical tasks and administrative work. Be ready to talk about the office tasks you have been trained to do.

Example: “We learned many front office duties in my training program at the Allen School of Health Sciences. I have been trained on medical billing and coding and Electronic Health Records. I am also comfortable talking to patients both on the phone and in person.”

  1. Have You Been Trained in Phlebotomy? Are You Comfortable Drawing Blood?

Phlebotomy is an important part of a Medical Assistant’s job, so employers will want to make sure you are trained and ready to take on that responsibility, even if you have not had any experience in the field yet.

Example: “I am comfortable drawing blood and all phlebotomy procedures; I did well in my training at the Allen School of Health Sciences. I have had a lot of practice drawing blood from fellow students, family, and friends as a core component of my training, and continued receiving experience throughout my internship.”

  1. Are You Experienced in Taking Patient Vital Signs and Medical Histories?

These are important responsibilities for a Medical Assistant, so be sure to detail the procedures you learned in your training program.

Example: “I have been trained in taking weight, height, temperature, and blood pressure. We practiced in the lab at school, and I had the opportunity to take these measurements on patients during my internship.”

  1. Why Do You Want to Work Here?

It’s important to research a company before you interview with them. If this question comes up, have a specific answer about what you can bring to the company. Avoid talking about personal motivations such as the good pay or easy commute.

Example: “Your Hospital’s pediatrics department would be a good fit for me because I enjoy working with children and working with six different doctors would give me a great range of experience.”

  1. Why Are You the Best Candidate for This Position?

When answering this question, you do not want to come off conceited. Simply reiterate your training and experience, and that you feel you would make a valuable member of the team.

Example: “I feel that my training, internship experience, and communication skills make me a strong candidate for this position. I am confident in all the responsibilities in the job descriptions, and my personal skills will allow me to make patients comfortable during their visit.”

Your Journey Begins Today!

The Allen School of Health Sciences is enrolling now for early acceptance for our summer classes. Take part in one of our virtual career planning sessions and visit our campus to discover the many healthcare pathways available to you. Contact the Allen School today! Become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant in Phoenix Arizona.

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Medical Assistants provide patient care and perform administrative tasks in doctors’ offices and clinics. If you are looking for a healthcare career that does not require you to attend medical school, then you might consider becoming a Medical Assistant.

An MA helps health care professionals such as physicians, provide patient care and ensure that medical facilities operate smoothly. If you want to gain experience before taking the next steps in your healthcare career or if nursing or medical school doesn’t feel like the right fit, then a job as a Medical Assistant could be right for you. Through a mix of administrative work and direct patient care, you will help keep medical facilities operating efficiently, so doctors and healthcare professionals can do their jobs.

What does a Medical Assistant do?

Medical Assistants may have dozens of duties to perform each day and depending on where you work, they might include:

  • Greeting patients who come in for appointments
  • Assisting nurses with clinical duties
  • Answering phones, emails, and messages from online portals
  • Handling billing and insurance
  • Maintaining medical records
  • Scheduling appointments and procedures
  • Taking down a patient’s medical history or list of symptoms
  • Cleaning and restocking exam rooms
  • Measuring and recording vital signs like pulse, temperature, and blood pressure
  • Explaining new medications to patients
  • Drawing blood or creating IV access
  • Performing basic diagnostic tests like EKGs
  • Caring for wounds
  • Removing sutures
  • Helping doctors and nurses with exams
  • Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens or performing laboratory tests on patients

Depending on the state regulations where you live and the preference of the facility where you work, your tasks may focus solely on either administrative work or clinical work.

