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Find Your First Medical Assistant Job
By Megan Malugani | Monster Contributing Writer
Are you a new medical assistant (MA) who’s ready to dive into the working world but can’t seem to get off the starting block? Jump-start your job hunt – and land your first MA position – with these tips.
Ace Your Externship
Excelling as an extern can greatly improve your chances of finding a job after graduation. “Many, many students are hired at their externship sites just by showing they have a good attitude, are eager to learn and get along well with the existing staff,” says Mary C. Dyer, a certified medical assistant-specialization in administration (CMA-A) and president of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Even if your externship site doesn’t hire you, you still need to make a good impression while you’re there. Externship colleagues will be your best references when you apply for other jobs and can alert you to openings elsewhere.
Talk It Up
Besides checking classified ads for positions, talk to career counselors at the school where you completed your medical assisting program. Networking with established MAs at monthly meetings of your local AAMA chapter is another good way to learn about opportunities, Dyer says.
More on Medical Assisting
Salary: $18,860 - $36,840
Min. Education: Associate's
Related Careers: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse
Present Yourself Properly
Follow all the standard advice when applying for an MA job:
• Keep your resume and cover letter direct and concise, and be sure to spell-check both.
• Address your letter to the proper person at the hiring organization, usually the office manager or practice manager.
• Be slightly early for interviews.
• Listen carefully to questions, and don’t interrupt.
• Turn off your cell phone.
• Dress appropriately.
“Little things tell you a lot about a candidate,” says Dyer, who in her 25 years of experience has interviewed dozens of aspiring MAs.
Clarify Your Credentials
Because of the wide range of educational paths to becoming an MA, hiring managers may be unclear about what your degree encompasses or what you’re trained for. Make those facts clear on your resume and in the interview.
AAMA-certified MAs should emphasize their versatility, Dyer recommends. “Explain to the interviewer that you are multiskilled and that you have learned how to function interchangeably on the administrative and clinical ends,” she says. “Showing you have a good attitude, are excited about what you do and have a love of the profession will be factors” in an employer’s hiring decision.
tawilliams4
4 months ago
2 comments
I am looking for some much needed career advise. I am currently attending my local community college to get my gen ed courses out of the way. Next year I will transfer to a 4 year school to pursue my bachelors in health care administration. I would like to get into the health care field now but I don't have any experience. Is it possible to get a medical assistant certificate online? I don't want to take a break from my community college. But I would like to get the certificate so that I can enter the field and gain the experience. Any suggestions?
thomassonia
5 months ago
4 comments
Sonia Thomas
6727 Rainier Ave. South #220 Seattle, WA (206)760-9298 (504)292-0068 email: soniathomas09@yahoo.com
OBJECTIVE: To secure a professional medical assistant position in a reputable medical facility where I can continue to develop and enhance my hands-on skills acknowledge in the medical field.
SKILLS: Specimen Collection Bookkeeping Autoclave ICD-9/CPT Aseptic Technique
Surgical Technique Office 2000 Phlebotomy Bandaging EKG
Diagnostic Testing Vital Signs Type 40 WPM
EXPERIENCE: Southern Surgical Specialists, L.L.C. Marrero, LA
Medical Assistant 11/2006 to 12/2006
General Skills, Administrative Skills, and Clinical Skills.
SMG New Orleans, LA
Housekeeping/Supervisor 7/2000 to 2/2001
Cleaned rooms, supervised staff, assisted guests, and showed strong
client relations.
Waldon Healthcare Center Kenner, LA
Certified Nursing Assistant 6/1998 to 1/1999
Helped residents with daily living needs including bathing, dressing, feeding, and recreational activates.
New Orleans Hilton Riverside New Orleans, LA
Housekeeping 11/1994 to 1/1996
Cleaned rooms and assisted guests.
St. Claude Medical Center New Orleans, LA
Medical Records 6/1989 to 6/1991
Filed, answered phones, typed documents, faxed\copied paper, and patients service.
