How to Excel as a Clinical Medical Assistant

Qualified healthcare professionals continue to be in high demand, especially clinical medical assistants (CMAs). The demand for CMAs is expected to grow 23%, nearly five times the average growth rate of all other occupations. 

Medical assistants are an integral part of any healthcare team. The quality of patient care you deliver as a CMA is top priority as patient care is greatly influenced by interactions with CMAs. Given how important this position is, you may be surprised to learn that it doesn’t take four years of school to become a medical assistant. Many medical assisting programs are designed to be completed in one year or less, letting you get a jump start on a new medical career quickly.

Clinical medical assistants must possess a clear set of skills to perform the job duties necessary to keep a healthcare facility running smoothly. 

Some of the job duties you’ll perform as a clinical medical assistant may include:

• Greeting patients as they enter the healthcare facility. 
• Measuring vital signs and recording them in the patient’s health file.
• Conducting pre-examination interviews and taking medical histories for new patients. 
• Preparing the exam room and patient for procedures.
• Assisting the physician during medical procedures. 
• Administering injections. 
• Drawing blood. 
• Discussing medications and at-home care with patients. 
• Performing basic lab testing. 

These clinical skills can apply in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, urgent care clinics, physician offices, specialty offices, and nursing homes. In addition to clinical duties, there are some soft skills you’ll want to develop and nurture if you want to become a medical assistant. Enhancing these soft skills will help you excel as a CMA. 

Communication 

Clinical medical assistants work on the front lines in physician offices and other healthcare facilities. Often, they are one of the first points of contact for a patient, so it’s crucial for CMAs to possess strong communication skills. CMAs set the tone, so a professional and upbeat attitude is key.

Empathy

Patients may feel anxious about visiting the doctor, so it’s important for CMAs to have an empathetic outlook. Having empathy can help you connect with your patients, making them feel more confident in your abilities, which can also help to put them at ease. 

Stress Management 

Medical facilities can be busy, hectic environments. If you wish to become a medical assistant, being able to multitask and stay organized to keep up the demands will help you succeed. Developing healthy coping strategies can help alleviate workplace stress and establish a sense of competence at work. 

Attention to Detail 

Working as a CMA includes obtaining vital patient information and logging it into their health records. As a result, it’s important to pay close attention to small details. This includes asking the right questions, carefully recording the information, and ensuring the information is complete and accurate. 

Dependability 

A clinical medical assistant plays a crucial role in the daily operations of a healthcare facility. It’s not uncommon for CMAs to wear multiple hats. Physicians rely heavily on their CMAs to help keep their facility running smoothly and efficiently. Therefore, dependability is of the utmost importance if you want to be a successful medical assistant. 

Ready to Join this Fast-Growing Profession?  

If you’re ready to become a medical assistant, or learn more about what this fulfilling career has to offer, contact Athena Career Academy. Students at Athena are given firsthand learning opportunities to help prepare them for the real world of clinical medical assisting. What are you waiting for? Contact us today.