Steps to becoming a Medical Assistant:

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. If you want to become a Medical Assistant then you will need to finish high school or get your GED. Typically, these qualifications are the minimum requirement to get into most medical assistant programs.
  2. Work on your workplace skills. Medical careers are all about helping others in need. In order to be a good Medical Assistant, you will likely need certain skills in order to help both patients and other health care professionals. These skills include being organized, detail-oriented, having the ability to work on teams, being empathetic, having strong verbal and written communication skills and are able to work under pressure.
  3. Brush up on your computer skills. Administrative tasks are a part of the job for many Medical Assistants; tasks that include maintaining records, handling bookkeeping, taking care of billing, and scheduling appointments on a computer. Many doctor’s offices also use online portals to communicate with their patients.
  4. Find accredited Medical Assistant programs. Once you’ve decided you want to become a Medical Assistant, you’ll need to research and apply to accredited MA programs. The Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix Campus is accredited by The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. Our programs are offered in an accelerated blended format of online and in-person hands on learning in a clinical setting.
  5. Complete an internship. Many Medical Assistant programs require you to complete an internship before you receive your certificate. Internships or externships can also make you more competitive as a job applicant. At the Allen School of Health Sciences our students complete 275 hours in their internship as part of our curriculum.
  6. Get certified.  You can become certified by fulfilling certification requirements which often require exams. Some common certifications include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification which is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification, offered by the American Medical Technologists. Some positions may also require you to be CPR-certified.

There are many other certifications available. Check with your school to find out what it recommends or look at job descriptions in your area to see if one is preferred over others.

If you are an enrolled student or graduate at The Allen School of Health Sciences, our Career Service team can: Introduce you to local medical offices, assist students with cover letters and professional resumes, go over solid interview skills including attire and talking points and provide internship opportunities.

Next steps:

If you have a passion for helping others and want your work to be something that really matters, maybe a career as a Medical Assistant is right for you. The Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus is enrolling now for early acceptance to our summer classes. We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Contact us today. www.allenschool.edu

Tips for Single Parents going back to school in Phoenix Arizona

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Going back to pursue your education as an adult poses a set of challenges but going back to school when you’re a single parent poses a whole new set of challenges! However, daunting as it may seem, it’s certainly possible. With some extra planning and a bit of know-how, you can achieve the Medical Assistant education training you need at the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus. Here’s how to make it work:

Do it on Your Time

The Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus accelerated blended program is an advantage when your free time is at a minimum. The Allen School has the benefits of a blended program of online and interaction classroom instruction in a clinical setting.. You will experience an online interactive classroom experience plus a hands-on approach in the classroom.

Know That it Takes a Village

For single parents, it goes without saying that a support network is integral — especially when considering the prospect of returning to school. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! You can rally your family, friends, and neighbors for things like carpooling, childcare or needing internet access. Additionally, don’t rule out your school as a source of support. The Allen School of Health Sciences’ dedicated enrollment advisors, faculty and staff are available to answer your questions and assist all students, especially single parents, to achieve their goals.

Make it a Family Activity

Kids are sponges when it comes to learning and since they too have homework to do, consider doing it at the same time. It will not only spark conversation but also set a positive example. What’s more, it’s an opportunity for you and the kids to support each other which is a win-win.

Take Time to Recharge.

Sure, you’re a Super parent, but even you have limits. Unless you give yourself permission to regroup and regain your strength and mental stamina, it’s impossible to sustain the rigorous schedule required of juggling your life, studies, and career; besides, exhaustion makes it difficult to retain information. Although it may seem counterproductive to take breaks and treat yourself when you’re busy taking care of everyone else, you need to often, and as a priority. You deserve a professional position that makes it easy for you to provide for your family.

If you’re ready to pursue a successful career in the healthcare field and interested in learning more about our programs, contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for early acceptance in our summer classes. We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix Campus. Reasons to Start School This Summer.

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When most people hear summer, they think about things like vacations and barbecues. Here at Allen School – Phoenix Campus, we think of a blended program of online and hands-on training in a clinical setting. For those of you thinking about an alternative to traditional college, pursuing a new career, looking to change jobs, or perhaps just looking to get into the medical field, you are not alone! Going back to school can be difficult but you are here considering it, and that’s the first step! Now is the time to set your future in motion and there are numerous reasons to start school in the summer. For instance:

Beat the Fall Rush

Fall is generally the time to return to school and, odds are, you will not be the only one planning to return. During the fall, classes are more likely to fill up and be crowded. At the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus, you will have small class sizes in a hands-on interactive classroom environment in a clinical setting which means closer individual instruction and attention.

