examples of critical thinking in medical assistants

How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills as a Medical Assistant

What is critical thinking, why is critical thinking important for medical assistants, how can medical assistants develop critical thinking skills, what are some critical thinking skills that medical assistants need, what are some obstacles that prevent medical assistants from thinking critically, how can medical assistants overcome these obstacles, what resources are available to help medical assistants develop critical thinking skills, how can medical assistants use critical thinking skills in their work, what are some benefits of being a critical thinker as a medical assistant, what challenges does critical thinking present for medical assistants.

As a medical assistant you will be required to think critically on a daily basis in order to provide the best possible care for your patients. This blog post will provide you with some tips on how to develop your critical thinking skills.

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Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas. It involves the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. In other words, critical thinking is a way of thinking that questions assumptions and looks at evidence in order to form judgments.

Medical assistants must be able to think critically in order to provide quality patient care. They must be able to analyze information and make sound decisions. Critical thinking skills are important for Medical assistants because they often have to make decisions quickly and without complete information.

There are several ways you can develop your critical thinking skills as a medical assistant One way is to practice “reflective thinking.” This means taking the time to stop and think about your own thought process, question your assumptions, and look at evidence objectively. Another way is to seek out different points of view and gather as much information as possible before making a decision. You can also try “thinking outside the box” by looking for creative solutions to problems. And finally, you can develop your critical thinking skills by taking courses or attending workshops that focus on this topic.

Critical thinkers in the medical field are able to make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and provide quality patient care. As a medical assistant you will be responsible for a variety of tasks that require critical thinking skills.

Some of the most important critical thinking skills for Medical Assistants include:

-The ability to analyze information and identify key points -The ability to make decisions based on sound reasoning -The ability to solve problems effectively -The ability to apply knowledge in new and different situations -The ability to think creatively -The ability to communicate clearly and effectively

Many experts agree that critical thinking skills are important not only for those in the medical field, but for success in any career. As a medical assistant you will be called upon to make decisions on a daily basis, sometimes with life-or-death consequences. It is essential that you develop strong critical thinking skills in order to be successful in your career.

There are a few ways that you can develop critical thinking skills as a medical assistant. First, it is important to be well-informed about the different aspects of healthcare. You should read up on medical news and trends, so that you are aware of the latest developments in the field. This will help you to better understand the issues that your patients are facing, and to make more informed decisions about their care.

In addition, it is important to get as much experience as possible in the healthcare setting. The more experience you have working with patients and making decisions about their care, the better equipped you will be to handle critical situations. If possible, try to get a job in a hospital or other healthcare facility so that you can gain first-hand experience dealing with critical problems.

Finally, it is also helpful to take courses in critical thinking or logic. These courses will help you to learn how to identify valid arguments and how to apply reasoning skills to solve problems. By taking courses like these, you can develop strong critical thinking skills that will serve you well in your career as a medical assistant.

Medical assistants need to be able to think critically in order to effectively carry out their duties. Some of the critical thinking skills that medical assistants need include:

-The ability to analyze and solve problems -The ability to make decisions -The ability to pay attention to detail -The ability to communicate effectively -The ability to understand and follow instructions -The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

There are many obstacles that prevent medical assistants from thinking critically. One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of time. Medical assistants are often rushed and do not have time to stop and think about a problem. They may also be afraid to ask questions or challenge authority figures. Another obstacle is the lack of experience. Medical assistants may not have enough experience to know how to approach a problem or how to evaluate information.

Though some of the duties of a medical assistant are routine, the job as a whole is anything but. Medical assistants are constantly faced with new challenges, whether it’s keeping up with the latest medical advances or dealing with difficult patients. To be successful in this field, you need to have strong critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and make a judgement based on logical reasoning. As a medical assistant, you will use critical thinking skills on a daily basis, from making decisions about patient care to solving problems in the office.

Unfortunately, critical thinking doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If you’re not used to using your logic and reasoning skills, it can be difficult to know how to get started. However, there are several things you can do to develop your critical thinking skills as a medical assistant.

Here are four tips for how medical assistants can overcome obstacles and develop strong critical thinking skills:

1. Be patient with yourself If you’re not used to using your critical thinking skills, it will take some time to develop them. Be patient with yourself and don’t expect to be an expert overnight. Allow yourself time to make mistakes and learn from them.

2. Practice “thinking out loud” One way to become more comfortable with using your critical thinking skills is to practice “thinking out loud.” This means vocalizing your thought process as you work through a problem or decision. For example, if you’re trying to decide whether or not to refer a patient to a specialist, you might say out loud, “I need to consider the severity of the patient’s symptoms and whether or not they would benefit from seeing a specialist.” Thinking out loud will help you get in the habit of using your logic and reasoning skills when making decisions.

3. Take advantage of training opportunities Most employers offer some type of training on critical thinking skills for their employees. If your employer offers this type of training, be sure to take advantage of it! This is an excellent way to learn new techniques and hone your existing skills.

4. Seek out challenging situations In order to really test yourcritical thinking skills, seek out challenging situations at work. For example, if you’re confronted with a difficult patient issue that you’ve never dealt with before, take some time to sit down and think through the problem before taking any action. The more challenging the situation, the better opportunity you have for testing and strengthening your critical thinking abilities

As a medical assistant, you will be required to think critically on a daily basis in order to provide the best possible care for your patients. But what resources are available to help you develop this essential skill?

One great way to develop your critical thinking skills is to take advantage of online resources. The internet is full of articles and blog posts that can help you learn how to think more critically. You can also find several critical thinking games and puzzles online that can help you sharpen your skills.

Another excellent way to improve your critical thinking skills is to read extensively. When you read, you are exposed to new ideas and perspectives that can help you learn how to think more critically about the world around you. A variety of books can be helpful in this regard, but some specific titles that have been known to improve critical thinking skills include “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman and “The Art of Thinking Clearly” by Rolf Dobelli.

In addition to reading and using online resources, another great way to develop your critical thinking skills is to take courses or attend workshops that focus on this topic. There are many different organizations that offer such courses, so doing some research online or through your local library should help you find something in your area. If there are no courses or workshops available near you, another option is to find a mentor who can help guide you in developing your critical thinking skills.

As a medical assistant, you will be called upon to use your critical thinking skills on a daily basis. You will need to be able to quickly and accurately assess patients, identify symptoms, and make recommendations for treatment. In this article, we will discuss some of the key ways that you can develop your critical thinking skills.

1. Pay attention to detail. When you are assessing a patient, it is important to pay attention to all of the details. This means looking beyond the obvious symptoms and trying to identify any underlying causes. For example, if a patient comes in with a rash, you should not just treat the rash. You should also try to identify any potential allergens or other irritants that may be causing the rash.

2. Ask questions. When you are unsure about something, it is always best to ask questions. This will help you to get more information about a situation and make better decisions. For example, if you are not sure how to treat a particular condition, you may want to ask a more experienced medical assistant or doctor for their opinion.

There are many benefits of being a critical thinker as a medical assistant. One benefit is that it allows you to be more thoughtful and analytical in your work. For example, when reviewing a patient’s medical chart, you may notice something that doesn’t seem quite right. By thinking critically, you can raise questions and investigate the issue further to determine if there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Another benefit of critical thinking is that it can help you make better decisions. Medical assistants are often called upon to make decisions that could have serious consequences. For example, you may need to decide whether to give a patient medication that has potential side effects. By thinking critically about the situation, you can consider all of the possible risks and benefits before making a decision.

Finally, critical thinking can help you communicate more effectively with other members of the healthcare team. When you are able to think critically about a situation, you can explain your thoughts and reasoning clearly and concisely. This can help team members understand your point of view and make better decisions about patient care.

Critical thinking is a vital skill for medical assistants, who must be able to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, ever-changing healthcare environment. However, critical thinking can present some challenges, such as:

– identifying and analyzing problems – understanding and interpreting data – formulating hypotheses – developing and testing solutions – making sound decisions

With so many factors to consider, it is easy to see how critical thinking can be challenging for medical assistants. However, by taking the time to develop and hone their critical thinking skills, medical assistants can overcome these challenges and become more efficient and effective members of the healthcare team.

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What is Critical Thinking?

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The Oxford English Dictionary defines critical thinking as "the objective, systematic, and rational analysis and evaluation of factual evidence in order to form a judgement on a subject, issue, etc."

Put simply, critical thinking is the ability to recognize and examine information to understand the evidence, arguments, and perspectives present in that information. Critical thinking means seeking answers and asking questions.

• TED-Ed Can You Solve This Riddle? (playlist) Try out some of the classic riddles in this playlist from TED Ed. Each video established the riddle with narration and animation. Use your critical thinking skills to solve the riddles!

The following seven steps, developed by Kraus et al., are meant to illustrate the process of critical thinking. While true critical thinking may not follow these steps as written, they can serve as a guide or framework for individuals working on improving their critical thinking skills.

• What am I being asked to believe or accept?
• What evidence is available to support the claim?
• What alternative ways are there to interpret the evidence?
• Rate the evidence/alternatives on 0-10 scale based on validity/strength.
• What assumptions or biases came up when doing the above steps? (e.g., using intuition/emotion, authority, or personal experience rather than science)
• What additional evidence would help us evaluate the alternatives?
• What conclusions are most reasonable or likely?

Kraus, S., Sears, S. R., & Burke, B. L. (2013). Is truthiness enough? Classroom activities for encouraging evidence-based critical thinking. The Journal of Effective Teaching, 13 (2), 83-93.

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Cultivating Critical Thinking in Healthcare

Critical thinking skills have been linked to improved patient outcomes, better quality patient care and improved safety outcomes in healthcare (Jacob et al. 2017).

Given this, it's necessary for educators in healthcare to stimulate and lead further dialogue about how these skills are taught , assessed and integrated into the design and development of staff and nurse education and training programs (Papp et al. 2014).

So, what exactly is critical thinking and how can healthcare educators cultivate it amongst their staff?

What is Critical Thinking?

In general terms, ‘ critical thinking ’ is often used, and perhaps confused, with problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills .

In practice, however, problem-solving tends to focus on the identification and resolution of a problem, whilst critical thinking goes beyond this to incorporate asking skilled questions and critiquing solutions .

Several formal definitions of critical thinking can be found in literature, but in the view of Kahlke and Eva (2018), most of these definitions have limitations. That said, Papp et al. (2014) offer a useful starting point, suggesting that critical thinking is:

‘The ability to apply higher order cognitive skills and the disposition to be deliberate about thinking that leads to action that is logical and appropriate.’

The Foundation for Critical Thinking (2017) expands on this and suggests that:

‘Critical thinking is that mode of thinking, about any subject, content, or problem, in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analysing, assessing, and reconstructing it.’

They go on to suggest that critical thinking is:

• Self-directed
• Self-disciplined
• Self-monitored
• Self-corrective.

Key Qualities and Characteristics of a Critical Thinker

Given that critical thinking is a process that encompasses conceptualisation , application , analysis , synthesis , evaluation and reflection , what qualities should be expected from a critical thinker?

In answering this question, Fortepiani (2018) suggests that critical thinkers should be able to:

• Formulate clear and precise questions
• Gather, assess and interpret relevant information
• Reach relevant well-reasoned conclusions and solutions
• Think open-mindedly, recognising their own assumptions
• Communicate effectively with others on solutions to complex problems.

All of these qualities are important, however, good communication skills are generally considered to be the bedrock of critical thinking. Why? Because they help to create a dialogue that invites questions, reflections and an open-minded approach, as well as generating a positive learning environment needed to support all forms of communication.

Lippincott Solutions (2018) outlines a broad spectrum of characteristics attributed to strong critical thinkers. They include:

• Inquisitiveness with regard to a wide range of issues
• A concern to become and remain well-informed
• Alertness to opportunities to use critical thinking
• Self-confidence in one’s own abilities to reason
• Open mindedness regarding divergent world views
• Flexibility in considering alternatives and opinions
• Understanding the opinions of other people
• Fair-mindedness in appraising reasoning
• Honesty in facing one’s own biases, prejudices, stereotypes or egocentric tendencies
• A willingness to reconsider and revise views where honest reflection suggests that change is warranted.

Papp et al. (2014) also helpfully suggest that the following five milestones can be used as a guide to help develop competency in critical thinking:

Stage 1: Unreflective Thinker

At this stage, the unreflective thinker can’t examine their own actions and cognitive processes and is unaware of different approaches to thinking.

Stage 2: Beginning Critical Thinker

Here, the learner begins to think critically and starts to recognise cognitive differences in other people. However, external motivation  is needed to sustain reflection on the learners’ own thought processes.

Stage 3: Practicing Critical Thinker

By now, the learner is familiar with their own thinking processes and makes a conscious effort to practice critical thinking.

Stage 4: Advanced Critical Thinker

As an advanced critical thinker, the learner is able to identify different cognitive processes and consciously uses critical thinking skills.

Stage 5: Accomplished Critical Thinker

At this stage, the skilled critical thinker can take charge of their thinking and habitually monitors, revises and rethinks approaches for continual improvement of their cognitive strategies.

Facilitating Critical Thinking in Healthcare

A common challenge for many educators and facilitators in healthcare is encouraging students to move away from passive learning towards active learning situations that require critical thinking skills.

Just as there are similarities among the definitions of critical thinking across subject areas and levels, there are also several generally recognised hallmarks of teaching for critical thinking . These include:

• Promoting interaction among students as they learn
• Asking open ended questions that do not assume one right answer
• Allowing sufficient time to reflect on the questions asked or problems posed
• Teaching for transfer - helping learners to see how a newly acquired skill can apply to other situations and experiences.

(Lippincott Solutions 2018)

Snyder and Snyder (2008) also make the point that it’s helpful for educators and facilitators to be aware of any initial resistance that learners may have and try to guide them through the process. They should aim to create a learning environment where learners can feel comfortable thinking through an answer rather than simply having an answer given to them.

Examples include using peer coaching techniques , mentoring or preceptorship to engage students in active learning and critical thinking skills, or integrating project-based learning activities that require students to apply their knowledge in a realistic healthcare environment.

