Are you interested in becoming a medical assistant but not sure if you have the right skills? It is important to note that you are born with some skills, and others require some work to master. Here are 10 skills that help make a successful medical assistant, which you will hone during the Medical Assistant program at CyberTex.

Skill #1: Communication

One of the most essential skills for any medical assistant to master is communication. Everything that a medical assistant does involves communication. From talking with colleagues and patients to writing reports, a medical assistant must have good verbal and written communication skills to succeed.

It is essential to be clear and concise because a medical error may have catastrophic consequences. That is why communication is critical. Not sure you have mastered the art of communication? The good news is that you will get plenty of practice during our Medical Assistant program.

Skill #2: Active Listening

Good communication starts with active listening. A medical assistant should listen to what is said before responding to avoid awkward exchanges with others. It is also essential to listen to doctors, nurses, and other medical staff so medical errors don’t occur. Take the time to understand what was said to make the correct assessment and improve the patient’s health outcomes.

Skill #3: Critical Thinking Skills

Purposeful decisions resulting from analysis and evaluation are critical. A medical assistant must apply sound judgment in all situations. They must quickly evaluate the situation, solve problems, and take the appropriate action.

Skill #4: Empathy

Being empathetic is about understanding and sharing the feelings of another. Even if a medical assistant disagrees with a colleague, they need to understand and respect their point of view. Also, the medical assistants must step into their patients’ shoes and know what they are going through to properly care for the patient holistically.

Skill #5: Time Management

There are a lot of patients and a limited amount of time, so time management is a critical skill for the medical assistant to master. For example, when you are answering phones, you must manage phone triage. When someone calls in with a heart attack, it is more critical than a patient who needs a flu shot. It also means not leaving patients waiting too long in the exam room. A medical assistant who is good at scheduling patient appointments will utilize every minute of the physician’s time without creating a backlog of patients.

Skill #6: Problem Solving

Most medical assistants plan their day and schedule patient visits, but something always comes up, so they must find a solution to the immediate problem. Whether the power goes out or patients are coughing in the waiting room, the medical assistant must stay calm, identify the issue, figure out the desired outcome, and find a solution.

Skill #7: Attention to Detail

Medical assistants record information in electronic health records, from medical histories to vital signs and medication regimens. They can also transcribe doctors’ notes, so keeping track of every detail and properly recording those details is important for good patient outcomes. From preparing vaccines to recording vital signs, a medical assistant must properly record all data for the physician to carry out the correct diagnosis and treatment

Skill #8: Confidentiality

Patient information must be held confidential and not divulged to the wrong person.  It is up to the medical assistant to abide by HIPAA guidelines and keep patient information confidential. Medical assistants who break the rules could face a fine or even termination. Not sure what HIPAA is? You will learn about HIPAA and other confidentiality guidelines during the Medical Assistant program at CyberTex.

Skill #9: Analytical Skills

A medical assistant must have the ability to collect, gather, visualize, and analyze information in detail. A medical assistant with good analytical skills will look at a problem from different points of view. They must understand and follow medical charts, diagnoses, treatments, and procedures. Plus, the medical assistant may be required to code a patient’s medical records for insurance claims and billing. Analytical skills are critical to master as a medical assistant.

Skill #10: Self-Discipline

Recognizing when you’re becoming distracted from the task at hand is essential. A good medical assistant can redirect their attention when necessary. If the medical assistant is called away from their desk to help with a lab procedure, they should be able to return and continue work where they left off.

Want to Learn More?

The Medical Assistant Training Program at CyberTex Institute of Technology takes excellent care of you by providing hands-on training, practical experience, and the support it takes to get started in a medical assisting career without spending years in school. You will learn clinical and administrative skills and prepare to work in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities.

Contact us today to learn more about our Austin and Killeen campuses.