EDUCATION: Everest College formally Bryman College Renton, WA
Diploma 2006
John F. Kennedy Senior High New Orleans, LA
Diploma 1994
YWCA Training Inc. New Orleans, LA
Computer Occupation Certificate 2001
Urban League New Orleans, LA
CNA Certificate 1999
REFERENCES: Director Honor Roll Bryman Bee HIPAA
Honor Roll Shining Star HIV/AIDS
Peer Award OSHA CPR/HCP
sdavis
7 months ago
2 comments
37 Bowdoin St ● Beacon Hill ● Boston, MA 02114 ● 1-857-251-1046 ● sabrina02118@gmail.com
OBJECTIVE : Seeking a growing and challenging position as a clinical assistant
PROFILE : A caring and exceedingly talented Nurses assistant with experience in performing work of moderate difficulty in a variety of manual duties relating to the care of patients/clients. Has demonstrated the ability and eagerness to go much further in the medical-tech field.
SUMMARY OF ATTRIBUTES:
Has the ability to strive in the clinical, lab/tech field
Sound knowledge of safety and accident prevention
Ability to verbally communicate well with patients and their families in dealing with
problems or concerns
Learns quickly
CPR Certified
EDUCATION
BCI/Boston Careers Institute Brookline, MA July 2008
Certified Clinical Assistant ( phlebotomy, ekg, injections )
American Red Cross/ Mass Bay Cambridge, MA April 2008
Certified Nurses Assistant/Home Health Aide
CLINICAL INTERNSHIPS
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center West Roxbury, MA
Long Term Care/Acute Care Jan 2007
Assisted with the care and protection of elderly clients with Alzheimers
and Dementia in a long time care and acute care settings.
Rodgerson House Roslindale, MA
Adult Day Care March 2007 Assisted with feedings, care and activities of elderly, disabled and dementia-Alzheimers
clients.
EMPLOYMENT
Uphams Corner Health Center Dorchester, MA 2008-Present
Home Health Aide - duties include light house-keeping, bathing, toileting, catheter care, skin
and foot care, laundry, ADL's when nessasary.
Elder Care – duties include preparation of dinner, bed preparation, laundry and responsible for keeping quarters in a clean, neat, orderly fashion ADL's when needed.
The Dimock Center Roxbury, MA 2008-Present
Certified Nurses Assistant-duties include taking urine samples, supervision, preparation and serving meals, safety checks, light house-keeping, laundry, vital signs, intakes, admissions, insurance verification, ADL's when necessary.
Private Home Care Jamaica Plain, MA 1997-1998
Provided home care for a terminally ill elderly woman-duties included ADL's when necessary, preparing meals, going out for walks, assisting with bathing and toileting, other routine care needed. Bowdoin St ● Beacon Hill ● Boston, MA 02114 ● 1-857-251-1046 ● sabrina02118@gmail.com
OBJECTIVE : Seeking a growing and challenging position as a clinical assistant
PROFILE : A caring and exceedingly talented Nurses assistant with experience in performing work of moderate difficulty in a variety of manual duties relating to the care of patients/clients. Has demonstrated the ability and eagerness to go much further in the medical-tech field.
SUMMARY OF ATTRIBUTES:
Has the ability to strive in the clinical, lab/tech field
Sound knowledge of safety and accident prevention
Ability to verbally communicate well with patients and their families in dealing with
problems or concerns
Learns quickly
CPR Certified
EDUCATION
BCI/Boston Careers Institute Brookline, MA July 2008
Certified Clinical Assistant ( phlebotomy, ekg, injections )
American Red Cross/ Mass Bay Cambridge, MA April 2008
Certified Nurses Assistant/Home Health Aide
CLINICAL INTERNSHIPS
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center West Roxbury, MA
Long Term Care/Acute Care Jan 2007
Assisted with the care and protection of elderly clients with Alzheimers
and Dementia in a long time care and acute care settings.
Rodgerson House Roslindale, MA
Adult Day Care March 2007 Assisted with feedings, care and activities of elderly, disabled and dementia-Alzheimers
clients.
EMPLOYMENT
Uphams Corner Health Center Dorchester, MA 2008-Present
Home Health Aide - duties include light house-keeping, bathing, toileting, catheter care, skin
and foot care, laundry, ADL's when nessasary.
Elder Care – duties include preparation of dinner, bed preparation, laundry and responsible for keeping quarters in a clean, neat, orderly fashion ADL's when needed.
