[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/blog\/best-ways-to-build-experience-as-an-entry-level-medical-assistant\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/blog\/best-ways-to-build-experience-as-an-entry-level-medical-assistant\/","headline":"How to Build Experience as an Entry-Level Medical Assistant","name":"How to Build Experience as an Entry-Level Medical Assistant","description":"Congratulations \u2013 you\u2019ve decided to pursue a career as a medical assistant. You may be wondering how you can gain experience that will help you land the job of your dreams. Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who work alongside doctors and nurses in a wide range of clinical settings. If you\u2019re not sure how to","datePublished":"2021-12-07","dateModified":"2021-12-16","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/blog\/author\/nj-am\/#Person","name":"NJ AM","url":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/blog\/author\/nj-am\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Prism Career Institute","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/pci-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/pci-logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/prism-build-experience-as-entry-level-medical-assistant.jpg","url":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/prism-build-experience-as-entry-level-medical-assistant.jpg","height":"225","width":"338"},"url":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/blog\/best-ways-to-build-experience-as-an-entry-level-medical-assistant\/","about":["Medical Assisting"],"wordCount":579,"articleBody":"Congratulations \u2013 you\u2019ve decided to pursue a career as a medical assistant. You may be wondering how you can gain experience that will help you land the job of your dreams. Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who work alongside doctors and nurses in a wide range of clinical settings. If you\u2019re not sure how to build experience as an entry-level medical assistant, Prism Career Institute outlines a few strategies you can use.Hone Your Skills with an ExternshipExternships are similar to internships but are offered or required as part of an academic program of study. If you\u2019re enrolled in a medical assistant training program, you may be required to complete an externship as a prerequisite for graduation. Externships provide students with hands-on, practical experience in different clinical environments.During an externship, you\u2019ll get a chance to try out the tasks that a certified medical assistant does \u2013 such as taking patient vitals, scheduling appointments, and assisting doctors \u2013 while benefiting from the close supervision of an experienced healthcare professional. With an externship, you can apply the knowledge you\u2019re learning in the classroom in a real-world setting. Plus, you\u2019ll have the advantage of growing your professional network, building relationships that may help you find future employment.Externships can take place in a variety of settings, from a large hospital to a small family medical practice. If you\u2019re interested in working with a specific population, such as older adults, expectant mothers, or adolescents, check with your academic advisor about the possibility of a placement that will let you gain relevant experience. If you\u2019re not sure what type of jobs you want to apply for after graduation, an externship can help you learn what kind of work you like (and don\u2019t like).Take Advantage of Your Career Services OfficeIf you\u2019re currently in a medical assistant program, check if your school or college has a career services department. This office may be able to help you with valuable soft skills, such as:Interviewing techniquesWriting resumes and cover lettersCustomer service skillsA little extra help can go a long way in helping you build confidence as you start your job search process and transition into the working world.Do Your ResearchAs you reach the end of your educational training, make sure you spend time learning about potential employers in the area where you want to work. Think about the setting and the type of patients you want to work with and look online to see which healthcare facilities are hiring. Familiarize yourself with job application requirements, and make sure your resume is up to date.You should also consider your next steps carefully: do you want to enter the workforce right away, or pursue additional training? One of the benefits of becoming a medical assistant is that the skills you develop are transferable. If you decide later on that you want to become a nurse, you\u2019ll already have a strong educational background in anatomy, phlebotomy, and patient education.Learn More about Our Medical Assistant ProgramWith dedication and the right resources, you can learn how to build experience as an entry-level medical assistant. Students in the Medical Assistant program at Prism Career Institute receive the training and support they need to enter the healthcare field after graduation. For more information about the Medical Assistant program at our campuses in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City Township, New Jersey, contact us today."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Build Experience as an Entry-Level Medical Assistant","item":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/blog\/best-ways-to-build-experience-as-an-entry-level-medical-assistant\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]