How to Be Medical Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 9, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a medical assistant is becoming increasingly important in the medical field. The demand for medical assistants is on the rise due to the increasing complexity of medical procedures and the need for efficient management of patient care. As a result, medical assistants are becoming an essential part of the healthcare team, providing vital support to physicians and other healthcare providers.

Medical assistants help with tasks such as taking vital signs, administering injections, collecting specimens, preparing examination rooms, and providing patient education. They also help with administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, updating patient records, and billing insurance companies. By providing support in all of these areas, medical assistants are helping to ensure that patients receive quality care in a timely and efficient manner.

Steps How to Become

Complete a High School Diploma or Equivalent. The first step in becoming a medical assistant is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. Most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have earned their diploma or equivalent.
Consider a Postsecondary Education or Certificate Program. Medical assistant programs are available at the postsecondary level and can usually be completed in less than one year. Postsecondary programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools and online institutions.
Gain Work Experience. Some employers may prefer to hire medical assistants with prior work experience in the medical field. Volunteering at a hospital or clinic is one way to gain experience.
Obtain Certification. Although certification is not always required, some employers may prefer to hire medical assistants who are certified. Certification is available through organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Obtain State Licensure. Licensure is not always required, but some states may require medical assistants to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state and may include passing an exam and submitting fingerprints for a background check.

Becoming a skilled and capable medical assistant requires a combination of education and experience. One must first complete an accredited medical assistant program, usually involving a combination of classroom instruction and clinical training. This program typically includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, and other topics related to the healthcare field.

After completing their program, a medical assistant needs to gain practical experience in the field. This can be done through an internship or an apprenticeship program, allowing them to practice their skills in a real-world setting. Finally, medical assistants must become certified by passing an exam that tests their knowledge and proficiency in the field.

Once certified, they have the necessary skills to perform administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting. Certification also provides assurance to employers that the medical assistant is up-to-date on the latest practices and regulations in the field.

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Job Description

Greeting and registering patients
Taking and recording vital signs
Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
Assisting the physician during examinations
Administering medications as directed by the physician
Performing routine laboratory tests
Scheduling appointments, ordering supplies, and maintaining medical records
Answering phones and providing information to callers
Instructing patients about medication and special diets
Assisting with administrative tasks, such as filing and billing

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology
Understanding of anatomy and physiology
Ability to take and record vital signs
Ability to perform basic clinical tasks such as injections, wound care, and collecting specimens
Knowledge of medical billing and coding
Ability to handle patient inquiries and communicate effectively
Computer literacy and proficiency in using medical software
Skill in preparing and maintaining medical records
Knowledge of safety protocols for medical facilities
Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
Flexibility with hours and ability to work under pressure
Understanding of HIPAA regulations and patient rights

Having a strong set of medical assistant skills is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in the medical field. Effective communication, organizational, and multitasking skills are key to success in this role. Good communication skills allow medical assistants to be able to effectively relay information to and from patients, doctors, and other staff.

Being organized and having the ability to multitask enables medical assistants to efficiently handle both administrative and clinical duties. medical assistants must have a knowledge of medical terminology, computer skills, and a familiarity with medical equipment. All of these skills are essential for providing quality patient care, as well as helping keep a medical office running smoothly.

Having these skills is important for any medical assistant to be successful in their career.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What made you choose a career as a Medical Assistant?
What experience do you have in the medical field?
How would you handle a difficult patient?
Describe your experience answering phones and scheduling appointments.
What do you know about HIPAA and other patient privacy regulations?
How familiar are you with medical terminology?
What do you think are the most important qualities of a Medical Assistant?
What challenges have you faced in your previous Medical Assistant roles?
How do you keep up with changes in the medical field?
What would you do if you encountered an ethical dilemma while on the job?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Record (EHR) System. A digital record-keeping system that stores patient information, such as medical history, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and medications. (eg: Epic Systems)
Medical Billing Software. A software system that assists medical professionals in submitting and managing insurance claims. (eg: PracticeSuite)
Medical Scheduling Software. A software program that helps medical professionals create, manage, and maintain patient appointments. (eg: Acuity Scheduling)
Electronic Prescribing System. A software program used to electronically prescribe medications to patients. (eg: DrChrono EPCS)
Practice Management Software. A software program designed to help medical practices manage their operations, from patient intake to billing and scheduling. (eg: AthenaHealth)
Medical Coding Software. A software program used to identify and assign coding for medical services and procedures. (eg: 3M EncoderPro)
Laboratory Information System (LIS). A software program used to manage laboratory information, from patient records to test results. (eg: LabCorp LIS)
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A software system used to assist medical professionals in making decisions based on evidence-based guidelines. (eg: Infermedica CDSS)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA)
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Association of Clinical Medical Assistants (ACMA)
American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)
National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)
National Association of Medical Assistants (NAMA)
Association of Medical Professionals (AMP)

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Common Important Terms

Anatomy and Physiology. Anatomy and physiology are the study of the structure and function of the human body, respectively.
Medical Terminology. Medical terminology is the language of the medical field, consisting of words and phrases used to describe diseases, treatments, and other medical processes.
Clinical Procedures. Clinical procedures are medical processes used to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries, such as physical exams, laboratory tests, and surgical procedures.
Pharmacology. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the body.
Health Records. Health records are a compilation of a patient's medical history and treatments, including tests and medications.
Lab Tests. Lab tests are tests performed in a laboratory setting to diagnose or monitor disease or illness.
Vital Signs. Vital signs are measurements taken from the body that help to assess overall health, such as temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate.
Diagnostic Imaging. Diagnostic imaging is using imaging technology such as X-rays or ultrasounds to detect abnormalities in the body.
Medical Coding. Medical coding is the process of assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures in order to facilitate billing and reimbursement.
Administrative Tasks. Administrative tasks are those related to managing a medical office, such as scheduling appointments and filing paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Medical Assistant?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Medical Assistants was $34,800 in May 2019.

What is the job outlook for Medical Assistants?

The job outlook for Medical Assistants is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% increase in jobs from 2018 to 2028.

What qualifications are needed to become a Medical Assistant?

To become a Medical Assistant, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as on-the-job training or a postsecondary certificate.

What is the primary role of a Medical Assistant?

The primary role of a Medical Assistant is to provide administrative and clinical support to healthcare providers in a variety of medical settings.

What type of tasks do Medical Assistants typically perform?

Medical Assistants typically perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for examination, scheduling appointments, and assisting with laboratory tests and medical procedures.