Carvalhoa et al. (2017) also advocate problem-based learning as a widely used and successful way of stimulating critical thinking skills in the learner. This view is echoed by Tsui-Mei (2015), who notes that critical thinking, systematic analysis and curiosity significantly improve after practice-based learning .

Integrating Critical Thinking Skills Into Curriculum Design

Most educators agree that critical thinking can’t easily be developed if the program curriculum is not designed to support it. This means that a deep understanding of the nature and value of critical thinking skills needs to be present from the outset of the curriculum design process , and not just bolted on as an afterthought.

In the view of Fortepiani (2018), critical thinking skills can be summarised by the statement that 'thinking is driven by questions', which means that teaching materials need to be designed in such a way as to encourage students to expand their learning by asking questions that generate further questions and stimulate the thinking process. Ideal questions are those that:

• Embrace complexity
• Challenge assumptions and points of view
• Question the source of information
• Explore variable interpretations and potential implications of information.

To put it another way, asking questions with limiting, thought-stopping answers inhibits the development of critical thinking. This means that educators must ideally be critical thinkers themselves .

Drawing these threads together, The Foundation for Critical Thinking (2017) offers us a simple reminder that even though it’s human nature to be ‘thinking’ most of the time, most thoughts, if not guided and structured, tend to be biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or even prejudiced.

They also note that the quality of work depends precisely on the quality of the practitioners’ thought processes. Given that practitioners are being asked to meet the challenge of ever more complex care, the importance of cultivating critical thinking skills, alongside advanced problem-solving skills , seems to be taking on new importance.

Additional Resources

• The Emotionally Intelligent Nurse | Ausmed Article
• Refining Competency-Based Assessment | Ausmed Article
• Socratic Questioning in Healthcare | Ausmed Article
• Carvalhoa, D P S R P et al. 2017, 'Strategies Used for the Promotion of Critical Thinking in Nursing Undergraduate Education: A Systematic Review', Nurse Education Today , vol. 57, pp. 103-10, viewed 7 December 2018, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0260691717301715
• Fortepiani, L A 2017, 'Critical Thinking or Traditional Teaching For Health Professionals', PECOP Blog , 16 January, viewed 7 December 2018, https://blog.lifescitrc.org/pecop/2017/01/16/critical-thinking-or-traditional-teaching-for-health-professions/
• Jacob, E, Duffield, C & Jacob, D 2017, 'A Protocol For the Development of a Critical Thinking Assessment Tool for Nurses Using a Delphi Technique', Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 73, no. 8, pp. 1982-1988, viewed 7 December 2018, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.13306
• Kahlke, R & Eva, K 2018, 'Constructing Critical Thinking in Health Professional Education', Perspectives on Medical Education , vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 156-165, viewed 7 December 2018, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40037-018-0415-z
• Lippincott Solutions 2018, 'Turning New Nurses Into Critical Thinkers', Lippincott Solutions , viewed 10 December 2018, https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/turning-new-nurses-into-critical-thinkers
• Papp, K K 2014, 'Milestones of Critical Thinking: A Developmental Model for Medicine and Nursing', Academic Medicine , vol. 89, no. 5, pp. 715-720, https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2014/05000/Milestones_of_Critical_Thinking___A_Developmental.14.aspx
• Snyder, L G & Snyder, M J 2008, 'Teaching Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills', The Delta Pi Epsilon Journal , vol. L, no. 2, pp. 90-99, viewed 7 December 2018, https://dme.childrenshospital.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Optional-_Teaching-Critical-Thinking-and-Problem-Solving-Skills.pdf
• The Foundation for Critical Thinking 2017, Defining Critical Thinking , The Foundation for Critical Thinking, viewed 7 December 2018, https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/our-conception-of-critical-thinking/411
• Tsui-Mei, H, Lee-Chun, H & Chen-Ju MSN, K 2015, 'How Mental Health Nurses Improve Their Critical Thinking Through Problem-Based Learning', Journal for Nurses in Professional Development , vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 170-175, viewed 7 December 2018, https://journals.lww.com/jnsdonline/Abstract/2015/05000/How_Mental_Health_Nurses_Improve_Their_Critical.8.aspx

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Feb 23, 2023

Top 24 Essential Skills for Successful Medical Assistants

Education and training is one part of becoming a medical assistant. There are also several skills, both learned and intuitive, that will help you succeed in your career path.

Medical assistants work under the license of a physician, in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other places where medical treatment is administered.

What skills help medical assistants work successfully and advance in their career? Below, we will look at several clinical, administrative, and interpersonal skills that every medical assistant should strive to attain.

What Duties do Medical Assistants Have?

Medical assistants have a mix of clinical and administrative duties they are responsible for, including:

• Welcoming patients and answering the phone
• Setting appointments for patients
• Overseeing patients’ medical records
• Inputting and supervising patients’ insurance information
• Organizing necessary information, such as hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Handling patient correspondence
• Moving patient information from paper records to electronic health records (EHR)
• Preparing patients for medical examinations
• Writing down medical histories
• Measuring vital signs, like blood pressure
• Drawing blood for testing
• Removing sutures and changing dressings
• Performing basic laboratory exams
• Helping physicians with medical examinations
• Administering injections or giving medications per physician’s instructions and as regulated by state law
• Instructing patients about medications and special dietary plans

In many physician’s offices, it is common for the medical assistants on staff to perform a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. In larger facilities, such as a hospital, medical assistants may be assigned specific roles that are mostly clinical or mostly administrative.

Let’s take a closer look at the different skills and aptitudes medical assistants need to thrive in their daily work.

Clinical Skills

Medical assistants primarily work in physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, or hospitals, and are directly involved in patients’ care. Clinical skills are how healthcare workers refer to skills involving medical procedures, treatments, examinations, and practical applications. Acquiring and honing medical assistant clinical skills is crucial for success in this field.

Developing a diverse set of medical assistant clinical skills is essential for providing quality patient care. The following are some of the foundational clinical skills a medical assistant will require.

1. Taking Vital Signs

One of the most common tasks a medical assistant will perform is taking vital signs from patients. This includes measuring the patient’s temperature, weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, blood glucose levels, blood oxygen levels, among others.

2. Patient Preparation

Medical assistants play a large role in preparing patients for doctor examinations. The medical assistants usually prepare the room for the patient visits, making sure equipment is in place, and the room is cleaned and sanitized from the previous patient visit. For each patient, the medical assistant talks to the patient, prepares them for the doctor, takes vitals, imparts information, and relays patient information to the physician. During the examination, the medical assistant may also help the doctor, administering basic tests, giving the patient an injection, and giving the patient instructions from the doctor.

3. Phlebotomy

Also known as drawing blood, phlebotomy is the process of taking blood from a patient using a needle, usually via a venipuncture. Some medical assistants have earned a phlebotomy certification , in addition to their medial assistant certification. The blood drawn from a patient is used for diagnostic testing to find more information about their health condition.

4. Medical Terminology

Healthcare professionals use specialized medical terminology to communicate with each other. It is necessary for medical workers to be familiar with commonly used medical terms and lingo to communicate with the team. This medical vocabulary is part of the curriculum at credible medical assistant training programs .

5. Knowledge of Basic Medical Procedures

Medical assistants should have familiarity and experience with basic medical procedures, as well as anatomy, terminology, and first aid. In their daily responsibilities, they may be tasked with drawing blood, administering vaccines or injections, dressing wounds, collecting lab specimens, or helping the physician with patient examinations.

6. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Healthcare professionals should know life-saving techniques, like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case an emergency arises. CPR is a technique applied to a person when their heart stops beating. Though this is an uncommon circumstance, this knowledge could potentially save someone’s life.

7. Electrocardiograms (EKG)

An EKG is a test that monitors and records the electrical signals in a person’s heart. This text is often administered in hospitals, occasionally in clinics. Usually, a EKG technician or medical assistant may oversee this test. EKGs help detect cardiovascular issues, such as abnormal heart rhythms, blocked arteries in the heart, or pacemaker problems.

8. Administering Injections

If you work as a medical assistant in a clinic, it is extremely likely you will administer injections, aka shots, to patients. These may be vaccinations, or regularly scheduled medications prescribed by a doctor.

9. Safety and Sanitation Protocols

Maintaining a sterile environment is important in healthcare, and medical assistants play a vital role in this effort. Sterile medical equipment helps keep patients safe. Following patient safety protocols is an essential part of working in healthcare.

Administrative Skills

Another major component of medical assisting is administrative work. These skills encompass the recording, processing, and organization of information so medical treatment can be delivered smoothly. Mastering the skills required for medical assistant administrative tasks is key to ensuring efficient healthcare delivery. Listed below are the most common administrative skills that medical assistants must have.

10. Scheduling

Medical assistants often schedule patient follow-up visits, appointments, and coordinate physician availability. Making sure patients’ visits are set up in a timely manner is a vital part of patient health, and making sure the doctor’s office runs with precision.

11. Appointment Setting

Coordinating patient follow-up appointments, setting new patient appointments, and making sure the pacing of the medical office is correct – this is another vital function that medical assistants provide!

12. Electronic Medical Records

Electronic medical records (EMR) are official patient records, which are tabulated, organized, and stored in a secure digital system. EMRs are the industry standard for healthcare in the 2020s. The big advantages of EMRs are quicker access to patient information, complete health history and test results, and physician’s notes. EMR systems make it easier to share patient information with different medical offices. Any medical assistant should be familiar with EMR systems.

13. Medical Coding

Medical coding is a universal format which records all the details of a patient visit, including their conditions and treatment, any heath tests conducted, and other important information. This coded transcription of a patient visit becomes part of the electronic medical records, and is also used for insurance purposes. The information coded needs to be accurately transcribed, as it can make a big difference when the medical billing specialist sends it to the insurance company. In some offices, the medical assistant may be responsible for the medical coding.

14. Multitasking /Time Management

In a productive office, the medical assistant will have many tasks they must complete in an organized and timely manner each day. Balancing administrative duties alongside clinical responsibilities showcases the diverse set of medical assistant skills required for seamless healthcare operations. Getting behind on patient appointments can throw the entire office off, so time management is one skill medical assistants must possess.

Multitasking is part of working effectively, completing administrative and clerical tasks such as scheduling appointments and adding medical records to the system. Be sure to manage your time effectively when you work to excel at your job.

15. Computer-Based Medical Skills

Whether you are using scheduling software for patient appointments, managing electronic health records, or using billing and coding software to submit an insurance claim, computers will be an integral part of your work as a medical assistant. Proficiency in computer-based medical skills is essential for modern medical assistants, enabling them to efficiently manage administrative tasks and contribute to patient care. Being adaptable to computer technology will help you in your daily duties as a medical assistant.

16. Phone Etiquette

Having immaculate phone etiquette, managing patients calling the office, and communicating effectively are a big part of medical assisting. Sometimes patients who call in will be under stress – how will you diffuse those situations and get the information you need? Good telephone communication is another essential skill for medical assistants.

17. Staying Organized

Organization is a crucial skill, as medical assistants often must balance different tasks, such as giving patients clinical care, scheduling appointments, entering medical records, checking patients in, and stocking inventory for exam rooms. Staying organized throughout the day and the week will help you complete your work with minimal stress.

18. Attention to Detail

Being detail-oriented is a major positive for medical assistants. In a doctor’s office, medical records must be entered accurately, with precise detail. By paying close attention to electronic health records, and documenting patient visits accurately, patients will receive the proper care in future visits.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills make a medical assistant valuable to the staff and patients alike. Working directly with people is part of working in healthcare, and fostering trust from patients will help you do your job more effectively. Here are some of the most important interpersonal skills for a medical assistant to possess.

19. Communication

Strong communication skills are paramount for medical assistants, facilitating effective interaction with patients, colleagues, and healthcare providers. Medical assistants must be able to convey information clearly and effectively with patients and doctors, in verbal and written communications. The medical assistant is often the point of communication between patients and doctors, as well as insurance companies. You will find yourself responding to emails, answering phones, interacting with patients in person, and working alongside doctors and other medical professionals. Strong written and verbal communication skills will be a great asset to your medical career.

20. Problem-Solving

Dealing with multiple patients, insurance companies, and situations that arise daily requires medical assistants to be good problem solvers. Thinking quickly, being able solve problems, and overcoming obstacles with poise and grace will benefit you as a medical assistant. If you are stuck in a situation where you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

21 Teamwork

Collaboration is a substantial piece of being an effective healthcare team. By working responsively and in sync with doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, you will fulfill your responsibilities as a medical assistant. Take time to understand the role you play in the team, and the importance of the skills and abilities you provide to your co-workers. Being easy to work with and get along with makes it easier for everyone to play their part efficiently. Everything that your medical team does is for the benefit of your patients.

22. Active Listening

Active listening is the act of hearing what a person, or people, say with all your senses and your full attention. It is a skill that allows you to get necessary information from your colleagues and patients. By comprehending what patients or staff are saying, it enables you to ask necessary follow-up questions, and get the information you need. Active listening allows patients to feel seen and heard and makes them feel more at ease about sharing sensitive health information.

23. Empathy

Empathy is best described as the ability to see a situation from someone else’s point-of-view and put yourself in their shoes. How would you think and feel if you were in their exact situation? Medical assistants connect with patients on a very human level, when they are concerned about their health. Having empathy for patients allows you to build a degree of trust that will help them relax and share more about their health experiences.

24. Customer Service

Lastly, customer service is a very important skill for medical assistants to practice and perfect. Patients choose a health provider based on how they are treated, and whether they feel like they are receiving quality care. Treating patients with dignity, respect and sensitivity will help you play your role in the medical team. Medical assistants are often the first and last person that a patient sees during their visit. Be sure to make them feel comfortable, like their health will be well-taken care of by the medical staff.

