How to Get a Job as a Medical Assistant
Although certification is not a legal requirement for medical assistants, it will greatly increase your chances of finding employment. In addition, employers prefer candidates to have experience in a medical office environment, hold at least a high school diploma, and have current first-aid certification. You can gain experience through internships, which you can undertake while enrolled in a medical training program.
Graduating from a formal training program, earning accreditation, and doing internships will give you a competitive edge while searching for employment. This should lead you to greater pay and the most highly sought-after jobs.
Example Cover Letter:
John Ross
153 Aurora Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 45026
(555) 555-2609
jross@xyzlmnmail.com
February 15, 2010
Matt Lispman, M.D.,
Director
Family Medical Clinic
883 Queens Street
Pleasant Hill, US 99999
Dear Dr. Lispman: I saw the Medical Assistant position listed on allhealthcarejobs.com. I believe I am the right person for the job as I have spent a substantial amount of time performing both clinical and administrative tasks in fast-paced medical environments during internships.
I have well-rounded experience in general medical assisting, and have performed routine assessment examinations on a diverse range of patients. I also have substantial medical office administrative experience, performing front office duties such as filing insurance forms and scheduling appointments.
As I have worked closely with physicians, patients and other healthcare staff, I have developed good interpersonal and communication skills. I am able to work on a healthcare team as well as empathize with patients who may be nervous or experiencing pain.
I am available for immediate hire if it is determined I am a good fit for the position. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss my qualifications further.
I am available weekdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Please call (555) 555-2609 or email me at jross@xyzlmnmail.com to arrange a date and time that works best for you. I will contact you within a week to see if any additional information is needed. My resume is attached in a Word document for your review.
Thank you for your consideration,
John Ross
Example Resume:
George Pitt
1234 Meridian Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98105
Home: (555) 555-9311
Cell: (555)555-8204
gpitt@xyzlmnmail.com
Objective
An entry-level position as a general medical assistant, responsible for performing both clinical and administrative duties.
Experience
St. Petersburg Hospital
Seattle, Washington May 2009-August 2009
Medical Assistant, Intern
Performed routine procedures to assess and record patient's vital signs, also carried out basic secretarial tasks, including answering phones and filing paperwork.
- Prepared examination rooms for patients
- Removed sutures and changed dressings
- Kept billing records
- Filed and processed insurance forms
- Handled correspondence
Johnson Medical Center
Seattle, Washington February 2009-April 2009
Medical Assistant, Intern
Held great administrative responsibility, exercising good customer service skills and performing data entry tasks.
- Welcomed and processed patients
- Scheduled appointments
- Recorded and filed medical histories
- Collected and prepared laboratory specimens
Education
Seattle Community College
Seattle, Washington 2009
Medical Assistant Certificate
Certification
Medical Assistant Certification and Current First-Aid Certification
Where to Look for Online Job Postings:
When searching for positions online bear in mind that there are multiple titles used for the position of medical assistant. Try additional search terms such as physician office clinical assistant, patient care technologist, and medical support specialist. The following job boards regularly include medical assistant position postings, and would be a good place to start your search:
Advance for Healthcare Careers
All Healthcare Jobs
Career Builder Health Care Job Boards
Health eCareers
Healthcare Jobs
Indeed
Jobs in Healthcare
Medical Workers
Monster Healthcare Job Board
Nation Job Healthcare Job Board