Become A Medical Assistant
Interested in Medical Assisting? Here are 5 Personality Traits that Make You PERFECT for the Job!
Medical Assisting is a rapidly growing occupation, with an employment rate which is expected to grow 31% from 2010-2020*. This profession is expected to grow at such a high rate due to the fact that physician’s practices and number of patients is on the rise, therefore the hiring of medical assistants will aide physicians in the ability to see more patients. So what does this mean for you? With more jobs for medical assistants on the horizon, YOU have a better shot at a job post-graduation.
While the desire to help others undoubtedly befalls this position, there are other key traits that make a great medical assistant. So find out below – do YOU have the personality of a successful medical assistant?
Strong communication skills – In order to effectively care for a patient, your communication skills must be top-notch. Miscommunication and poor listening skills can jeopardize the health and well-being of a patient. Guessing is not an option in this profession, so be thorough in your ability to take down notes and listen to instructions. Don’t be shy to jot down notes, especially in your first few months as a medical assistant. While mistakes are bound to occur, mistakes in this profession hold particular weight as you are dealing with a person’s health. Ask questions and actively listen. Take notes when you can and as good practice, repeat back what you have heard as not to miss anything in the mix.
Accountability – If you are the kind of person who follows through and is thorough in their work, this will undoubtedly get you noticed by a potential employer who will want someone working for them that they can trust and know will get the job done well. Also your level of accountability will impact your patients as well. A patient and/or their family is entrusting you with their health so it is imperative that you are accountable in your actions and speech. Show your patients AND your employer that they can depend on you! Go above and beyond for your job and your patients and always keep your word when you commit to something.
Organized – Being a medical assistant can often involve strange hours and a fast-paced work environment. In order to stay on top of your game, stay organized and proactive! Make lists of things you want accomplished by the end of the day or by the end of the week. Rather than putting tasks off for tomorrow, take time at the end of your day to knock those things out! In doing so, you will prevent things from piling up on you. Develop a filing system for yourself in order to eliminate the clutter around the office. Staying organized will be a visual reminder to your patients and to your employer than you are professional and on top of it!
Considerate – When working with the public, it goes without saying that you will need to be both professional and considerate in your interactions. The same goes for your interactions with your co-workers. Be firm in your resolve to make the good and right decisions for your patients, but always deliver it in an empathetic tone. Being sympathetic to the needs of those around you will elicit compassion as well as indicate to others that you are passionate about your work.
Integrity – When working in the medical profession, a patient’s privacy is of the utmost importance. That being said be mindful of HIPAA regulations and guidelines, keep yourself abreast of the most recent information available; doing so will keep you, your patients and your place of employment safe and protected!
Do the above traits describe you? Medical Assisting could be the right career choice for you! You won’t know until you try, so reach out to WTI for more information or with questions!
*According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistic
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