How to Obtain Medical Assistant Skills

The most best way to acquire and refine medical assistant skills is to enroll in an accredited medical assistant training program. Depending on what state you live in, regulations will determine whether this is absolutely required or not. In Idaho, Washington, Connecticut, and New Jersey, medical assistants must be certified to work for a healthcare facility. The remaining states allow medical assistants to receive training in preparation for certification either by completing a medical assistant training program from an accredited college, school, or university; or by doing on-the-job training under the supervision of a doctor.

Most physicians and medical facilities tend to hire candidates who have already completed medical assistant training and earned their certification. On-the-job training is possible, but it tends to be very rare, as most employers want a fully-trained medical assistant who is ready to work.

Get Medical Assistant Training at Campus

The Medical Assistant Program at Campus, formerly known as MTI College, prepares students to work as a medical assistant. At the conclusion of training, students will earn a NCMA certification. This medical assistant training program is a hybrid program, offered in our OnlinePlus format, with most of the coursework completed online, with required clinical studies held in person at our location in Sacramento. Our medical assisting students learn medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology. Each student in the Medical Assisting program is required to finish a 200‐hour unpaid off‐campus Medical Assisting Externship along with standard course requirements to graduate. To become certified as a Medical Assistant, the classroom work can be completed, followed by a 4-week externship. This means you can become certified as a Medical Assistant in as little as 36 weeks.

If you would like more information on the Medical Assisting program at Campus, fill out the form on this page, or contact our friendly Admissions team today!

Medical Assistant Skills

Learn about the skills that will be most essential for Medical Assistants in 2024.

Getting Started as a Medical Assistant

• What is a Medical Assistant
• How To Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter Examples

What Skills Does a Medical Assistant Need?

Find the important skills for any job.

Types of Skills for Medical Assistants

Clinical proficiency, administrative competence, communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail and organization, adaptability and problem-solving, top hard skills for medical assistants.

Essential skills for delivering quality patient care, from clinical procedures to EHR management, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in healthcare settings.

• Clinical Procedures and Patient Care
• Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection
• Medical Terminology and Documentation
• Electrocardiography (EKG/ECG) Administration
• Pharmacology and Medication Administration
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge
• Infection Control and Sterilization Techniques
• Diagnostic Testing and Lab Procedures
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management

Top Soft Skills for Medical Assistants

Empowering patient care with empathy, communication, and teamwork, while ensuring adaptability and professionalism in dynamic healthcare settings.

• Empathy and Compassion
• Effective Communication
• Active Listening
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Time Management and Organization
• Professionalism and Work Ethic
• Cultural Competency
• Stress Management and Resilience

Most Important Medical Assistant Skills in 2024

Electronic health records (ehr) competence, interpersonal and cultural sensitivity, medical billing and coding knowledge, time management and organizational skills, compliance and regulatory knowledge, technical and digital literacy, adaptability and continuous learning.

Show the Right Skills in Every Application

Medical assistant skills by experience level, important skills for entry-level medical assistants, important skills for mid-level medical assistants, important skills for senior medical assistants, most underrated skills for medical assistants, 1. cultural competence, 2. technical aptitude, 3. resilience, how to demonstrate your skills as a medical assistant in 2024, how you can upskill as a medical assistant.

• Acquire Advanced Certifications: Pursue further credentials in areas like phlebotomy, EKG, or clinical lab operations to expand your clinical capabilities and increase your value in the healthcare team.
• Embrace Digital Health Technologies: Familiarize yourself with electronic health records (EHR) systems, telehealth platforms, and other healthcare technologies that are transforming patient care.
• Participate in Continuous Medical Education (CME): Attend workshops, webinars, and courses to stay current with the latest healthcare practices and guidelines.
• Develop Specialized Skills: Focus on areas of high demand, such as geriatrics or pediatrics, to differentiate yourself and meet the growing needs of specific patient populations.
• Strengthen Language Proficiency: Learn or improve upon a second language to better communicate with a diverse patient base and enhance the quality of care for non-English speakers.
• Enhance Administrative Expertise: Take courses in medical billing, coding, or healthcare administration to streamline office operations and support the practice's financial health.
• Build on Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Engage in training that focuses on patient relations, conflict resolution, and empathy to provide exceptional patient support and care.
• Seek Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced healthcare professionals to gain insights, discuss career development, and explore new opportunities within the field.
• Practice Self-Care and Resilience: Attend workshops on stress management and self-care to maintain your well-being and sustain high performance in a demanding work environment.

Skill FAQs for Medical Assistants

What are the emerging skills for medical assistants today, how can medical assistants effectivley develop their soft skills, how important is technical expertise for medical assistants.

Medical Assistant Education

More Skills for Related Roles

Providing essential care, bridging the gap between doctors and patients in healthcare

Supporting healthcare teams, delivering patient care and administrative tasks efficiently

Providing compassionate care, assisting in patient recovery and maintaining health records

Providing compassionate care, bridging health professionals and patients' needs

Supporting oral health, assisting dentists in procedures, ensuring patient comfort

Navigating healthcare technology, ensuring accurate diagnostics for patient wellbeing

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What is Your Strongest Skill as a Medical Assistant?

Working in healthcare is rewarding. Being there for those in need and making a difference in their lives is something we all value, we want to contribute to wellness in our communities. But roles in medicine are physically, emotionally and spiritually challenging, so having the right aptitudes and attitudes is helpful for success. If you’re considering becoming a medical assistant, let’s review the skills you’ll need and the one special quality upon which they’re built.

What Are Important Skills to Have as a Medical Assistant and Why?

Anyone can be a medical assistant with the right training. The better question is, do you have the right skills to be happy and successful in the field? A medical assistant needs:

Skill #1: Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze facts and come to logical conclusions. It’s how a medical assistant knows the patient having chest pain needs attention before the person with the sniffles. In a medical setting, things can evolve quickly, the ability to think critically is a skill medical assistants need to evaluate complex situations and prioritize patient needs.

Skill #2: A Strong Work Ethic

Healthcare is fast-paced. Medical assistants rarely have the emergency or on-call responsibilities of doctors and nurses, but as clinical support specialists, their job is just as vital, and when they don’t come to work, it shows.

Employers need staff who are committed to being at work on time and staying focused. Emergencies happen, but when teams work short-handed, patient care suffers, and everyone feels the strain. Reliability and a strong work ethic are among the most valued qualities in a medical assistant.

Skill #3: Active Listening

Active listening is the art of focusing on a conversation, so you understand what’s being said between the lines. It requires limiting distractions, being attentive, clarifying statements, evaluating body language and offering feedback, so you hear what patients or colleagues mean and not just what they say.

Nothing is more important in healthcare than making patients feel like they’re the center of attention. Active listening builds trust, inspires confidence and establishes the rapport necessary for a therapeutic relationship.

Skill #4: Communication

Medical assistants serve as liaisons between doctors and patients and among staff. Every part of their job requires direct or indirect communication. They’re patients’ go-to resource for clinical information, and they manage most office communication, from taking messages for the doctor to explaining test results. In addition to being good listeners, medical assistants should be confident expressing themselves verbally and in writing, including the use of electronic communication, such as email and text.

Excellent grammar and spelling skills are essential for accurate data entry. For example, the terms “dysphasia,”a language disorder, and “dysphagia,”difficulty swallowing, are pronounced the same despite different meanings. A spelling error when updating records could result in a disastrous medical mistake.

Medical assistants also bridge the communication gap between the front and back offices and the clinical team. Trained in both administrative and clinical responsibilities, they see gaps in knowledge among team members related to expertise and can fill them before they lead to misunderstandings. A front office assistant may not understand, for example, how the data they enter at check-in affects the clinical team. Medical assistants see processes from both sides and can be consensus builders. It’s a critical role.

Skill #5: Comfort with Technology

Healthcare is an advanced field and medical assistants work daily with a broad range of technology. Almost all of the documentation is computerized. From entering data into electronic health records to filing insurance claims, most of a medical assistant’s tasks are computerized so confidence with computers is a must.

Diagnostic equipment, including EKG machines and chemistry analyzers, are computer-based. Even blood pressure devices are now digital and require some degree of technological know-how to use.

Skill #6: Organization

Medical assistants juggle a mountain of clinical and administrative responsibilities, it’s challenging but manageable with good organizational skills and the ability to shift gears when priorities change. Busy days in a hospital or private practice always hold surprises but being prepared for them minimizes their impact and keeps the job from becoming overwhelming.

Skill #7: Customer Service

Patients cite customer service issues as a top concern when seeing their doctor, they pay for services and want to work with attentive professionals who will meet their expectations.

As ambassadors of first impressions, medical assistants play an important role in managing customer satisfaction by setting the stage for a positive experience. A warm greeting and welcoming smile inspire a patient’s confidence in their care. Being aloof or disengaged makes them feel like an afterthought.

Treating patients with the professionalism they deserve enhances the doctor-patient relationship. It’s essential for quality care and the practice’s bottom line.

Skill #8: Discretion

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, regulates how patients’ private medical data is shared, defining who can access information and for what purpose. Unless it’s a medical emergency, private health details can never be shared without the patient’s informed consent. Violations may result in hefty financial penalties for employers and job loss for staff. Since a medical assistant’s job requires handling sensitive personal data, discretion is crucial.

Skill #9: Team Spirit

Healthcare is a team sport. Each member has a specific role, but everyone brings something of value to the table whether it’s a skill or a unique insight. Colleagues work closely with each other in trying situations requiring mutual support, so it’s essential for medical assistants to cultivate sound interpersonal relationships with their peers.

It’s not always easy among different personalities and communication styles, but the payoff is worth the effort. Patients benefit when everyone works together, and the workplace is less stressful for everyone.

Skill #10: Empathy

Empathy is a passive emotional response to someone’s situation, imaging yourself in their place so you can better understand their behavior and needs. For example, when a coworker calls out sick for the third day in a row, knowing it’s because they’ve just lost a loved one brings perceptive and understanding to the situation. Empathy is the foundation of compassion.

What Should Be a Medical Assistant’s Strongest Skill?

A medical assistant’s strongest skill should be compassion. More than the sympathy we feel for those who struggle, compassion is the willingness to take action to meet others’ needs and ease their pain. It’s empathy in motion.

Medical assistants work with physically and emotionally vulnerable people who rely on them for support in difficult circumstances. Rationally speaking, it’s what they get paid to do, but without compassion, actions are devoid of emotional meaning, there’s no joy or satisfaction in sharing the suffering of others if you can’t relate to it. True compassion is a rare, shared response from which both the giver and receiver benefit.

Compassion is something we practice daily, for example, when we open a door for someone carrying heavy bags because we know from personal experience that it’s helpful. Or when we take up the slack at work for a colleague whose parent is sick because we recognize their need.

It’s a medical assistant’s role to serve patients and support peers, and the only way to know what they need is to see events through their eyes. A sick patient’s surly behavior could be related to physical discomfort, something that can be eased with medication. Or it could be that they’re missing a child’s wedding because they’re too sick to attend, a problem you can’t solve but can help alleviate with understanding and compassion.

Beneath every diagnosis can lie fear, anxiety and pain. Everyone has a story that illness puts on hold, and it’s a medical assistant’s job to get to know it. Compassion is the basis of everything they do.

Can Compassion Be Learned?

Some people are inherently compassionate, and it’s no surprise that they’re often drawn to the medical field. But it’s difficult to have compassion without empathy, and without knowledge of healthcare, it’s tough to be empathetic.

For example, if you’ve never had an injection and don’t know it can be painful, you’ll struggle to understand a child’s fear of needles. Knowledge is the foundation for compassion in healthcare. The more you learn in a vocational school medical assisting program, the easier it becomes to be compassionate.

How Can Medical Assistants Become More Compassionate?

Compassion is a skill that can be taught and cultivated through experience. Research shows that once someone understands others’ problems, they can better empathize and respond compassionately. As with most skills, however, practice makes perfect, so repetition is the key.

In school, you’ll learn about compassion from seasoned instructors and build on those skills working with patients during off-site clinical experiences. After graduation, each day on the job as a medical assistant brings more opportunities to learn and build relationships with patients that inspire compassionate behavior. Over time, your brain will adapt to newer, more complex ways of thinking, and the response becomes automatic.

What are the best personal qualities of successful medical assistants?

Beyond mastering clinical procedures and administrative tasks, successful medical assistants embody a unique blend of interpersonal skills and innate qualities. These traits not only define their effectiveness in patient care but also demonstrate their significance within the broader healthcare landscape.

Here, we’ll cover some of the best personal qualities that are necessary for success in medical assisting.

Interested in becoming a medical assistant? Request information and find out more about the program.

• Strong communication skills: Medical assistants must communicate effectively with patients, healthcare providers, and other members of the healthcare team. They serve as the liaison between patients and healthcare professionals, ensuring clear understanding and optimal care delivery.
• Empathy and compassion: Medical assistants work with patients who may be anxious or in pain. They must show empathy and compassion while also maintaining a professional demeanor. This compassionate approach helps patients feel understood and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
• Attention to detail: Medical assistants must be detail-oriented and accurate when documenting patient information and administering medications. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures precision in healthcare procedures and minimizes the risk of errors.
• Dependability and reliability: Medical assistants must be dependable and reliable, as they play an important role in the healthcare team. Their consistent presence and reliability contribute to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities and the delivery of quality patient care.
• Adaptability: Medical assistants work in a fast-paced environment and must be able to adapt to changing situations. They demonstrate flexibility in handling diverse tasks and scenarios, ensuring seamless transitions and effective response to evolving healthcare needs.
• Professionalism: Medical assistants must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. They uphold ethical standards and confidentiality protocols, fostering trust and respect in patient interactions and professional relationships.
• Strong organizational skills: Medical assistants must be well-organized, able to multitask, and manage their time effectively. Their organizational prowess enables efficient workflow management and ensures timely completion of tasks in busy healthcare settings.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Medical assistants must be able to think critically and solve problems quickly and efficiently. They analyze situations, identify solutions, and implement appropriate actions to address patient needs and overcome challenges in healthcare delivery.

By embodying qualities such as empathy, adaptability, and professionalism, these indispensable professionals elevate the standard of patient care and contribute profoundly to the seamless functioning of healthcare facilities.

