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 July 2024