The Sooner You Start, The Sooner You Can Finish

Finding the motivation and the time to go back to school can be hard. Wanting to put it off for later is only natural so instead of procrastinating, be proactive in your education! The longer you put it off, the longer it will ultimately take so by taking the first steps and making the commitment now, you will be one step closer to accomplishing your goal of starting a new career.

Start Now and You Could Be in a New Career 

Our Medical Assistant program can be completed in less than a year. If you start now, you can complete the program early next year and can be on your way to a new career as a Medical Assistant! What better gift could you give yourself?            

Enrolling Now for Early Acceptance

Why wait until Fall? If you are a high school senior, or an adult interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a Medical Assistant and have a passion for the medical field, contact the Allen School Phoenix Campus today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

Traditional College Not for You? Have a look at Our Medical Assisting Program at the Allen School of Health Sciences – Phoenix Campus, A Career to go Places!

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Most people who want to work in the healthcare field likely aspire to be doctors or nurses, however, Medical Assistants are one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. A Medical Assistant career path offers many of the same benefits as other healthcare professions, in addition to perks of its own.

The American Association of Medical Assistants describes a Medical Assistant as someone who works alongside doctors, usually in a clinical or office setting (https://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant). Though the description may seem like that of a nurse, there are some key differences.

Medical Assistants commonly handle tasks such as checking vital signs, showing patients to their rooms and various administrative duties. A licensed practical nurse, on the other hand, provides basic care measures like catheterization and prescription administration. While Medical Assistants often work in clinics and ambulatory care, licensed practical nurses more commonly work in settings like nursing homes and hospitals.

Start Work Sooner 

Medical Assistants can begin working in the healthcare field sooner than students who attend nursing programs at four-year universities.  At the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix Campus our accelerated program allows you to graduate in less than a year.

There is no additional waiting to complete residency because internships can be completed as part of our Medical Assistant program. The Allen School of Health Sciences prepares students with 275 hours of internship in a clinical setting as part of our program. Having an internship as part of your MA program can help bolster job prospects. 

Medical Assistants graduate with the knowledge and experience needed to excel in the healthcare industry. They are trained in both clinical and administrative tasks that are critical to running an office or clinic.

With a vast array of skills at their disposal, Medical Assistants can explore different areas of medicine and discover what they are passionate about. They have the opportunity to specialize in a certain type of medicine, teach students who also want to be Medical Assistants or even become the office manager.

Diverse On-The-Job Experiences

Medical Assistants can perform many different tasks needed to keep the clinic or office open in addition to treating patients. Their versatility also ensures they will not be bored on the job because there is always something they can do. Additionally, the patients who come in seeking treatment vary, so every day on the job is different than the one before!

Helping People 

Medical Assistants help physicians run their offices, but they also provide patients with compassion and understanding while doing so. Like their fellow healthcare professionals, Medical Assistants take satisfaction in knowing they are helping patients and changing lives for the better.

The Allen School of Health Sciences offers the essential resources Medical Assisting students need to excel in the classroom, in their internships, and in the workforce.

Don’t wait for an opportunity, create it with a new career as a Medical Assistant. If you are graduating high school or looking to change careers, contact the Allen School – Phoenix Campus today! We are enrolling now for our summer classes. Become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

The Future Begins Here at The Allen School of Health Sciences – Phoenix Campus

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Medical Assistants are held to a higher standard of professionalism than employees in other industries. The way a Medical Assistant approaches their job and interacts with patients is critical to the success of the physician’s practice, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities. Patients expect professional behavior and put trust and confidence into those who are professional in demeanor. There are a specific set of skills and attributes that shape a Medical Assistant into a professional. As an MA you should strive to be loyal, dependable, courteous, initiative driven, flexible, credible, confidential, and optimistic.