Find Out More

Curious about how you can contribute to healthcare through this career that blends medical skills with patient compassion and care? Explore our Medical Assisting program and see how you can become a part of this impactful profession, or click here to Request Information .

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Unraveling the Medical Puzzle: A Guide to Critical Thinking for Medical Assistants

Welcome to our exploration of the crucial role critical thinking plays in the daily responsibilities of medical assistants. In this blog post, we’ll delve into a hypothetical scenario to illustrate how applying critical thinking skills is essential in providing quality patient care.

The Scenario: Decoding Vague Symptoms

Gathering information.

Imagine a patient walks in with complaints of fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Our medical assistant immediately springs into action, diligently gathering information. They delve into the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, recent changes, and current medications. Vital signs are meticulously recorded, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of comprehensive information.

Analyzing Information

With a treasure trove of data at hand, our medical assistant shifts gears into analysis mode. They carefully sift through the gathered information, not settling for the obvious. Critical thinking here involves considering a myriad of potential causes for the vague symptoms, going beyond surface-level assessments.

Problem-Solving and Collaboration

Seeking additional expertise.

As the symptoms remain elusive, our medical assistant recognizes the need for collaboration. Acknowledging the limitations of their role, they consult with other healthcare professionals or decide to refer the patient to a physician for a more in-depth evaluation. This step is crucial in ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.

Prioritization and Decision-Making

Navigating the medical labyrinth.

Armed with insights from the collaborative effort, our medical assistant embarks on the journey of prioritization. They may recommend specific tests to narrow down potential causes or prioritize certain aspects of care. Critical thinking guides them in making decisions that align with the best interests of the patient’s well-being.

Reflection on Outcomes

The continuous cycle.

Tests conducted, interventions implemented—the critical thinker now reflects on the outcomes. This reflective process is integral to the continuous cycle of assessment, analysis, and adjustment. It ensures that the approach remains dynamic and patient-centric.

Related : Understanding Plagiarism: A Closer Look at Intellectual Property

Conclusion: Empowering Medical Assistants through Critical Thinking

In the intricate world of healthcare, critical thinking emerges as the beacon guiding medical assistants through the complexities of patient care. By systematically gathering and analyzing information, collaborating with peers, prioritizing, and reflecting on outcomes, medical assistants become adept problem-solvers. This blog post highlights the importance of cultivating critical thinking skills in the medical field, where every decision can make a profound impact on patient well-being.

Thank you for reading : Unraveling the Medical Puzzle: A Guide to Critical Thinking for Medical Assistants: kindly leave your comments

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• 10 Soft Skills For Medical Assistants

Medical Assistant Soft Skills

In healthcare, the role of a medical assistant includes clinical skills and the art of human interaction. At PCI Health Training Center, we recognize the importance of soft skills in shaping compassionate and competent medical assistants.

Here is a look at the ten soft skills every medical assistant should possess.

1. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence goes beyond recognizing outward expressions of feelings; it involves empathizing with the underlying emotions, allowing healthcare professionals to provide more compassionate and personalized care.

2. Great Patient Communication

Effective patient communication extends beyond verbal exchanges; it encompasses active listening, non-verbal cues, and the ability to convey complex medical information in a clear and understandable manner.

3. Time Management

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, time management is crucial for ensuring that patient needs are met promptly, minimizing wait times, and optimizing the workflow of healthcare providers.

4. Problem Solving

Healthcare practitioners frequently encounter complex medical cases and unexpected situations, making problem-solving skills vital for diagnosing and treating patients effectively. A strong problem-solving mindset in healthcare enables professionals to adapt to new information, explore different treatment options, and make decisions that benefit the patient’s health.

5. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves the ability to evaluate information, consider various perspectives, and make well-informed decisions, which is crucial in healthcare for diagnosing, planning treatment, and assessing patient progress.

6. Interpersonal Communication with Team

Effective interpersonal communication among healthcare team members is essential for coordinating care, sharing critical information, and ensuring that each professional’s expertise contributes to the patient’s well-being. Collaborative teamwork in healthcare enhances patient safety and promotes a holistic approach to healthcare delivery.

7. Professionalism

Professionalism in healthcare involves adhering to ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating integrity in all interactions with patients and colleagues. Upholding high standards of professionalism earns trust and ensures that healthcare providers prioritize the well-being and dignity of their patients.

8. Patience

Healthcare professionals often encounter challenging situations and patients with varying needs and personalities, making patience a valuable attribute for providing compassionate care. Patience allows healthcare providers to listen attentively, provide emotional support, and persevere through complex treatment plans, ultimately improving the patient’s overall experience.

9. Active Listening

Active listening in healthcare goes beyond hearing spoken words; it involves paying attention to non-verbal cues, asking clarifying questions, and empathizing with patients to truly understand their concerns. Healthcare providers who practice active listening can establish rapport with patients, validate their feelings, and address their needs more effectively.

10. Compassion

Compassion is at the heart of healthcare, as it drives healthcare professionals to genuinely care for their patients, show empathy, and provide comfort during times of illness and distress. The presence of compassion in healthcare helps patients experience a sense of emotional support and understanding from their caregivers.

Learn More at PCI

At PCI Health Training Center, we understand that being a successful medical assistant involves soft skills and a thorough understanding of medical practices. Our Medical Assistant Program is designed to help train you with the skills you need to embark on a healthcare career. Join us at PCI, where your growth as a compassionate and skilled medical professional is our top priority.

Enroll now and start your journey to making a meaningful impact in healthcare!

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10 Crucial Medical Assistant Skills That Are Must Have

• Written by HIGH5 Content & Review Team
• October 25, 2022
• Professional skills

The right medical assistant skills can make all the difference in your career. Without the necessary skills, you’ll find it difficult to succeed in this demanding field.

Identifying and leveraging the skills that can make or break your career as a medical assistant is essential to your success. The HIGH5 strengths test can be an invaluable tool in this process, helping you uncover your unique strengths and how they align with the demands of medical assisting. Whether you aspire to work in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office, understanding your strengths through the HIGH5 assessment can guide you in developing the skills needed to excel in patient care and medical procedures alike.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top medical assistant skills you need to succeed in this career along with tips on how to develop them.

Let’s get started.

What are Medical Assistant Skills?

Medical Assistant skills are the abilities and knowledge that are necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant. Medical assistants must have excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills. They must be able to multitask and work well under pressure.

In addition, medical assistants must have a strong understanding of medical terminology and be able to perform basic clinical tasks.

Medical assistants must also be able to work well as part of a team. They must be able to take direction from physicians and other medical professionals and follow instructions carefully. Medical assistants must also be able to interact with patients professionally and compassionately.

Medical assistant skills can be learned through on-the-job training, although many employers prefer candidates who have completed an accredited medical assisting program.

Some medical assistants may also choose to pursue certification through organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association.

While not required, certification can demonstrate to employers that a medical assistant has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties competently.

Employers may also require medical assistants to complete continuing education courses regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the medical field.

Why Is it Important To Recognize Medical Assistant Skills & Their Benefits?

Recognizing your skills as a medical assistant is crucial for leveraging them effectively in your career. The HIGH5 strengths test offers a unique approach to this self-awareness, helping medical assistants identify not just their skills, but their innate strengths. By understanding your strengths through the HIGH5 assessment , you can more effectively apply your skills in patient care, administrative tasks, and clinical procedures. This self-awareness leads to increased job satisfaction and performance, as you’re able to align your natural talents with the demands of your role.

Second, medical assistants who are familiar with the benefits of their skills are more likely to be motivated to use them. Finally, medical assistants who understand the importance of their skills are more likely to be able to advocate for themselves and their careers.

Here are the main benefits of being a skilled medical assistant:

• Skilled medical assistants are more likely to be able to provide quality patient care.
• They are more likely to be able to get jobs.
• They are more likely to be able to keep their jobs.
• They are more likely to be able to earn higher wages.
• They are more likely to be able to advance in their careers.
• They are more likely to be able to provide better patient care.
• They are more likely to be able to improve the quality of care they provide.
• They are more likely to be appreciated by their patients.
• They are more likely to be respected by their colleagues.
• They are more likely to be able to have a lasting impact on the lives of their patients.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 Leverage your HIGH5 strengths in your daily tasks. If ‘Empathy’ is one of your top strengths, use it to enhance patient communication and comfort. If ‘Analytical’ is a key strength, apply it to maintaining accurate medical records and interpreting test results.

10 Crucial Medical Assistant Skills

Let’s now consider specific medical assistant skills examples.

Interpersonal Skills

Medical assistants need to have excellent interpersonal skills since they will be working with patients daily. This means being able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. It also requires the ability to empathize with patients and understand their needs.

Organizational Skills

An important part of a medical assistant’s job is to keep the office organized and running smoothly. This means having strong organizational skills and being able to multitask efficiently. Medical assistants need to be able to juggle many tasks at once and prioritize them accordingly.

Clinical Skills

Medical assistants need to have basic clinical skills to perform their duties effectively. This includes taking medical histories, performing basic physical exams, and collecting lab specimens. In some states, medical assistants may also be allowed to give injections or assist with minor surgical procedures.

Administrative Skills

In addition to clinical duties, medical assistants also have many administrative responsibilities. This includes scheduling appointments, filing insurance forms, and billing patients. Medical assistants need to be proficient in a variety of office software programs to perform these tasks effectively.

Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills are important for medical assistants because they often have to make decisions quickly and under pressure. For example, they may need to decide whether or not a patient needs to be seen by a doctor urgently. They also need to be able to troubleshoot problems that arise in the office.

Teamwork Skills

Medical assistants need to be able to work effectively as part of a team. This includes being able to communicate well with other members of the healthcare team, such as doctors and nurses. It also requires the ability to collaborate on projects and tasks.

Time Management Skills

Time management skills are important for medical assistants because they often have to juggle many tasks at once. They need to be able to prioritize their workload and use their time efficiently.

Stress Management Skills

Since medical assistants often work under pressure, they need to have good stress management skills. This includes being able to stay calm under pressure.

Customer Service Skills

Medical assistants need to have excellent customer service skills since they will be working with patients daily. This means being able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. It also requires the ability to empathize with patients and understand their needs.

Finally, medical assistants need to have excellent interpersonal skills. This means being able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

How To Identify and Develop Medical Assistant Skills?

Luckily, if you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, there are plenty of ways to gain the skills you need. Whether you enroll in a formal training program or simply learn on the job, mastering these essential skills will help you succeed in this rewarding career.

The process to identify and master medical assistant skills may vary depending on your employer or the type of facility in which you work. Here are some of the best ideas to help you identify which skills are most important for medical assistants:

• Speak with your supervisor – One of the best ways to identify what skills you need to work on is to speak with your supervisor. They will likely have a good idea of the areas in which you need improvement and can give you specific guidance on how to develop those skills.
• Observe experienced medical assistants – Another great way to learn medical assistant skills is to observe experienced professionals at work. This will give you a chance to see first-hand how they perform their duties and interact with patients and other staff members.
• Enroll in a formal training program – If you’re serious about becoming a medical assistant, enrolling in a formal training program is one of the best things you can do. These programs will provide you with the opportunity to learn all the essential skills you need to be successful in this career.
• Use online resources – Several great online resources can help you learn medical assistant skills. In addition to websites, there are also many helpful videos and articles available that can provide you with valuable information.
• Get experience in a variety of settings – Another tip for gaining medical assistant skills is to get experience in a variety of settings. This will allow you to develop your skills in different environments and see how they transfer to other situations.
• Consider the right strengths test that can help you find the perfect career – After taking a closer look at the strengths test, you will be able to better understand how your skills fit into the medical assistant role. This will help you determine if this is the right career path for you. The High5test.com strengths test is a great tool to use for this purpose.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 After taking the HIGH5 test , create a development plan that focuses on applying your top strengths to key medical assistant responsibilities. This targeted approach will accelerate your skill development and increase your effectiveness in the role.

How To Improve Medical Skills in The Workplace?

In your day-to-day work as a medical assistant, you will be using many different skills. Some of these skills will be technical, such as taking vital signs or administering injections.

Others will be more interpersonal, such as communicating with patients and their families. No matter what type of skill it is, there are always ways to improve.

Here are a few suggestions on how to improve your medical skills in the workplace:

• Make sure you are keeping up with your continuing education requirements . In most states, medical assistants are required to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits every year to maintain their certification. By keeping up with your CEUs, you can make sure that you are staying up-to-date on the latest changes in the medical field.
• Get involved in your professional organization . The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is a great resource for medical assistants. By getting involved in your professional organization, you can network with other medical assistants and learn about the latest news and developments in the field.
• Stay up-to-date on new technology . Technology is always changing, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. There are many ways to do this, such as reading articles or taking courses on new medical technologies.
• Take advantage of online resources . There are many websites and online forums that are geared specifically toward medical assistants. These resources can be a great way to learn new tips and tricks and to stay up-to-date on the latest news in the medical field.
• Get a mentor . The HIGH5 test can reveal your unique strengths profile, which you can use to find a mentor whose experience complements your natural talents. For example, if the HIGH5 test identifies ‘Learner’ as one of your top strengths, look for a mentor who can challenge you with new skills and knowledge. If ‘Relationship Building’ is a key strength, find a mentor who excels in patient care and team collaboration. This strengths-based approach to mentorship ensures that you’re not just improving general medical skills, but developing in ways that feel natural and energizing to you.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 Share your HIGH5 strengths profile with your mentor. This will help them understand your natural talents and tailor their guidance to leverage your strengths in developing crucial medical assistant skills.

How To Highlight Medical Assistant Skills In Resume & Job Interview?

Getting the job you want as a medical assistant begins with the right resume. Listing the right skills on your medical assistant resume can help you land interviews and ultimately, the job itself. But what exactly are the best skills to list on a medical assistant resume?

First, take some time to assess your skills. What do you excel at? Do you have experience working with patients or in customer service? Are you detail-oriented? These are all qualities that would be beneficial to highlight on a medical assistant resume.

