Eight Characteristics of the Professional Medical Assistant
Contents
Medical assistants are allied health professionals who support the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in outpatient settings.
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Introduction
Medical assistants are in high demand and are an important part of the healthcare team. They provide vital support to doctors and other medical professionals in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices.
A medical assistant (MA) is a multi-skilled professional who has completed a formal education program and is certified by a credentialing body such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), National Healthcare Association (NHA), or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
The scope of practice for medical assistants varies by state. Some states allow MAs to perform certain tasks that are normally done by licensed healthcare professionals, such as taking X-rays or giving injections. In other states, MAs are not allowed to perform these tasks.
Medical assistants can be found working in all areas of healthcare, including but not limited to:
– ambulatory care
– cardiology
– endocrinology
– gastroenterology
– hematology/oncology
– infectious disease
What is a professional medical assistant?
There are eight characteristics of the professional medical assistant
1. Has excellent communication skills.
2. Is able to work well under pressure and handle high-stress situations.
3. Is highly organized and detail oriented.
4. Is able to multitask and prioritize tasks efficiently.
5. Is patient and compassionate.
6. Is able to maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
7. Is punctual and reliable.
8. Has a strong work ethic and is dedicated to the job.
The eight characteristics of a professional medical assistant
A professional medical assistant embraces eight characteristics. They are:
1. A passion for the job: This is the number one characteristic. If you don’t have a passion for the job, it will be harder to succeed as a medical assistant
2. Interpersonal skills: A medical assistant needs to be able to interact with patients, doctors, and other staff members.
3. Organizational skills: A medical assistant must be able to keep the office organized and running smoothly.
4. Communication skills: A medical assistant needs to be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
5. Technical skills: A medical assistant needs to have a basic understanding of computers and other office equipment.
6. Critical thinking skills: A medical assistant needs to be able to think critically in order to solve problems that may arise in the office.
7. Flexibility: A medical assistant must be flexible enough to handle last-minute changes or emergencies that may come up during the day.
Conclusion
The professional medical assistant is a patient advocate that is able to provide continuity of care by working in all areas of the medical office. They are skilled in both clinical and administrative duties and are able to work under the supervision of a licensed medical provider. They are often the first point of contact for patients and play an important role in providing customer service and patient education. By exhibiting these eight characteristics, the professional medical assistant is an invaluable member of the healthcare team.
