Thriving in Your First Year as a Medical Assistant: Tips for Success

Starting a career as a medical assistant can be an exciting experience. The first year is crucial as it lays the foundation for your professional development. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate and thrive in your new role.

Embrace Learning and Training

Although you likely just finished a training program, your educational journey is not even close to complete (which is exciting!). Your first year as a medical assistant will be filled with many learning opportunities. Attend any training sessions that your employer provides and ask for more if you think there is some area where you need more. How do you manage new software and office processes, or how do you treat patients? Never hesitate to ask and ask. Remember, it’s always better to ask questions than commit those mistakes you can avoid.

Build Strong Communication Skills

A medical assistant should achieve effective communication. You will encounter patients, doctors, and other essential people connected with healthcare daily. Clear and caring communication can make a big difference in patient satisfaction and care. Follow with active listening, maintain eye contact, and ensure you understand the needs and issues of the person you are communicating with. This will also go a long way in clearly and concisely passing on information in a fast-paced medical setting.

Stay Organized

An organization is your lifeline to balancing all the added responsibilities of being a medical assistant. Now, create ways to organize your tasks, appointments, and encoding for patient information. This can be done by digital tools, planners, or simply through checklists. Being organized will make it easier to cope with the workload while significantly reducing any mistakes made.

Prioritize the Care of Patients

Patients should always come first in the healthcare industry. Provide care with respect, sensitivity, and confidentiality to all patients. Every patient deserves special needs and issues, so try making them enjoy a comfortable moment as much as possible. Building strong relationships with patients enhances trust and satisfaction in the care delivered.

Build Relationships with Colleagues

Your colleagues are one of your greatest assets. Building them as business contacts will establish a base of support, mentorship, and friendship to help you along the way. Never hesitate to ask for advice from somebody with more experience or who is more knowledgeable than you. Strong teamwork also generates a more enjoyable environment in which to work and improves job satisfaction by increasing productivity.

Focus on Time Management

Effective time management is critical in a medical setting. Punctuality and good time management can keep you up-to-date with the demands of your job—without feeling overwhelmed. Review the schedule for the day in the EHR and communicate with your clinical/back-office leads to ensure you stay on track throughout the day.

Seek, Use, and Act on Feedback

Feedback allows for growth personally and professionally. Seek feedback from your supervisors and fellow workers about your performance. Welcome constructive criticism because it can improve skills, work habits, attitude, and relations with others. Showing a willingness to learn and grow can also show commitment and professionalism to an employer.

Keep up to date with Industry Trends.

With recent advancements in technology, new treatments, and regulations marking the ever-changing medical field, one should always be aware of current events and emerging trends. One might do this by reading journals dealing with medicine or participating in workshops and works of professional associations. Remaining updated helps one provide the best possible care to one’s patients and be competitive in the field.

Conclusion

The first year of being a medical assistant, if done properly, should include:

• Embracing new knowledge.
• Building strong communication skills.
• Staying organized.
• Putting the care of patients at the forefront.
• Developing relationships with coworkers.
• Managing your time effectively.
• Soliciting feedback.
• Paying attention to industry trends. 

Are you interested in a career as a medical assistant? Find out more about Northwest College Career’s Medical Assistant Program and start down the path of this rewarding career.