In terms of hard skills, there are certain medical assistant skills that employers will look for when reviewing resumes. For example, many employers require medical assistants to be certified in CPR and first aid. If you have this certification, be sure to list it prominently on your resume.

Other medical assistant skills that employers value include strong communication skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems. If you have any of these skills, mention them on your resume.

In addition to listing your skills on your resume, you will also need to be prepared to discuss them in an interview. When asked about your skills, be sure to give specific examples of how you have utilized them in the past. This will help the employer understand how you would be able to use those skills in the job they are hiring for.

Here are some examples of how you could discuss your medical assistant skills in an interview:

• I have excellent communication skills that I have developed through my experience working with patients.
• I can explain medical procedures and terminology in a way that is easy for patients to understand.
• I am very detail-oriented and organized, which has helped me excel in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records.
• I am certified in CPR and first aid and have extensive experience providing basic medical care to patients.

By highlighting your best skills on your resume and in your job interview, you will increase your chances of getting hired as a medical assistant. With the right skills, you can land the job you want and start making a difference in the lives of others.

Related: 23 Medical Secretary Interview Questions and Answers

What Are Differences Between Soft & Hard Medical Assistant Skills?

When you are considering a career in medical assisting, it’s important to understand that there are both hard and soft skills required for success. Hard skills are those that can be learned through training or education, while soft skills are more personal traits that you either have or don’t. Here’s a closer look at both types of skills and how they can impact your career.

Examples of Hard Skills for Medical Assistants

As a medical assistant, you will need to have a strong understanding of basic medical procedures and terminology. You should also be comfortable using computers and other technology to maintain patient records and schedule appointments.

Other important hard skills include:

• Strong communication abilities
• The ability to multi-task
• Great organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail

Examples of Soft Skills for Medical Assistants

In addition to hard skills, medical assistants also need to have certain soft skills to be successful.

These include:

• A positive attitude
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Great people skills
• The ability to handle difficult situations and patients calmly

If you have both types of skills, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career as a medical assistant.

Bonus Tip: How To Make a Medical Assistant Checklist

A medical assistant checklist can serve as a great reminder of the responsibilities that come with the job. This can help you stay on top of your tasks and ensure that you are meeting the expectations of your patients and your employer.

When creating a medical assistant checklist, be sure to include:

• Greeting patients
• Updating patient records
• Collecting patient information
• Taking vitals
• Assisting with exams
• Administering injections
• Drawing blood
• Preparing lab specimens

Following these guidelines will help you create a comprehensive medical assistant checklist that will serve as a valuable tool in your career.

Medical Assistant Skills FAQs

What is the most important skill for a medical assistant.

The most important skill for a medical assistant is the ability to multitask. Medical assistants need to be able to handle a variety of tasks at the same time, such as taking a patient history and vital signs, scheduling appointments, and handling insurance paperwork. They also need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, doctors, and other medical staff.

What are the 3 responsibilities of a medical assistant?

The three main responsibilities of a medical assistant are clinical duties, administrative duties, and patient care duties. Clinical duties include tasks such as taking patient histories and performing basic lab tests.

Administrative duties include tasks such as scheduling appointments and handling billing and insurance paperwork. Patient care duties include tasks such as providing emotional support to patients and their families.

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Critical Thinking in medical education: When and How?

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Critical thinking in healthcare and education

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Critical thinking is an essential cognitive skill for the individuals involved in various healthcare domains such as doctors, nurses, lab assistants, patients and so on, as is emphasized by the Authors. Recent evidence suggests that critical thinking is being perceived/evaluated as a domain-general construct and it is less distinguishable from that of general cognitive abilities [1].

People cannot think critically about topics for which they have little knowledge. Critical thinking should be viewed as a domain-specific construct that evolves as an individual acquires domain-specific knowledge [1]. For instance, most common people have no basis for prioritizing patients in the emergency department to be shifted to the only bed available in the intensive care unit. Medical professionals who could thinking critically in their own discipline would have difficulty thinking critically about problems in other fields. Therefore, ‘domain-general’ critical thinking training and evaluation could be non-specific and might not benefit the targeted domain i.e. medical profession.

Moreover, the literature does not demonstrate that it is possible to train universally effective critical thinking skills [1]. As medical teachers, we can start building up student’s critical thinking skill by contingent teaching-learning environment wherein one should encourage reasoning and analytics, problem solving abilities and welcome new ideas and opinions [2]. But at the same time, one should continue rather tapering the critical skills as one ascends towards a specialty, thereby targeting ‘domain-specific’ critical thinking.

For the benefit of healthcare, tools for training and evaluating ‘domain-specific’ critical thinking should be developed for each of the professional knowledge domains such as doctors, nurses, lab technicians and so on. As the Authors rightly pointed out, this humongous task can be accomplished only with cross border collaboration among cognitive neuroscientists, psychologists, medical education experts and medical professionals.

References 1. National Research Council. (2011). Assessing 21st Century Skills: Summary of a Workshop. J.A. Koenig, Rapporteur. Committee on the Assessment of 21st Century Skills. Board on Testing and Assessment, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 2. Mafakheri Laleh M, Mohammadimehr M, Zargar Balaye Jame S. Designing a model for critical thinking development in AJA University of Medical Sciences. J Adv Med Educ Prof. 2016 Oct;4(4):179–87.

Competing interests: No competing interests

Medical Assistant Skills: Clinical, Administrative, & Soft

A medical assistant works directly with a physician to take care of patients. They mostly work in doctors offices and clinics, and they perform both clinical and administrative tasks. 

Clinical skills include working directly with patients, taking vitals, and collecting samples. Administrative skills include office work such as scheduling appointments and organizing paperwork. 

Because they deal with all kinds of people in different types of situations, medical assistants need to be responsible, empathetic, and professional. Both patients and physicians need to be able to trust their medical assistants to be honest, ethical, and advocate for their patients.

This article looks at the clinical, administrative, and soft skills required to be a medical assistant.

Medical Assistant Skills List

Here is a general list of skills needed to do a good job as a medical assistant :

• Knowing how to measure vital signs 
• Performing CPR
• Listening with empathy 
• Having good customer service skills
• Thinking critically
• Understanding medical assistant terminology 
• Handling billing
• Answering phone calls 
• Scheduling appointments 
• Administering medications
• Giving injections ( If medical assistants can give injections varies by state )
• Applying dressings
• Drawing blood ( If medical assistants are allowed to draw blood varies by state )
• Starting IVs ( If medical assistants are allowed to start IVs varies by state )
• Collecting urine samples
• Removing sutures
• Performing EKGs
• Preparing examination rooms 
• Interviewing patients before appointments
• Relaying patient and physician questions 
• Keeping supplies stocked and organized 

Clinical Skills Required to Be a Medical Assistant

Clinical skills are the skills you need to take care of patients while they are in the examination or procedure room. Having good clinical skills keeps your patient safe and comfortable. Lacking these skills has the potential to cause physical harm to the patient.

Here are some clinical skills you need as a medical assistant :

• Taking vitals. Vital signs include a patient's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. You will need to know what normal vital signs are and when to report them to the doctor. Physicians base some of their treatments and diagnosis on vital signs, so it is important to measure them accurately. 
• Performing CPR. While you may not ever have to perform CPR, it is important that you know how to use basic life support in case of an emergency. Most employers will require you to complete a CPR class before beginning work. 
• Removing sutures. Removing stitches is a pretty simple procedure, but it can cause pain or infection if done incorrectly. You will need to know how to remove the sutures and tell the doctor about anything that looks bad around the wound site. 
• Applying dressings. Some wounds or scrapes will require a little more than a standard bandaid. Special training may be needed to apply some kinds of dressings. Special care must be taken to keep wounds clean and free of infection. 
• Drawing blood. Blood tests can look for infection, cancers, kidney problems, diabetes, and many other things. Medical assistants need to know how to draw blood safely and efficiently. Patients appreciate it when their medical assistant can collect enough blood on the first try. You may consider taking a phlebotomy course before starting your work as a medical assistant.
• Collecting urine or stool samples. While not the most glamorous part of the job, collecting urine and stool samples gives the physician valuable information about how to best care for their patient. Urine and stool can be used to diagnose many different problems. 
• Performing EKGs. EKGs are recordings of heart rhythms and can show things like heart attacks or heart inflammation. Performing an EKG requires special training.  

Administrative Skills Required to Be a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants will spend a lot of time performing administrative tasks for their employers. Every clinic will work a little bit differently, and it is important to have a good understanding of your job's computer systems.  Medical administrative assistants especially need these skills.

Here are some administrative skills you need as a medical assistant:

• Scheduling appointments. Doctors offices and clinics can get extremely busy, and some people have to schedule appointments months in advance. Keeping appointments organized is necessary to help everyone get the care they need. 
• Recording visit notes. You’ll need to understand your office's computer system and how to record vital signs and patient notes so that physicians can see accurate, well-organized information. 
• Sending billing reminders. As a medical assistant, you may have to make phone calls about people missing payments or help them set up payment plans. You might also help patients get financial aid if they need it. 
• Contacting insurance companies. Medical assistants are often in charge of calling insurance companies for information about payments and prior authorization. Knowledge about medical billing and coding is very helpful to have for this part of the job. 
• Organizing the office. Keeping both the front office and the supplies organized is part of medical assistants’ responsibilities. Keeping the office or clinic clean and organized will make things easier for you and the doctors, and give you more time to care for patients. 

Soft Skills Required to Be a Medical Assistant

Soft skills are the kinds of skills that seem non-specific and unmeasurable. Some are considered personality traits, but all can be learned and improved with practice. These skills require more than memorization to master. They must be practiced frequently. 

Here are some soft skills you need as a medical assistant:

• Good communication. When working in healthcare, you need to have great communication skills. This prevents errors from miscommunication and keeps patients safe. Medical assistants need to make sure that the physician understands patient concerns and that the patients understand the physician's instructions. 
• Adaptability. Medical assistants usually work in a fast-paced environment where things can change quickly. You’ll need to be able to move between tasks quickly and handle unexpected events without getting overwhelmed. 
• Empathetic listening. As a medical assistant, you’ll be taking care of people who might not feel well, be afraid of the doctor's office, or be nervous about a diagnosis. You’ll need to be a good listener to help your patients feel safe enough to express their concerns and ask for help.
• Critical thinking. In any healthcare setting, medical assistants need to know when a patient needs help urgently, or when something doesn’t seem right. Medical assistants are usually the first people who see patients, and they need to be able to notify the physician if they notice subtle problems. 
• Patience. Many people get very stressed or anxious at the doctor's office. Especially when making phone calls about medical bills or complaints, you’ll need to be patient and able to control your emotions well. 
• Work ethic. Being a medical assistant is rewarding, but it is often hard work. Be ready to work hard doing both clinical and administrative tasks. Clinics and offices have to see a lot of patients each day, and medical assistants have to keep up with their work in order to stay on schedule. 
• Compassion. Possibly the most important skill you’ll need to have is compassion. Taking care of patients each day means you have to do your best to help them. In order to give 100% to your job, you’ll need to be a compassionate and caring person. 

How to Develop Skills as a Medical Assistant

Every medical assistant has his or her strengths and weaknesses, but each skill that you need for the job can be learned and improved over time. This is especially true with the variety of duties and responsibilities of medical assistants . Here are some ways to develop your skills:

Training Programs 

Training programs are a sure way to learn most of the skills you need for medical assisting. Medical assisting programs are specifically created to help people learn clinical, administrative, and soft skills for becoming a medical assistant . 

Medical assisting programs can be completed online or in person. There are certificate programs available that can be completed more quickly and medical assistant degree programs that last up to two years.

Stepful has an online medical assistant program that takes only four months to complete and comes with career coaching to help you find a job.

When you finish your training program, you can take a certification exam to become a certified medical assistant . This certification shows future employers that you have training and knowledge to safely care for patients in a doctors office.

>> Read More: Medical Assistant Certifications  

Externship 

A medical assistant externship is an opportunity to see what a medical assistant does and how they interact with doctors and patients. If you decide to do an externship, pay close attention to everything your leader does and try to ask lots of questions. 

Many people learn better by doing tasks rather than reading about them or watching them. Use externship hours to get some guided practice using your medical assisting skills. 

Extra Certifications 

Getting extra certifications will make you more valuable as a medical assistant. While they are not required, extra certifications open up opportunities for higher pay and advancement in the field. 

Medical assistants can benefit from being certified in phlebotomy, EKG, and medical coding. These certifications are inexpensive and can be completed quickly. 

Continuing Education 

You can continue your education either formally or informally. The internet and platforms like YouTube make it easy to stay current on the latest healthcare advancements and knowledge. Ask your employer about opportunities for learning or interview other medical assistants to learn from their experiences. 

>> Read More:  Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant

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Critical Thinking for Medical Assistants

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The importance of critical thinking in medical assisting is an innovative tool to be used, not only for educational programs, but also in learning and developing professional skills. It is a form of deductive reasoning that is a composite of attitudes, knowledge, and skills: (1) attitudes in the way the medical assistant responds to the patient's demand for treatment; (2) basic knowledge of the presenting symptoms of the patient and (3) skills in applying the above attitudes and knowledge. (Watson & Glasser). The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA; e.g., Watson & Glaser, 1980) defines the construct of critical thinking in terms of five domains of cognitive activity: i.e., inferences, deductions, interpretations, recognition of assumptions, and evaluation of treatments.

Critical thinking is the engine that drives the processes of knowledge development and professionalism. Robotic responses to doctor's orders without understanding the reasoning for the order will not enhance the knowledge and skills of the medical assistant. The value of a focused and diligent approach to clinical reasoning requires a tolerance of multiple perspectives when those perspectives can be supported by reason and evidence (Facione & Facione, 1994). Critical thinking opens doors to new perspectives about the world, fosters self-confidence, and encourages lifelong learning (Chafee, 1994).

