If you are thinking about becoming a Medical Assistant, you are about to enter an exciting, worthwhile, and challenging role in the healthcare community. Have you wondered about whether you have what it takes? Are you the right “type” of person to pursue a career in medical assisting? You will of course need the academic training and skills, but there are also some important characteristics and qualities that successful Medical Assistants should have. Although there are many more, we wanted to outline nine of them. So, do you have what it takes to be a Medical Assistant?
1. Compassion
We all know that being sick can really take its toll on a patient both physically and emotionally. Many times as a Medical Assistant, you will find yourself with patients and their families during painful, scary, and difficult times, so it is essential that you are able to empathize and use compassion even when it’s frustrating. The more you are able to connect with your patients, the more meaningful and successful your medical assisting career will be. Treat every patient like they are the only one you have while you’re with them even when you have many that need your attention.
2. Integrity
As a Medical Assistant, it is essential that you are always honest and trustworthy. You are responsible for the health and well-being of those in your care, so it is essential that you are always seeking to do the right thing. Also, as a Medical Assistant, you will have access to confidential information and patient records on a regular basis. It is important that HIPAA requirements are followed and all information is handled appropriately and with integrity.
3. Good Communication Skills
Medical Assistants are often the first impression in a doctor’s office, clinic, or wherever else they are employed. Not only will they likely be one of the first people that a patient or family interacts with, they are also relied upon to convey complicated instructions or processes to patients in a way that they can easily and clearly understand. They are also responsible for effectively communicating patient needs and information to the doctors, nurses, and other members of healthcare team.
4. Dependability
Over the course of your medical assisting career, or maybe even the course of a day, it is likely that you will be called on to complete a large variety of tasks. The other members of the team rely on Medical Assistants to be on time, ready to work, and always following the appropriate protocol.
5. Stress Management
Whether working as a Medical Assistant in a doctor’s office, hospital, clinic, or other medical facility, you will likely find yourself in a very busy place! In order to appropriately handle a variety of situations at once, it is important to be able to multitask and work quickly to keep up with patient needs. If you are a strong person that can communicate effectively and complete tasks efficiently without becoming too overwhelmed, medical assisting may be for you!
6. Attention to Detail
The ability to pay very close attention to details and communicate them accurately is essential for those interested in a career as a Medical Assistant. You must be able to log health information into patient records as well as communicate it to doctors and nurses. It’s important to ask appropriate questions and keep complete and correct information.
7. Humility
Just because you are a healthcare professional doesn’t mean that you know everything! If you are asked a question that you don’t know the answer to or asked to complete a task you aren’t confident about, it’s always best to ask for help. Also, be sure to notice and encourage your coworkers – they’ll likely return the favor!
8. Flexibility
With training in both administrative and clinical positions, you may find yourself doing a large variety of different tasks over the course of your day. It’s important to be flexible and willing to do whatever needs to be done, often bouncing between the administrative and the clinical aspects of the job seamlessly.
9. A Smile!
A positive, upbeat attitude is sure to always help you, your coworkers, and your patients. Not every day will be easy, but with a good attitude and some hard work, it will be worth it!
Of course this list doesn’t cover all of the important traits of a Medical Assistant, but this list is definitely some qualities that will help you as you pursue your new career! If you believe you lack any of them, don’t worry! Instead, work to improve your abilities in those areas and know that if you work hard, you can likely make up for areas of lack.
Interested in a Career in Medical Assisting? Check out the Medical Assistant program at Ross Medical Education Center! We would love to help you develop the skills you need to achieve your goals!