Top 4 Things You Must Include on Your Medical Assistant Resume

After completing a training program to become a certified medical assistant (CMA) you’re probably wondering how to get your first job after graduation without any experience. Filling the role of medical assistant requires a range of duties from administrative to clinical. Knowing how to write an effective resume will show prospective employers your vast range of skills.

Accredited Program 

The first step in becoming a medical assistant is attending and completing a comprehensive, accredited medical assistant training program. Ensuring the program you attend is accredited is critical as you won’t be able to take the exam to become certified otherwise. Although certification isn’t required in all states to gain employment as a medical assistant, most facilities prefer to hire candidates who are certified. Your certification will stand out on your resume and give you a significant advantage over applicants who aren’t certified. 

Hands On Training

In addition to attending an accredited medical assistant training program, you want to attend a program that includes hands-on training. Acquiring hands-on experience will prepare you for working in modern medical facilities like physician offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers, and it gives you valuable skills to add to your resume. 

On the Job Experience  

While you likely don’t have working experience as a CMA to put on your resume yet, one opportunity to gain on the job experience is to volunteer. Check with hospitals and long-term care facilities as they are often short staffed and welcome additional help. Not only is volunteer work an ideal way to gain experience and learn new skills, but it also connects you with people who could write you a recommendation letter that may lead to a job. Any career related volunteer work you complete is an excellent networking opportunity and has the potential to lead to a job offer, so take full advantage of any volunteer options in your field. 

Strengthen Your Skills 

Before applying for jobs, take stock of your skills to identify the ones you excel in, and the skills that could use a little development prior to becoming a medical assistant. After completing your medical assisting program, you should have a wealth of new skills to highlight on your resume, including medical terminology, patient etiquette, proficiency using electronic health records software, and the ability to perform a variety of administrative and clinical skills. While creating your resume, don’t forget to include soft skills. Employers are looking for certain professional and personal skills that make you especially qualified for the job. Examples of soft skills include empathy, excellent communication skills, patience, adaptability, time management, and being an effective team player. 

What to Look for in Your First Job 

CMAs with no experience still qualify for 43% of medical assisting job openings, so when in doubt, apply anyways. Employers understand that everyone starts somewhere, so they may be willing to give you a chance, especially if your resume is on point and you have relevant skills and experience listed. 

Interested in Becoming a Medical Assistant? 

If you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant but aren’t sure where to begin, the first step is attending a quality, accredited training program. The more you set yourself apart from other candidates, the more opportunities will come your way, so put yourself on the fast track to success by attending a good training program. Athena Career Academy can help you become a CMA quickly. Contact us to learn more about this exciting career path, or to schedule a campus tour!