If you graduated successfully from a medical assistant training program, then you are a trained worker with job specific skills, you are well prepared and able to learn; a valuable asset to any potential employer. As part of the curriculum you already are trained in clinical and administrative medical office routines, medical terminology, common laboratory tasks, the proper techniques and safety measures involved, as well as venipuncture.
If you did an externship as part of this training, then you even have direct medical office job experience. Even previous jobs, such as truck driving, customer services or cashier is experience. Why do people forget that during an interview when asked? KNOW that customer services, punctuality, accuracy, honesty, as well as planning, or multitasking is VERY important in a medical office! I don't care, even if it was "just a McDonald's cashier job! If your cash in your cash drawer was always correct at closing, that is valuable experience that can play a major role in a medical office (accuracy, honesty, detail to attention, courteous customer interaction).
Remember, that the medical assistant is the FIRST point of contact patients see when they come and go for their appointments, or call the office, and they expect accuracy, honesty, detail to attention, courteousness and satisfaction. Doctors could not run their practice without these services the medical assistant provides. Even previous jobs, such as sales clerk, customer services attendant, or cashier is experience. Why do people forget that during an interview when asked? KNOW that customer services, punctuality, accuracy, honesty, as well as planning, or multitasking is VERY important in a medical office! I don't care, even if it was "just a McDonald's cashier job! If your cash in your cash drawer was always correct at closing, that is valuable experience that can play a major role in a medical office (accuracy, honesty, detail to attention, courteous customer interaction).
Remember, that the medical assistant is the FIRST point of contact all patients see when they come and go for their appointments, they too expect accuracy, honesty, detail to attention, courteousness and satisfaction. Doctors could not run their practice without these services the medical assistant provides. Remember, that the medical assistant is the FIRST point of contact all patients see when they come and go for their appointments, they too expect accuracy, honesty, detail to attention, courteousness and satisfaction. Doctors could not run their practice without these services the medical assistant provides.
When asked during an interview about job experience, remember your training and externship and say yes! Say it like you mean it. 10 or more successful phlebotomy draws under the watchful eyes of your instructor in the schools clinical lab = experience. 50 accurate blood pressure readings taken = experience. Setting up a sterile field as part of your finals = experience.
So, as far as the question, do you have experience goes, let a coach, or someone you trust help you to tweak your answers and rehearse them. State your skills with confidence next time you are being "grilled" when meeting with a potential employer. Use charm and honesty along with your knowledge and skills to create an aura people would expect and appreciate in a medical office setting. There just has to be a doctor who would love to have you on the team.