Loyalty – Medical Assistants should be devoted to the success of the medical practice they work for. Loyalty should be reciprocal and if a medical practice is offering equal pay for equal work, the Medical Assistant will feel like the practice is doing its best for them as well.

Dependability – A dependable Medical Assistant not only shows up for work on time but also produces consistent work. An MA must follow through when the physician gives an order, showing their dependability. As a dependable Medical Assistant, you will be counted on and given more responsibility and trust.

Courtesy – A Medical Assistant should be friendly and kind to all patients. Attention should be given to each patient as they arrive and should be offered a warm smile and friendly attitude as well.

Initiative – A Medical Assistant should be self-motivated and ambitious. An MA that shows initiative has a “take charge” attitude, observing a need and making themselves available, rather than waiting for a supervisor to direct them to an area that needs attention.

Flexibility – A Medical Assistant should have the willingness and ability to respond to changing situations and expectations. Flexible MAs will modify their approach to tasks based on the unique demands of each situation, especially in an emergency. In a medical facility the patient comes first, and every MA should lend a hand wherever necessary.

Credibility – Trust is a vital component of a Medical Assistant and patient relationship. The information that is given to patients must be accurate as the patient may see an MA as an agent of the physician.

Confidentiality – Patients are entitled to privacy under the HIPAA act. Confidentiality extends to the home and other environments outside of the medical office. An MA is prohibited from discussing confidential patient information to family and friends. Consequences will be enacted if they breach a patient’s privacy.

Medical Assistant Professional Attributes

A Medical Assistant will need specific attributes to be a professional while working with colleagues and dealing with patients. These attributes include teamwork, time management, prioritization, and goal setting.

Teamwork – Medical staff must work together for the benefit of the patient. A Medical Assistant should accept the tasks given to them by their supervisor unless they are illegal, unethical, or place the patient in danger.

Time Management – A Medical Assistant should use their time efficiently and concentrate on the most important duties first. They should make a schedule which prioritizes tasks and allows for emergencies along the way. The key to time management is prioritizing.

Prioritizing – A form of triage should be used by a Medical Assistant to sort tasks into the must, should and could categories. Of course, an MA needs to attend to emergencies, but they also must anticipate what will do the best and in what order those tasks should be completed to benefit the most.

Setting Goals – If a Medical Assistant doesn’t set goals, they will never know when the goals have been achieved. Setting goals can also help accomplish much more each day, giving motivation to continue achieving daily tasks/goals.

Learning never ends as a Medical Assistant and that is what makes this career so rewarding.

As graduation approaches, the Allen School is enrolling now for early acceptance in our summer classes. If you are a high school senior in the Phoenix area and interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a Medical Assistant, contact the Allen School today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Helpful Tips To Become a Better Medical Assistant in Arizona

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How can I become a better Medical Assistant?

For Medical Assistant students in the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus, you may be busy learning about the clinical aspects of the job, such as how to draw blood, administer an injection, or take a patient’s vital signs. These are a very important part of your training but in addition, there are “soft skills” that are important to your training as well. Learning to be a reliable employee is a skill that can be used throughout your entire career. Try these tips for getting a strong start in your new career.

1. Be an early bird

Plan to arrive at work 10 to 15 minutes early every day. You will need this time to put your belongings away and get ready for your workday. This gives you time to review the list of patients who are scheduled and to check on the day’s supplies. It helps you avoid the feeling of having to “hit the ground running” the minute you step in the door and by arriving early, you can start off your workday feeling calm and organized.

2. Stay positive

Work is called “work” for a reason — it’s hard work! Every day there may be tasks that you don’t enjoy, changes that you weren’t expecting, or problems that arise. Don’t let that discourage you though! Rather than complaining, try to take a positive approach and remember that handling problems is simply part of the job. Try to focus on the parts of the job that you do enjoy rather than the negative aspects. With a positive attitude, you will find that your day goes by faster and you may even inspire others around you.