The Dimock Center Roxbury, MA 2008-Present
Certified Nurses Assistant-duties include taking urine samples, supervision, preparation and serving meals, safety checks, light house-keeping, laundry, vital signs, intakes, admissions, insurance verification, ADL's when necessary.
Private Home Care Jamaica Plain, MA 1997-1998
Provided home care for a terminally ill elderly woman-duties included ADL's when necessary, preparing meals, going out for walks, assisting with bathing and toileting, other routine care needed.37 Bowdoin St ● Beacon Hill ● Boston, MA 02114 ● 1-857-251-1046 ● sabrina02118@gmail.com
OBJECTIVE : Seeking a growing and challenging position as a clinical assistant
PROFILE : A caring and exceedingly talented clinical assistant with experience in performing work of moderate difficulty in a variety of manual duties relating to the care of patients/clients. Has demonstrated the ability and eagerness to go much further in the medical-tech field.
SUMMARY OF ATTRIBUTES:
Has the ability to strive in the clinical, lab/tech field
Sound knowledge of safety and accident prevention
Ability to verbally communicate well with patients and their families in dealing with
problems or concerns
Learns quickly
CPR Certified
EDUCATION
BCI/Boston Careers Institute Brookline, MA July 2008
Certified Clinical Assistant ( phlebotomy, ekg, injections )
American Red Cross/ Mass Bay Cambridge, MA April 2008
Certified Nurses Assistant/Home Health Aide
CLINICAL INTERNSHIPS
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center West Roxbury, MA
Long Term Care/Acute Care Jan 2007
Assisted with the care and protection of elderly clients with Alzheimers
and Dementia in a long time care and acute care settings.
Rodgerson House Roslindale, MA
Adult Day Care March 2007 Assisted with feedings, care and activities of elderly, disabled and dementia-Alzheimers
clients.
EMPLOYMENT
Uphams Corner Health Center Dorchester, MA 2008-Present
Home Health Aide - duties include light house-keeping, bathing, toileting, catheter care, skin
and foot care, laundry, ADL's when nessasary.
Elder Care – duties include preparation of dinner, bed preparation, laundry and responsible for keeping quarters in a clean, neat, orderly fashion ADL's when needed.
The Dimock Center Roxbury, MA 2008-Present
Certified Nurses Assistant-duties include taking urine samples, supervision, preparation and serving meals, safety checks, light house-keeping, laundry, vital signs, intakes, admissions, insurance verification, ADL's when necessary.
Private Home Care Jamaica Plain, MA 1997-1998
Provided home care for a terminally ill elderly woman-duties included ADL's when necessary, preparing meals, going out for walks, assisting with bathing and toileting, other routine care needed.
Jackypoo1207
7 months ago
2 comments
I totally agree with Mariana38. I've been looking for a job for a couple of weeks now and they all ask for 1 to 2 years of experience. I don't think it's possible to get experience if you don't get hired. Externship can only do so much.
CJohnson603
8 months ago
2 comments
Well I did this and still can't get a medical assistant job. I got all good comments on my externship and can't find a job
mariana38
8 months ago
2 comments
I am looking every where but every one answere to me the same no experience but how i am sopost to get my experience if i dont work so i dont really now what to do
dollystop
10 months ago
2 comments
Like Tia I was unable o find a position as a medical assistant after graduation from college and at the top of my class. I settled for a job hat pays very little just to have some income to pay off my student loans. the collge that promised help in locating a job was absolutley no help what so ever. I can code, bill as well but its not enough for potential employers what now?
dimples61
10 months ago
2 comments
Hi my name is Victoria Hernandez I just finshed medical assistant Program and I love my new career but I'm still looking for a position in my field but I'm not giving up.
Tia
10 months ago
2 comments
My name is Tia Scott, I went to everest College to become a medical assistant. I have searched high and low and it is almost a year I cant find a job, and the school say that they will help, nothing.I'm stuck with no job and paying off loans from this school to me they messed my life up. and then they look at you crazy when you go off on them really I dont care.
Lindsay1
10 months ago
2 comments
My Name Kimberly Lindsay, I am looking for a Position in medical Assistanting I am willing to do what ever it takes to get in the mdical field ,I went to Everest College,and I did volunteer with Kaiser in harbor city for 1 year and I got my certifacte in medical insurance billing.
dldma1976
about 1 year ago
8 comments
Great tips!