The ideal critical thinker is a habitually inquisitive person, who is well informed, trustful of reason, open-minded, flexible, fair-minded in evaluation, honest in facing personal biases, prudent in making judgments, willing to reconsider outcomes and clear about certain issues. The critical thinker is orderly in complex matters, diligent in seeking relevant information, reasonable in the selection of criteria, focused in inquiry, and persistent in seeking precise results. (Facione, Facione, & Giancarlo, 1994).

To define critical thinking in classroom and clinical settings, many techniques may be used including teacher and learner-group debates over clinical and ethical scenarios. Cooperative learning techniques include clinical conundrums that encourage questions, analysis, and reflections, and using clinical reports to increase students' recognition for common clinical experiences (Facione & Facione, 1996). Cooperative learning occurs when small groups of trainees work together to maximize their own and each other's learning (Gibson & Campbell, 2000). As a matter of fact, interpersonal relations are at the heart of the interface between individuals and groups (Marotta, Peters, & Paliokas, 2000).

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Skills and Qualities of a Good Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform many important tasks in the course of their day-to-day work, including recording medical histories, measuring vital signs, giving injections, preparing blood for laboratory study, helping physicians with physical examinations and scheduling patient appointments. Depending upon the specialty, they might have other responsibilities as well. In this article, we are going to explore the skills and qualities every medical assistant should have.

Characteristics of a Good Medical Assistant

In order to do well in this fast-paced position, applicants must have certain important characteristics that ensure they can keep up with the steady workload, respect the privacy concerns of patients and display a firm grasp of the many responsibilities the job entails. If you have the following qualities of a good medical assistant, you might find that this job is a perfect fit for you.

• Grace under pressure
• Attention to detail
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Independence
• Good communication
• Thinking on your feet
• Top-notch writing skills
• Social savvy
• Compassion and Empathy

Let's explore each skill one-by-one:

Grace under pressure:

Work in a physician's office can be fast-paced, with numerous patients waiting to be seen, many calls to make, lab results to check, and other responsibilities that keep you running. This job requires the kind of person who is cool under stress, who can handle a serious workload, and can change quickly as the situation dictates.

Attention to detail:

In any medical profession, serious attention to detail is very important -- in fact, it could mean the difference between a healthy patient and a bad outcome. Every little detail matters; this fact cannot be stressed enough. If you are the type who makes sure every "i" is dotted and every "t" is crossed, being a medical assistant could be the right fit.

Excellent problem solving skills:

Critical thinking is absolutely necessary when dealing with patients, physicians, other office staff, and the day-to-day work that requires you to figure things out quickly. It might be as simple as ordering the proper amount of supplies, or it might be as complex as figuring out what is wrong with a patient -- why are their vital signs off the chart? The more analytical you are, the better you might do in this position.

Independence:

Physicians are busy. They don't have time to hold your hand. That means that you must be able to see what needs to be done and do it, without having to wait for permission or instruction. Independence in this role means that you are ready to step up and do your job without asking a lot of questions, and you can take charge in a situation where a leader is needed.

Good communication:

Since you will be in regular contact with patients and a variety of health care professionals, being able to get your point across clearly and quickly makes a big difference in how smoothly things go for everyone. Excellent communication skills are an absolute must when you work in a job that requires you to be in contact with a wide variety of individuals with very different needs.

Thinking on your feet:

Things move fast in the medical world, and sometimes you must be ready to make changes at a moment's notice. This is especially true when you are dealing with patients who might be very sick. Thinking clearly and being able to make changes in mid-stride means that you can handle the challenges of those who are very ill.

Top-notch writing skills:

Medical records must be clear and concise, and they must include all pertinent information from each patient encounter. To ensure these records are suitable, your writing skills must be as perfect as they can be. Smooth written communication is also necessary when relating information to other health care providers or patients who need instruction.

Social savvy:

As a medical assistant, you are part of a team that works with patients -- and with each other. Just as with any other job, sometimes personalities rub the wrong way and people just don't get along. It is very important to recognize social issues in the office setting, adjust as best you can, and head off problems before they become bigger.

Medical assistants are constantly working with patients and their medical histories, and sometimes those histories can contain sensitive information. It is vitally important to be honest and trustworthy in every aspect of your job, but especially when handling privacy concerns. Be an upstanding person of impeccable integrity, and others will notice and respect that.

Compassion and empathy:

As a medical assistant, you might work with patients who are going through a very difficult time. Sometimes, you might be right there with them when the doctor delivers bad news. At that life-changing moment, simply listening to them, holding their hand, and keeping your own emotions appropriate for the situation becomes the most important part of your job. In order to work as a medical assistant, you absolutely must have compassion and empathy for what someone else is going through.

This are some important characteristics of a good medical assistant. Working as a medical assistant can be a very fulfilling job, and it might also open doors to other exciting opportunities in the health care field. Do you have the necessary medical assistant characteristics to do a great turn in this job?

Related Article: How To Become a Medical Assistant

• Medical Assistants: Top Traits Needed In A Medical Assisting Career," Everest College, Len Simpson, 2014, http://medicalassistant.everestcollege.edu/articles/medical-assistant-traits
• Medical Assistants," Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, January 8, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
• Medical Assistants," O-Net Online, 2013, http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9092.00

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How Critical Thinking Skills Apply to Healthcare

Critical Thinking Includes

• The skill to draw conclusions.
• The skill to troubleshoot and problem-solve.
• The capability to use skills or knowledge in a variety of situations.

Examples of Everyday Critical Thinking

• Thinking about what steps should to be taken to avoid an accident.
•  Creating a list that gives ability to accomplish every task efficiently and effectively.
• Thinking through the process and dealing with issues that might arise. (missing an ingredient needed for a dish or finding out that the vacuum cleaner is broken)

Examples of Work-Related Critical Thinking

• Deciding how to deal with a customer who is upset over service or bill to ensure a happy customer.
• Handling a disagreement with another coworker.
• Presenting an issue or proposal to the supervisor.

Examples of Work-Related Critical Thinking Situations

• If you have worked in customer service then the same critical thinking skills that are used to deal with customers will be used to deal with patients in the medical field .
• If you have worked in a fast-paced environment requiring prioritizing then you will carry that skill over to the medical field.