3. Carry your own weight

As a Medical Assistant, you will be part of a healthcare team in a medical office or a hospital setting. Others on your team might include nurses, office staff, physicians, and other MAs who are all counting on you to do your job. If you shirk your responsibilities, someone else will have to pick up your slack. Make sure to take your responsibilities seriously and put forth your best effort to fulfill your duties. As a team member, you should also be proactive. If you see a need that isn’t being fulfilled, see where you can help. This kind of approach helps make you a valuable member of your team.

4. Be respectful to anyone and everyone

Medical offices and hospitals are busy places. In the course of serving patients throughout the day, healthcare professionals can get stressed and hurried. Despite this, try to stay polite and respectful to everyone throughout the day. Showing respect to others will result in receiving their respect in return. This includes everyone you work with, from the newest employees to the head Directors. Most importantly, this includes patients—even those who may test your patience. Being a respectful person is a career skill that should stay with you for your entire career.

5. Keep up your education

In a field like Medical Assisting, you need to be sure to keep up with your learning. New technologies and medications are constantly being created, so you want to be sure to stay on the cutting edge and attend any continuing education classes you can. Joining a professional association is always helpful, as well as reading newsletters and blog articles regularly. Having up-to-date knowledge of your career field is something that you can be proud of and something that others will respect.

Following these tips is a way to “go the extra mile” as a Medical Assistant. If you follow these guidelines, you can improve your approach to your work. What’s more, the better you perform on the job, the better you will feel about your career. At the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix Campus, we are devoted to fostering the necessary positivity, empathy, professionalism, and integrity in future medical assistants.  Enrolling now for classes starting soon! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu​ to learn more.

-Allen School

Article updated Jan 9, 2024

Skills & Attributes of a Professional Medical Assistant

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Training to Become A Professional Medical Assistant; Skills & Attributes   Medical assistants are held to a higher standard of professionalism than employees in other industries. The way the medical assistant approaches the job and interacts with patients is critical to the success of the physician’s practice, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities. Patients expect professional behavior and put trust and confidence in those who are professional in demeanor. There are a specific set of skills and attributes that shape a medical assistant into a professional.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Medical Assistant Professional Skills There are many skills that contribute to the professionalism of medical assistants. Medical assistants should work on being loyal, dependable, courteous, initiative driven, flexible, credible, confidential, and optimistic.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Loyalty – medical assistants should be devoted to the success of the medical practice and hold the belief that being a medical assistant at the medical practice is in their best interest. Loyalty should be reciprocal and if a medical practice is offering equal pay for equal work, the medical assistant will feel like the medical practice is doing its best for them as well.  Medical assistants can go one step further and be committed to the medical practice if they support the employers’ strategy and objectives.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Dependability – a dependable medical assistant not only shows up for work on time but also produces consistent work. A medical assistant must follow through when the physician gives an order. The dependable medical assistant will also be counted on and given more responsibility.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Courtesy – the medical assistant should be friendly and kind to patients at the medical practice. Attention should be given to the patient as they arrive at the medical facility. The medical assistant should offer a warm smile and friendly attitude to the arriving patient.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Initiative – the medical assistant should be self-motivated and ambitious. Medical assistants that show initiative have a take charge attitude. The medical assistant should observe a need and make themselves available, rather than wait for a supervisor to direct them to an area that needs attention.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Flexibility – the medical assistant should have the willingness and ability to respond to changing situations and expectations. Flexible medical assistants will modify their approach to tasks based on the unique demands of each situation, especially in an emergency. In a medical facility the patient comes first, and every medical assistant should lend a hand where ever they are needed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Credibility – trust is a vital component of the medical assistant and patient relationship, and the credibility of the medical assistant should be strong. The information that is given to patients must be accurate as the patient may see medical assistants as an agent of the physician.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Confidentiality – Patients are entitled to privacy under the HIPAA act. Confidentiality extends to the home and other environments outside of the medical office. The medical assistant is prohibited from discussing confidential patient information to family and friends. Consequences will be enacted if the medical assistant breaches patient privacy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Medical Assistant Professional Attributes The medical assistant will need specific attributes to be a professional while working with colleagues and dealing with patients. These attributes include teamwork, time management, prioritization and goal setting.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Teamwork – medical staff must work together for the benefit of the patient. The medical assistant should accept the tasks given to them by their supervisor unless they are illegal, unethical, or place patients in danger.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Time Management – the medical assistant should use their time efficiently and concentrate on the most important duties first. They should make a schedule, prioritizing tasks and allowing for emergencies along the way. The key to time management is prioritizing.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Prioritizing – a form of triage should be used by the medical assistant to sort tasks into the must, should and could categories. Of course, the medical assistant needs to attend to emergencies, but they also must anticipate what will do the most good and in what order those tasks should be completed to benefit the most.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Setting Goals – if the medical assistant doesn’t set goals, they will never know when the goals have been achieved. Setting goals can also help the medical assistant accomplish what they want or need to each day, giving them more motivation to achieve those goals. Learning never ends as a medical assistant and that is what makes this career so rewarding. Interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant? Ready to start a Medical Assistant Program? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our summer classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.   -Allen School          

