Become a Perfect Medical Assistant

 A wonder-pill would be nice! But you realize there is no such thing!

In fact, it takes hard work, interest, dedication, persistence, and a burning desire from deep within to become great at what you do. Nevertheless, even if you were to do what ever it takes, and give it your very best, you will hardly ever become perfect.

We Want you to be Successful on Your Medical Assistant Career Path...

The more you know about your options in the medical assistant career, the better you are prepared! Establish real world goals and become the successful person you aim to be.

Takes only a few seconds!!!

Being a BETTER Medical Assistant

Even though nobody is hardly ever perfect there are several important steps one can follow to become a better student. Being prepared means knowing what to expect, which means, having a slight advantage over those who are not prepared! Here is what medical assistant students can expect in a typical medical assistant curriculum.

Good Qualities of a Medical Assistant:

• Follow directions well
• Read, write and calculate well
• Recognize problems and find solutions
• Finish a job quickly without sacrificing quality
• Be honest and dependable
• Communicate clearly and get along well with people
• Dress properly and practice good grooming
• Have a positive attitude and be cooperative
• Know rules concerning their scope of practice
• Know examination and treatment room procedures
• Know medical equipment and instruments
• Recognize safety hazards and take precautions

Knowledge of a Medical Assistant:

1. Anatomy and Physiology
(a) All the body systems
(b) Common pathology/diseases
(c) Diagnostic/treatment modalities

2. Medical Terminology
(a) Basic structure of medical words
(b) Word building and definitions
(c) Applications of medical terminology

3. Medical Law and Ethics
(a) Legal guidelines/requirements for healthcare providers
(b) Medical ethics and related issues
(c) Risk management

4. Psychology
(a) Basic principles
(b) Developmental stages of the life cycle
(c) Hereditary, cultural and environmental influences on behavior
(d) Mental health and applied psychology

5. Communication
(a) Principles of verbal and nonverbal communication
(b) Recognition and response to verbal and nonverbal communication
(c) Adaptations for individualized needs
(d) Applications of electronic technology
(e) Fundamental writing skills

6. Medical Assisting Administrative Procedures
(a) Basic medical office functions
(b) Bookkeeping and basic accounting
(c) Insurance and coding
(d) Facility management

7. Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures
(a) Asepsis and infection control
(b) Specimen collection and processing
(c) Diagnostic testing
(d) Patient care
(e) Pharmacology
(f) Medical emergencies
(g) Principles of radiology

8. Professional Components
(a) Personal attributes
(b) Job readiness
(c) Workplace dynamics
(d) Allied health professions and credentialing

9. Medical Assisting Externship
(a) A minimum of 160 contact hours
(b) Placement in an ambulatory healthcare setting

10. And Remember!
(a) Document all important role changes during your externship
(b) Record significant accomplishments and new skills continually
(c) Participate in career development activities, such as reading journals or newsletters
(d) Sign up for continuing education seminars and in-services