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' ' : ' ' ; theseOptions += (glideSpeed == 4) ? ' ' : ' ' ; theseOptions += (glideSpeed == 5) ? ' ' : ' ' ; theseOptions += (glideSpeed == 6) ? ' ' : ' ' ; document.write(theseOptions); // --> 1. (optional) Enter a note here: 2. (optional) Select some text on the page (or do this before you open the "Notes" drawer). 3. Highlighter Color: 4. Search for: Search in: Course-wide Content Quizzes More Resources Instructor Resources Course-wide Content An official website of the United States government The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site. The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Publications Account settings The PMC website is updating on October 15, 2024. Learn More or Try it out now . Advanced Search Journal List An Expanded Role for the Medical Assistant in Primary Care: Evaluating a Training Pilot Marlaine figueroa gray. 1 Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA Katie Coleman Callie walsh-bailey. 2 Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO Samantha Girard 3 Kaiser Permanente Washington, Renton, WA Paula Lozano Associated data. a Supplemental Material is available at: www.thepermanentejournal.org/files/2021/20.091supp.pdf Introduction: The patient-centered medical home model stresses the importance of team-based care as a foundation to improving care, costs, and patient experience. Medical assistants (MAs) are being used as key care team members even as traditional educational programs may not equip them for this new way of working. This paper describes an on-the-job, predominantly virtual training program aimed at building care teams by redefining the role of the MA and fostering team-based functioning. Participating MAs, clinic managers, and clinicians in 11 primary care clinics completed 18-item pre- and post-training surveys to assess confidence in MA skills and performance. In-depth 1-hour qualitative interviews were conducted with selected participating MAs, managers, and clinicians to assess MA self-efficacy and to understand their use of new skills. MAs, clinicians, and managers agreed that MAs improved skills in planned care and population management, self-management support and health coaching, and interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. MAs reported a positive training experience, that they shared their knowledge with other MAs in their clinic, and that their job satisfaction increased. Discussion: A predominantly virtual 12-week program built the skills and confidence of MAs in proactive population management, health coaching, and collaboration and communication. This program shows the promise of a virtual approach to training that identifies, trains, and recognizes high-potential MAs. INTRODUCTION Importance of team-based care. The patient-centered medical home model stresses the importance of team-based care as a foundation to improving care, costs, and patient experience. High-performing care teams and expanded roles for care team members improve health outcomes for the chronically ill, 1 – 6 and have the potential to improve the satisfaction of clinicians and patients. 5 , 7 – 14 Emerging evidence indicates that teams can bolster access to care 15 , 16 and more effective engagement of practice members in continuous quality improvement (QI). 17 However, bringing these promising outcomes to fruition requires substantive work for practices that are not organized in this way. 18 Historically, primary care practices relied on clinicians to provide the totality of preventive, chronic, and acute care for patients. Recent literature has highlighted the logistic challenges associated with this model. 19 , 20 Medical assistants (MAs) and other professionals are increasingly being called upon to perform key roles on the care team 21 – 25 even as traditional educational programs may not equip them for this new way of working. This paper describes the development, curriculum, and outcomes of an on-the-job training program aimed at building care teams by redefining the role of the MA and fostering a new team-based way of functioning. Importance of MA Role in Team-Based Care MAs play a crucial role on the health care team and are one of the fastest growing health professions. 26 Traditionally, MAs have worked closely with clinicians facilitating in-person visits and office flow. 27 As primary care works to better meet the increasing chronic and preventive care needs of patients, the role of the MA is being reimagined. MAs can take on expanded roles and responsibilities including panel management and patient outreach, health coaching, and scribing. 2 MAs are also being trained to take on specialized roles, such as conducting behavioral risk factor screening 28 and delivering culturally congruent health coaching interventions to patients. 29 Some practices have tried a teamlet model of care where MAs serve as co-caregivers with clinicians and conduct pre-visit, post-visit, and between-visit care. 23 Expanding MA responsibilities to take on roles such as health coaching may improve patient-clinician communication and contribute to improved trust and patient satisfaction with clinicians. 30 Workflow redesigns that support these new roles and responsibilities—such as co-location of clinician/MA dyads, daily huddles, and MAs as flow managers responsible for triaging patient care needs (eg, test results, referrals, patient communication)—can improve communication, sense of teamwork, and involvement in care decisions. 31 , 32 Challenges to Expanded MA Role Despite the growing evidence to support a team-based approach to primary care and the importance and potential to grow the MA role in care teams, widespread adoption of these changes has not taken place. 33 Challenges to expanding the MA role include quality and safety assurance, confusion about scope of work, and clinician comfort with expanded MA responsibilities. 24 , 34 Additionally, MAs are among the lowest paid members of the healthcare workforce, 35 and a high rate of staff turnover is a challenge for small and large systems alike. 36 There is a lack of career ladders to provide advancement opportunities for MAs who embrace a larger role on the team. These challenges point to a significant need for training and other implementation support to broaden MA roles. The educational pathway to becoming a MA is varied, and traditional MA programs focus on teaching administrative tasks, customer service, and patient flow. 37 Despite some novel MA training programs, 38 the lack of a nationally recognized or widely implemented curriculum results in MAs being underprepared to take on new and expanded roles. 37 For now, individual organizations interested in bolstering team-based primary care must take the initiative to identify the MA roles and skills needed and develop and implement training programs and corresponding career ladders internally. This paper describes the structure, content, and lessons learned from one such effort in hopes of building the field with examples others can use. Program Design The Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA) Learning Health System program, an initiative that works to bring research capabilities to strategic priorities of the enterprise, 39 convened researchers and care delivery leaders to design an MA training program, which was funded by the Group Health Foundation Partnership for Innovation. The MA training program built upon learnings from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-supported Learning from Effective Ambulatory Practices initiative, which identified the roles and functions required for high-performing team-based primary care (see Appendix A). 22 , 25 , 37 The program curriculum drew on Silverman and Blust’s Care Coordination Fundamentals, 40 as well as peer-reviewed literature on panel management, opportunistic care, QI, and population health principles. An advisory group provided input on the content and implementation of the MA training program and included clinic managers, primary care clinicians, MAs, a nurse educator, and health services researchers with expertise in qualitative methods, QI, and practice transformation. Recruitment and Training Clinic managers and primary care clinicians nominated MAs to participate in this voluntary training program based on their capability for leadership and potential to contribute to the primary care teams. MAs were supported during their training by a designated clinic manager, to whom they reported, and a clinician. The project team reviewed nomination forms, selected MAs who had the pledged support of a manager and clinician, and notified mangers and MAs of acceptance via email. While no incentives were provided to participate in the training, to be nominated was considered to be an honor by the MAs because it recognized them as emerging leaders. MAs were also self-motivated to expand their role in primary care and improve patient care. The training leveraged tablet technology to engage MAs in 4-hour weekly virtual interactions: enabling remote peer-to-peer learning. The course was delivered for 12 weeks from January to March 2017. During that time, KPWA backfilled the clinic staffing so that primary care teams could be fully operational during the 4 hours per week of training time. The content of this course is shown in Appendix A. The nurse educator (SG) made bi-weekly rounds to observe workflow, assess for application of new learning, and to offer chairside instruction with each MA every other week for a total of eleven 4-hour sessions. Managers and clinicians participated in group email and phone conversations facilitated by the nursing educator to review the cohort’s progress. The MA, clinician, and manager for each clinic formed a team that designed and implemented a clinic-focused population-based QI project in their clinic led by the MA. All participating MAs presented data-driven QI projects at a KPWA nursing best practice forum. This descriptive study demonstrates the range of experiences of a sample of MAs, providers, and managers who participated in an MA training program. All participating MAs, managers, and clinicians were asked to complete 18-item pre- and post-training surveys to assess knowledge, confidence, and skills in three MA skill areas: planned care and population management (8 items), self-management support/health coaching (6 items), and interdisciplinary communication and collaboration (4 items), with a 4-point response scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree) and optional open-ended free text response. All three participant groups were administered the same questions; the referent was modified based on respondent role (eg, “I am” vs. “the MA is”). Surveys were administered online prior to the training in January 2017 and again upon training completion in April 2017. See Appendix B for complete list of survey items. Percent agree or strongly agree for each item was averaged across the items in each area to create overall scores. In-depth semi-structured 1-hour qualitative interviews were conducted with selected participating MAs, managers, and clinicians in the same clinic to assess MA self-efficacy and to understand how their new skills were being utilized in the clinic. Informants were purposely selected to represent a range of clinic size and geography, with a goal of interviewing about half of the participants. A health services researcher (KC) and a PhD medical anthropologist (MFG) conducted the interviews and a master’s level research specialist (CW-B) took notes during interviews. The research team held post-interview debrief meetings to discuss findings. Interviews were audio-recorded with participant consent. Audio recordings were transcribed by a professional transcriptionist. Transcripts were analyzed with Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software 41 using an ethnographic framework and applied thematic analysis to elicit the lived experience and perceptions of the training for each participant. All transcripts were coded by the medical anthropologist. The research team met weekly during data analysis to develop the codebook and review emergent themes. Research team members who conducted the interviews discussed codes and themes to reach consensus on code meanings and domains, 42 – 44 co-creating the structure of the analysis and establishing trustworthiness. 45 The finalized codebook was then used to code all transcripts. The evaluation team reviewed the themes that emerged from the analysis process and those data are represented in the Results section. Quotations have been edited for clarity. This QI program evaluation was classified as “not research” by the KPWA Institutional Review Board administrator. Program Participation Fifteen MAs from 10 KPWA primary care clinics representing geographically diverse regions were nominated, accepted, and enrolled into the MA training program. All who were nominated were accepted, and all who were accepted enrolled. Four of these MAs dropped out early in the training and the survey responses of these MAs, their managers, and clinicians are not included. Eleven MAs from 9 clinics completed the training program and survey. All 11 MAs who completed training responded to both pre- and post-training surveys. Nine managers and 7 clinicians completed pre-training surveys; 11 managers and 9 clinicians completed post-training surveys. The same managers and clinicians completed pre-post surveys; with extra outreach 2 providers and 2 managers who had not completed the pre survey completed the post. The percentages reported in the tables below reflect the proportion of “moderately agree” and “strongly agree” responses. Six participating MAs representing 5 clinics, chosen to represent different geographic regions and patient populations, were invited to participate in evaluation interviews as were their clinic managers (n = 5) and clinician dyad partners (n = 5). All invited participants completed interviews. No incentives were provided. Training Outcomes At baseline, self-reported MA skill ranged widely across the three domains: planned care and population management, self-management support and health coaching, and interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. Average agreement increased post-training in all three domains and as reported by all three respondent types. Managers and clinicians were also more likely to endorse MA skills and performance across these domains, compared to baseline ( Figure 1 ). Survey item data and illustrative quotations from qualitative interviews are presented separately for each domain. Overall changes in three skill categories. Planned Care and Population Management Post-training, MA, manager, and clinician mean endorsement was 79% across the 8 skill and performance items related to planned care and population management. Managers and clinicians most changed in their assessment of the MAs’ ability to lead or participate in huddles ( Table 1 ). The greatest increase MAs reported was for patient outreach. Endorsement of planned care and population management skills and performance by role (percent agree or strongly agree) MA Manager Clinician Pre (n = 11) Post (n = 11) Diff Pre (n = 9) Post (n = 11) Diff Pre (n = 7) Post (n = 9) Diff Proactively prepare for patient visits 73% 82% 9% 56% 91% 35% 71% 78% 6% Work with clinic staff as a team to provide care 73% 82% 9% 67% 64% −3% 57% 100% 43% Confirm patient medications 46% 73% 27% 89% 82% −7% 43% 67% 24% Patient outreach 36% 82% 46% 44% 91% 47% 71% 89% 18% Follow up on tests or referrals 46% 73% 27% 56% 73% 17% 57% 56% −2% Close care gaps using protocols 64% 82% 18% 33% 82% 49% 86% 78% −8% Lead/participate in huddles 46% 82% 36% 22% 91% 69% 29% 78% 49% Act as a resource within the practice 46% 82% 36% 33% 64% 30% 71% 89% 18% Diff = difference. After the training, 100% (9 of 9) of clinicians agreed or strongly agreed that MAs worked with clinic staff as part of a team to provide care—the only item in this domain with universal agreement and a 43-point increase from baseline. All clinicians interviewed described an increase in MA confidence and leadership in planned care and population management following training. The MAs proactively anticipated care needs, brought ideas to the clinician rather than waiting to be told what to do next, and spent more time directly engaging with patients about care. “I loved that she would try to lead [our morning huddle] and start thinking about what people need. MA’s can totally anticipate most things if they’re thinking about clinical care, and that way, better care is delivered, and flow is better. I have noticed that she’s able [to talk] about each individual patient and saying what healthcare need is due and what the patient is following up for and if any particular labs or something are needed.” (Clinician 1) “I’ve noticed recently that he’s anticipating more. As I’m seeing a patient for whatever issue, he’ll think well, maybe this is what she needs, and he’ll order and pen things for me. He’ll do research and then come and present whatever needs to be done.” (Clinician 2) “[Our MA] definitely became more confident finding resources for patients and explaining things she may not have done before and doing a little bit of that motivation to help get them an immunization or a mammogram done or just understand something better, their blood pressure or something to that effect. She learned a lot from [the training].” (Clinician 4) “She is definitely more of a partner, not at all hesitant to approach me and say hey, I’ve got this situation, or this idea, or I’d like to get moving on outreach—do you have some thoughts about how we should do that? I think initially [with] some of the outreach, she felt like she was bothering people, she seemed a little more hesitant. She seems absolutely not at all hesitant anymore, and I love it—yesterday we had someone who came in for a chronic condition review, and she said, ‘I’ve been working on getting her in here for so long, I’m so glad she’s finally here.’ And that really underscored her perseverance, and I think that’s because she seems the value and the real importance of the work she does.” (Clinician 3) MAs shared specific examples of how participating in the training gave them confidence to do more patient engagement via proactive outreach. Their understanding of the importance of patient outreach increased. “Are patients ready to make a change in their life? If they are, then we want to be here. [I learned] it’s not really about the numbers, it’s about engaging the patients in their healthcare. And I found with that dedicated outreach time that I could spend an extra 1 or 3 or 5 minutes talking with a patient, do they have any concerns about taking [their meds] or what are their barriers to getting in, instead of just calling them and saying it’s time for your Pap smear.” (MA 2) “Patients understand that our main job is to get them in, take their vitals, get their chief complaint and have a little bit of conversation with them, ease their mind a bit. But with these additional skills and attributes, we’re in there an extra 30, 45 seconds, a minute, having to more of an in-depth conversation with them, and it seems to establish more of a rapport and trust with the medical assistant. (MA 6) “Before I would have [the clinician] generate his list of patients that I would need to call for cervical cancers, but now I’m actually using the report in Epic and that’s generating for all the clinicians. And then we’re looking at HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) measures, at where we need to focus on more and what clinicians we need to help a bit more, to get our number to meet goal.” (MA 4) Self-management Support and Health Coaching This domain started with the fewest participants across roles endorsing MA skills and performance, and in fact, for two items in this domain, none of the MAs or managers endorsed the skill at baseline ( Table 2 ). The greatest improvement was seen in the skill with the lowest baseline score—the MA’s ability to support chronic disease management (46 point difference in both the MA and managers’ endorsement, 30 point difference for clinicians). Endorsement of self-management support and health coaching skills and performance by role (percent agree or strongly agree). MA Manager Clinician Pre (n = 11) Post (n = 11) Diff Pre (n = 9) Post (n = 11) Diff Pre (n = 7) Post (n = 9) Diff Describe/demonstrate chronic disease management 0% 46% 46% 0% 46% 46% 14% 44% 30% Provide health coaching to patients 9% 36% 27% 11% 64% 53% 29% 33% 5% Employ patient activation strategies 0% 36% 36% 0% 46% 46% 29% 33% 5% Document self-management support care plan in EHR 18% 27% 9% 22% 82% 60% 43% 56% 13% Discuss relevant community resources 18% 27% 9% 22% 73% 51% 14% 44% 30% Ensure patients understand self-management plan 18% 55% 36% 33% 36% 3% 29% 56% 27% Diff = difference; EHR = electronic health record. After the training, there was variation in how participants across roles perceived MA skills and performance. For example, most managers believed the MAs were documenting self-management support care plans in the electronic health record (82% managers vs 27% of MAs and 56% of clinicians). MAs, along with their managers and clinicians, described an increase in MA skills and comfort engaging patients in health coaching, an area of focus in the training program. “I’m more open with talking with patients about blood pressure issues, weight issues, things like that, whereas before I didn’t know the information that I had and the resources I could use to actually help a patient out.” (MA 5) “Sometimes it’s right to help patients meet their health maintenance needs. I wasn’t as comfortable with that before, but now I feel like I’m more a part of the patient’s care.” (MA 4) “Health coaching was the thing that I was really, really scared to do. I’m afraid I might say something wrong to a patient—I don’t know. But my Clinician—with her help too, pushing me, telling me you know what, you gotta stay positive, you just need to relax. [I learned] a lot [about health coaching] from this training.” (MA 3) “The big [improvement] was coaching. I know that [our MA] at the beginning of that part of the pilot was very uncomfortable with providing that kind of discussion or education with patients. I think she was concerned that it was outside of the MA scope, wasn’t sure that she had enough knowledge to really be able to do that well. And I know she was fearful of providing incorrect information to patients. [Now] she feels like she’s been able to start incorporating that into her daily practice with her patients and so she’s definitely comfortable with it after the training, but not something that she felt she ever would have been able to do or been comfortable without that added piece of training.” (Manager 3) “I know [our MA] really felt she learned a lot from the teaching, that didactic teaching on how to do more [health coaching]. I know she reflected to me that she many times wished she had more time with patients to be able to do more of that. She definitely felt she became more confident doing that and finding resources for patients and explaining things she may not have done before and doing a little bit of that motivation to help get them an immunization or a mammogram done or just understand something better, their blood pressure or something to that effect. So, I think she learned a lot from [the training].” (Clinician 2) Interdisciplinary Communication and Collaboration At baseline, few