Different types of Medical Assistants

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Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. It will continue to experience rapid growth as America’s aging population increases in size, creating an even greater demand for healthcare services. This means that now is the perfect time to begin a career as a Medical Assistant.

There are several types of MA’s, all of which are vitally important to the healthcare teams they are a part of. An MA will work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to assist with patient care, handle administrative tasks, and complete clinical procedures. In many clinics and doctors’ offices, an MA is in charge of managing the office, which allows the physician to devote more time to providing top-quality patient care.

Employers set their own educational requirements for the Medical Assistants they hire. The standard is typically a minimum of one-two years of formal training at a technical or vocational school, resulting in a certificate, diploma or associate’s degree.

Duties and Responsibilities of Medical Assistants

Although the duties of an MA may vary somewhat from one job to the next, they all work to keep doctors offices and clinics running smoothly. In all cases, an MA performs delegated to them with the goal of supporting the physician in providing the best possible patient care. In smaller practices, the MA may perform virtually all office and clinical tasks, but in larger practices, may have a specialized function, which may include managing other staff.

Types of Medical Assistants

There are three main types of Medical Assistants: Clinical, Administrative, and Specialized .

1. Clinical Medical Assistant

A clinical Medical Assistant’s primary focus is on patient care, conducting assessments, and performing other clinical tasks. This may include preparing patients for medical examinations, documenting vitals and medical histories, instructing patients on home care, performing minor treatments, and assisting the physician during examinations. While the job duties of a clinical MA are broad, the main focus will be on the clinical aspects of the practice.

2. Administrative Medical Assistant

Administrative Medical Assistants mostly perform administrative tasks such as managing patient records, making appointments, answering phones, maintaining the front desk and reception areas, and performing general accounting and billing. Administrative MAs play a pivotal role in physicians’ offices. They ensure that the business side of the practice operates smoothly to ensure minimal interruption to the physician’s core function of providing patient care. To be effective in this position, job candidates should have superb written and oral communication skills, proper phone etiquette, above average computer skills, and a basic understanding of medical terminology.

3. Specialized Medical Assistant

Specialized Medical Assistants perform specialized clinical tasks, since their specialized training allows them to work closely with physicians and serve patients more directly. Depending upon the size of the medical practice, specialized MAs may report directly to the physician, or to an administrative manager. The specific tasks will depend largely on their area of specialization, size of the practice, and the number of assistants on staff.

There are many specialized Medical Assistant certifications available through the Association of Medical Technologists. To receive certification, MAs must complete an accredited training program and pass the certification examination. In many cases, certified Medical Assistants earn higher wages and have better job opportunities than those without certification. Whether interested in a career as a Clinical, Administrative , or a Specialized Medical Assistant, this career promises ample employment opportunities, great earning potential, and a career that is both challenging and rewarding.

If you’re ready to pursue a successful career in the healthcare field and interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant. Contact the Allen School of Health Sciences Today! We are offering virtual campus tours for enrollment for our classes starting soon. Contact the Allen School today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn