Medical assistants have bright futures in healthcare, with skills that are in high demand. Working directly with patients is one important aspect of the job and might be the reason most people pursue this rewarding career. However, employers are looking for competence in a variety of skill sets, as well as training in a qualified Medical Assistant program. Here, we explain how students enrolled at Prism Career Institute can develop a resume that appeals to top healthcare employers.
Clinical Skills
Personal patient interaction is the part of the job that most people imagine when they consider training to become a medical assistant. For example, medical assistants may show patients to the exam room and take their blood pressure or ask routine questions to update the patient record. Clinical duties may include giving injections for vaccines and other medications, removing sutures, and even performing CPR.
Graduates of a medical assistant program that provides basic training in these concepts are more attractive to employers. Even better are those which offer hands-on experience with clinical externships. Volunteering is another way to gain experience and learn about duties related to medical specialties, such as surgery, gastroenterology, or cardiology.
The medical field is always making improvements to techniques and devices. Therefore, demonstrating adaptability to new technology and being willing to learn new computer programs is important to employers throughout the healthcare industry. Medical assistants must show technical flexibility and that they are dedicated to continuing education.
Administration Skills
Patient records must be kept up to date, and so medical assistants are required to work with electronic medical records efficiently and accurately. These are confidential records and employers want to make sure that medical assistants are trained to handle both the clinical and the administrative sides of this important task.
In addition, medical assistants may help patients with prescription refills, schedule patient appointments, order medical supplies, and have a hand in billing procedures. When applicants can show experience and skills related to these administrative functions, employers will be more interested in hiring them. That’s because when medications, billing, and scheduling flows smoothly and efficiently, all medical personnel can better focus on the important work of patient care.
Communication Skills
Medical assistants must be able to talk to all kinds of patients. It’s not always easy to explain physiology or medical procedures. So, employers are looking for assistants who can explain medical concepts clearly, and patiently, to the general public. With a diploma from a medical assistant training program, job candidates can show employers that they are well versed in the basics of medical practice and have experience talking to a variety of patients.
The ability to be calm, receive and give feedback, repeat information, and show compassion to patients who may be distressed is sought after by healthcare employers. They are also looking for medical assistants who will advocate for patients with insurance companies, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions to further the medical care received by their patients. And throughout the healthcare industry, job candidates who can speak more than one language are in high demand.
Gain Training and Experience at Prism Career Institute
In healthcare today, employers need medical assistants who are prepared in clinical, administrative, and communication skills. Programs that provide in-depth training give job candidates an advantage. At Prism Career Institute in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, students gain experience with hands-on patient care, in addition to classwork with supportive, and well-established faculty members. To learn more, contact the Medical Assistant program at Prism Career Institute today.