managers (22%) and clinicians (29%) agreed that MAs were using all their training and skills. After the training, these scores improved with most agreeing MAs were more fully utilized (73% MA, 64% manager, 67% clinician). The MA’s biggest change was in feeling respected by the team for their contributions (increased from 46% to 73%). One hundred percent of clinicians agreed that the MAs knew their expectations and asked questions when they needed clarification, up from 57% at baseline ( Table 3 ). Interdisciplinary communication and collaboration responses by role (percent agree or strongly agree). MA Manager Clinician Pre (n = 11) Post (n = 11) Diff Pre (n = 9) Post (n = 11) Diff Pre (n = 7) Post (n = 9) Diff Communicate effectively with team 73% 91% 18% 44% 73% 29% 71% 89% 18% Knows clinician expectations, asks questions 91% 91% 0% 44% 82% 38% 57% 100% 43% Respected by team for contributions 46% 73% 27% 44% 82% 37% 100% 89% −11% Use all training/skills 55% 73% 18% 22% 64% 42% 29% 67% 38% Diff = difference. MAs felt the training helped them proactively communicate with their clinicians and collaborate with them as a team. They described feeling comfortable enough to take the lead in some aspects of patient care and communicating that to their clinician. “What information could I give [incoming patients] to lessen the load for my clinician and that would also help with the flow? It’s going to make the patient feel we’re more connected to them as well, which is a great thing. It’s just overall becoming more of a team and centered on our patients.” (MA 5) “After 3 weeks of the class, I was working with my [clinician] partner and I said, ‘You know what? I think I learned a lot from this [training], so why don’t you just lay back and let me do this, let me run it.’” (MA 3) Managers described MA growth in team collaboration and communicating as a result of the training. “[Before the training] oh boy, it was like pulling teeth, getting them to really be engaged. I would say right from the get-go this expanding MA project, if it’s done nothing else for our team, it has given the MAs a voice. They feel more comfortable speaking out and talking about improvements and their impact on those improvements.” (Manager 4) “The most significant expectation for the MA that we chose was to establish a voice, because we knew she was a really strong clinician, kind of on the quiet shy side, but the goal for me, her ability to have the voice, to really become a leader with a voice. And increase her confidence and her knowledge, all of which happened.” (Manager 2) “And rather than the clinician sending the list of patients to the MA, which is what happened before the pilot, they would just send the list to the MA to contact this patient and tell them that they need to—now the MAs and the clinicians are really sitting together most of the time and going through the dashboard together and having conversation about it instead of just a directive. That culture seems to have spread, because most of our dyads are now doing that here.” (Manager 1) MA Training Experience MAs who participated in post-training interviews expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills. They shared that the one-on-one support from the nurse educator contributed to building their confidence during the training program. “I’m the type of person that really likes new challenges, and I love to learn different stuff, so I attend[ed] the class.” (MA 3) “If I had a question about the class, she [the nurse educator] was just phenomenal. She got back to you right away, she always made you feel comfortable with the questions you were asking. She was very patient with us; she held my hand at times where I felt overwhelmed with things.” (MA 2) “[Having the nurse educator come to clinic] was great. It was amazingly beneficial, because again, she would be able to look at exactly what I was doing and help me tweak it to make it a little bit better and more manageable for me, also give me the advice that I needed like on different care aspects with the patient.” (MA 5) “It was really helpful when she came to visit often, because we could have that one-on-one and actually talk more about things. Talking to her first about things, it made me feel more comfortable to bring it up in the conferences to the other MAs.” (MA 4) “[The nurse educator] did a really excellent job of engaging [our MA] and the project, and keeping [our MA] motivated towards it, and [our MA] ran that project.” (Manager 1) Diffusion of Knowledge Though not the intent of the program, participation facilitated the transfer of knowledge between MAs who attended the training and their peers in their home clinics. The program evolved into a train the trainer model. Some MAs who completed the training continue to mentor MAs in their home clinics on QI projects. “There were a few people who knew about it, but most of the MAs here did not realize how much we truly could get into the clinical guidelines, and how much information was really there that was pertinent to us. I got to go back and share with everybody and say hey, everybody know what clinical guidelines are? Did you know all this information that’s in here that’s right at our fingertips that we can get to, right when we’re in a room with a patient?” (MA 2) “[Our trained MA has], in a kind of discreet way, pushed the bar up a little bit for our other MAs. Because after [the quality improvement project] was done and we were all so happy and proud of everybody’s participation, we decided to continue it. So, about every month or every other month, we change projects, and another MA leads it, and [the expanded MA] helps them.” (Manager 1) Job Satisfaction Each MA interviewed stated that satisfaction with their role improved as a result of the training. Responses indicated that being chosen to participate in a training, designing and carrying out QI projects, and having pride in their increased knowledge and capacity contributed to increased satisfaction with their professional role. “Healthcare is very, very important to me. I want to continue my education. It was a chance for me to grow, a chance for me to be a part of something bigger, a chance for me to prove that something bigger can be done. When I’m at work and I do something and my clinician doesn’t question it, I learn I’m doing something right.” (MA 6) “The training motivated me… I realized I can put a project together, it can be successful. I realized I want more challenges; I want to be able to do more and I want to be asked to do more… [The training] helped me get a little more focused and a little more excited about what I do.” (MA 1) “I think my attitude has improved, I think my job has improved, I think that patient care has improved since I’ve taken this class.” (MA 2) “I’m so excited; I’m just very happy about [the training] because being an MA for a while, I never knew I can do all this stuff that I’m doing now. It just makes me happy and motivates me more… Being an MA at this time, I’m proud of it.” (MA 3) MAs need training and support to participate fully in new models of team-based care. A predominantly virtual 12-week program built the skills and confidence of MAs in proactive population management, self-management support and health coaching, and collaboration and communication. MAs appreciated the flexibility afforded by the virtual learning platform and the opportunity for peer-to-peer learning with limited to no travel time needed. Through the program, MAs led clinical QI activities, and improvements in their ability to contribute to team-based care were recognized by their managers and clinician partners. The costs for this program included capital expenditures for software and hardware (approximately $1,500), administrative costs ($500), MA backfill (approximately $10,000), and costs for instruction, curriculum development, and course material (approximately $5,500) for a total of $17,500. Team-based care is an essential for high-performing, patient-centered primary care. 2 QI initiatives to augment team-based care demonstrate improvements in chronic disease outcomes, reduce inappropriate healthcare utilization, and can decrease healthcare costs. 46 – 48 Others have found that efforts to expand the MA role are acceptable to care team members, increase clinic workflow efficiency, and contribute to improvements in prevention and chronic care. 4 , 10 , 49 MAs working in team-based models report improved job satisfaction, improved relationships with physicians and other colleagues, and greater efficacy, 50 all of which were common themes in our study. Interventions that reduce provider burden by promoting team-based care and expanded roles for MAs (eg, scribing) have potential to reduce physician burnout. 51 Successful health professional education programs are those that promote team-based care, build competency in promoting patient self-management, and include learner-based QI initiatives. 52 Our experience is consistent with these findings, suggesting the high potential for successful health care delivery system improvements. The MA training program offered an opportunity for KPWA clinics to improve the skills of promising MAs. Training both acquainted MAs with existing tools and deepened their ability to engage in higher order thinking. MAs in the program shared their new skills and learnings with other MAs in their clinics, extending the reach of the training program. MA knowledge skills and attitudes improved after the training, and those who participated felt more committed to their role as a career after the training. Though career development opportunities were not developed as part of this training, it may be that a training like this could be helpful in supporting advancement along an MA career ladder, enhancing the ability of practices to retain high performers. Self-management support and health coaching were the most difficult competencies for MAs to master. Health coaching may require skills or an approach that go beyond what was available in this training. In addition, there may be opportunities to expand skill development in all areas by more intentionally supporting joint training between the clinician and their MA partner. Limitations This small descriptive study has several limitations to note. The focus on high-performing MAs and the fact that 27% did not complete the training may limit the generalizability of our findings. There was variability in clinician and manager participation in the training and evaluation due to competing clinic demands. This may limit their ability to assess MA skills and performance. And, in some cases, the clinician and manager respondents were not the same pre/post. Despite these limitations, this descriptive study highlights a feasible MA training program that can be implemented in the context of a busy clinical organization. Qualitative and survey findings offer some insight into the staff and clinician experience and serve to generate hypotheses about effective MA training. Further research needs to be done to generate more robust statistical results findings. Finally, though the study was not designed to explore sustainment of the training, recent work with health system partners shows that the core components of the MA training have continued to gain traction. Specifically, a further training emphasizing physician and MA partnership has been developed. A new “guide” role has been piloted at two innovation clinics that build in the core competencies of a high-performing MA described here, and ongoing work to optimize primary care has focused on role clarity for MAs, especially in the area of proactive population management. Enhancing MA training and competencies is widely recognized as an important part of advancing team-based care. Though some certification programs and community colleges are rethinking their MA curricula to meet these needs, most programs are not adequately preparing MAs for current practice in a team-based primary care setting. 34 New programs like the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement 38 are creating partnerships between education and practice to enhance training and skills. Even still, it is largely incumbent on individual health care organizations to train MAs to have a more impactful role in the clinic if they want to deliver on the benefits of team-based care. Some forward-thinking organizations like Cambridge Health Alliance, Kaiser Permanente, and others have created internal MA training programs and grants have supported development in smaller practices after seeing its potential to improve care. This is a heavy lift, with little publicly available information on content, structure, participation. Few are evaluated. This program shows the promise of a virtual approach that identifies, trains, and recognizes high potential MAs. More needs to be done to assure career ladders and remuneration are in place as MAs take on more responsibility for QI, care delivery, and leadership within teams. Supplementary Information Abbreviations: KPWA = Kaiser Permanente Washington; MA = medical assistant; QI = quality improvement Disclosure and Sources of Funding: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. This project was funded by the Group Health Partnership for Innovation fund. Author Contributions: Marlaine Figueroa Gray, PhD, led study design, data collection, data analysis, and all aspects of manuscript preparation. Katie Coleman, MSPH, contributed to study design, data collection, data analysis, and in the critical review, drafting, and submission of the final manuscript. Callie Walsh-Bailey, MPH, participated in data collection, data analysis, critical review, drafting, and submission of the final manuscript. Samantha Girard, PhD, RN, contributed to critical review, drafting, and submission of the final manuscript. Paula Lozano, MD, MPH, collaborated on study design, critical review, drafting, and submission of the final manuscript. All authors gave final approval for the manuscript. Acknowledgments: Funding for the design, implementation and evaluation of the MA training program was provided by the Group Health Partnership for Innovation Fund and the KPWA Learning Health System Program. 246 IMAGES Critical Thinking For Nursing Examples PPT Critical thinking presentation 15 Attitudes of Critical Thinking in Nursing (Explained W/ Examples 9+ Chapter 15 Critical Thinking In Nursing Practice Critical Thinking in Patient Assessment in Health care VIDEO Enhancing Strategic Thinking in Medical Affairs: The Importance of Business Acumen define critical thinking meaning of critical thinking explain critical thinking critical thinking This Is College: Medical Assistant How to mapping in Rationale Online Mapping. Critical thinking. [PH] Critical Care Awareness Month Strategic Thinking for Medical Affairs Professionals #strategicthinking COMMENTS How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills as a Medical Assistant Here are four tips for how medical assistants can overcome obstacles and develop strong critical thinking skills: 1. Be patient with yourself. If you're not used to using your critical thinking skills, it will take some time to develop them. Be patient with yourself and don't expect to be an expert overnight. Critical Thinking Skills The Oxford English Dictionary defines critical thinking as "the objective, systematic, and rational analysis and evaluation of factual evidence in order to form a judgement on a subject, issue, etc." Put simply, critical thinking is the ability to recognize and examine information to understand the evidence, arguments, and perspectives present ... Cultivating Critical Thinking in Healthcare Critical thinking skills have been linked to improved patient outcomes, better quality patient care and improved safety outcomes in healthcare (Jacob et al. 2017).. Given this, it's necessary for educators in healthcare to stimulate and lead further dialogue about how these skills are taught, assessed and integrated into the design and development of staff and nurse education and training ... Top 24 Essential Skills for Successful Medical Assistants 15. Computer-Based Medical Skills. Whether you are using scheduling software for patient appointments, managing electronic health records, or using billing and coding software to submit an insurance claim, computers will be an integral part of your work as a medical assistant. Proficiency in computer-based medical skills is essential for modern ... Top Skills for Medical Assistants in 2024 (+Most Underrated Skills) 3. Resilience. The fast-paced and emotionally demanding environment of healthcare requires Medical Assistants to be resilient. This skill helps them to maintain a high level of care and professionalism, even under stress, which is crucial for patient experience and the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. What is Your Strongest Skill as a Medical Assistant? A medical assistant needs: Skill #1: Critical Thinking. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze facts and come to logical conclusions. It's how a medical assistant knows the patient having chest pain needs attention before the person with the sniffles. ... For example, the terms "dysphasia,"a language disorder, and "dysphagia ... The Best Personal Qualities for Success as a Medical Assistant Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Medical assistants must be able to think critically and solve problems quickly and efficiently. They analyze situations, identify solutions, and implement appropriate actions to address patient needs and overcome challenges in healthcare delivery. Critical Thinking Critical Thinking. Each chapter closes with Critical Thinking Questions (listed below) as a review of chapter material that focuses on the role of the medical assistant. Describe an effective medical assistant, and explain two ways a new medical assistant may learn to be an efficient and effective employee. Unraveling the Medical Puzzle: A Guide to Critical Thinking ... Conclusion: Empowering Medical Assistants through Critical Thinking. In the intricate world of healthcare, critical thinking emerges as the beacon guiding medical assistants through the complexities of patient care. By systematically gathering and analyzing information, collaborating with peers, prioritizing, and reflecting on outcomes, medical ... 10 Soft Skills For Medical Assistants Here is a look at the ten soft skills every medical assistant should possess. 1. Emotional Intelligence. Emotional intelligence goes beyond recognizing outward expressions of feelings; it involves empathizing with the underlying emotions, allowing healthcare professionals to provide more compassionate and personalized care. 2. Critical thinking for medical assistants. Citations: The importance of critical thinking in medical assisting is an innovative tool to be used, not only for educational programs, but also in learning and developing professional skills. It is a form of deductive reasoning that is a composite of attitudes, knowledge, and skills: (1) attitudes in the way the medical assistant responds to ... 10 Crucial Medical Assistant Skills That Are Must Have Let's now consider specific medical assistant skills examples. Interpersonal Skills. ... Critical Thinking Skills. Critical thinking skills are important for medical assistants because they often have to make decisions quickly and under pressure. For example, they may need to decide whether or not a patient needs to be seen by a doctor ... Teaching Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills to Healthcare Critical thinking/problem-solving skills should emphasize self-examination. It should teach an individual to accomplish this using a series of steps that progress in a logical fashion, stressing that critical thinking is a progression of logical thought, not an unguided process. Pedagogy. 13 Must-Have Soft Skills for Medical Assistant 9. Powerful Listening Abilities and Phone Skills. A medical assistant's ability to listen carefully, retain information, and read between the lines is essential. That way, the correct details will be recorded in the case file, allowing other staff members to respond appropriately. 10. Critical Thinking in medical education: When and How? Critical thinking is an essential cognitive skill for the individuals involved in various healthcare domains such as doctors, nurses, lab assistants, patients and so on, as is emphasized by the Authors. Recent evidence suggests that critical thinking is being perceived/evaluated as a domain-general construct and it is less distinguishable from ... Critical Thinking Each chapter closes with Critical Thinking Questions (listed below) as a review of chapter material that focuses on the role of the medical assistant. 1. How might a medical assistant's experience working with a medical specialist differ from her experience working with a general practitioner, in terms of learning about medicine? 2. Medical Assistant Skills: Clinical, Administrative, & Soft Here is a general list of skills needed to do a good job as a medical assistant: Knowing how to measure vital signs. Performing CPR. Listening with empathy. Having good customer service skills. Thinking critically. Understanding medical assistant terminology. Handling billing. Answering phone calls. Critical Thinking for Medical Assistants The importance of critical thinking in medical assisting is an innovative tool to be used, not only for educational programs, but also in learning and developing professional skills. ... knowledge, and skills: (1) attitudes in the way the medical assistant responds to the patient's demand for treatment; (2) basic knowledge of the presenting ... 10 Skills and Qualities of a Good Medical Assistant If you have the following qualities of a good medical assistant, you might find that this job is a perfect fit for you. Grace under pressure. Attention to detail. Excellent problem solving skills. Independence. Good communication. Thinking on your feet. Top-notch writing skills. Social savvy. How Critical Thinking Skills Apply to Healthcare If you have worked in customer service then the same critical thinking skills that are used to deal with customers will be used to deal with patients in the medical field. If you have worked in a fast-paced environment requiring prioritizing then you will carry that skill over to the medical field. The examples listed above are just a few of ... Medical Assistant Professional Development: Enhance the Skills and Training promotes life-long learning for medical assistants. Life-long learning is a crucial aspect of developing a strong team, similar to the educational commitment that physicians, nurses, and other health care providers make. Medical assistant professional development programs mirror the continuing education that others in your clinic receive. Case Studies Case Studies. In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter. Medical assistants are considered generalists in most medical environments. The following scenarios describe how the ... An Expanded Role for the Medical Assistant in Primary Care: Evaluating This paper describes an on-the-job, predominantly virtual training program aimed at building care teams by redefining the role of the MA and fostering team-based functioning. Participating MAs, clinic managers, and clinicians in 11 primary care clinics completed 18-item pre- and post-training surveys to assess confidence in MA skills and ... assignment business plan case study course work essay report research paper speech term paper thesis