Empathy might not seem like a skill, but it can be developed. Medical assistants who demonstrate soft skills, such as empathy, can help patients feel more comfortable with their medical care. If you are looking for a healthcare career that provides opportunities for employment and advancement, consider enrolling in the Medical Assistant program at Prism Career Institute. We offer this program at three convenient campus locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here, we discuss why empathy is vital to possess as a medical assistant.
What Is Empathy?
Perhaps the simplest definition of empathy describes it as an awareness of other people’s feelings, thoughts, and experiences. This awareness, or recognition, of thoughts and feelings in other people can greatly improve human relationships. Empathic abilities start developing at an early age. Depending on the environment in which children are raised, they may become more or less empathetic as they mature. Empathy is not static and can be developed and expanded upon. This is the quality that allows us to perceive situations from the perspective of the other person. It helps us work cooperatively and form friendships. And it is a key skill for medical professionals, including medical assistants.
Why Is Empathy Considered a Medical Assistant Skill?
It is easy to see why empathy is so important to the medical assistant profession. Medical patients are usually feeling physically and emotionally vulnerable. When anticipating medical appointments, patients can experience high levels of anxiety and fear. For example, they might have to remove clothing for an examination, putting them at a social disadvantage. And they bring these feelings with them to the appointment. Patients are not always in control during medical appointments, procedures, or scheduling. They are at the mercy of medical staff members, and especially if they don’t trust their providers, they can feel alone or desperate.
A medical assistant with empathy can understand how patients are feeling, even reading their emotions and thoughts. Patients are more likely to take you into their confidence if they sense that you are sympathetic and empathetic. When medical professionals have more information about how patients are feeling and reacting during their appointments, they are better able to help them and build trust.
Here are some other useful medical assistant skills and qualities that are enhanced by the presence of empathy:
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical skills
Is a Medical Assistant Role Right for Me?
Medical assistant skills are adaptable to the many different types of work environments that the healthcare sector holds. If you like to be well-organized and help people, a medical assistant role is a good place to start a lasting career in the medical field. Whether you prefer working with pediatric patients in a medical office, chronically ill patients of all types in the cancer department of a local hospital, or seniors as part of the medical team at a nursing home, working as a medical assistant is a good choice.
We help students focus on soft skills, such as practicing empathy, communicating effectively, active listening, and working well with other medical professionals. We also provide plenty of training that develops more concrete skill sets. In the Medical Assistant program at Prism Career Institute, classes include the following subjects:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Electrocardiography (EKG)
- Phlebotomy
- Medical laws and ethical standards
- Clinical and laboratory procedures
- Taking vital signs
- Medical records technologies
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Hygiene and infection control
The Medical Assistant program requires the completion of an externship, as well. This is an opportunity to explore working in the field with medical professionals. Prism Career Institute is focused on providing real-world training programs that help our graduates find employment in worthwhile careers. Medical assistants can also advance their career paths by gaining work experience and pursuing further training with programs such as our Practical Nursing program.
Access Quality Training and Resources at Prism Career Institute
Many students at Prism Career Institute are eligible for financial aid packages and receive this assistance in the form of grants, loans, and other types of funding. Our training programs are designed to help students find employment in the medical field. We pay special attention to new technologies and methodologies, making sure our curriculum stays up to date. What’s more, our Career Services department offers our graduates help with resumes, interview skills, networking support, and job search strategies.
Discover a Career in Healthcare With Prism Career Institute
Medical assistant positions can be an entry-level job role or turn into a fulfilling lifetime career. Bring your interest, dedication, and empathetic nature to a Medical Assistant program that will help you grow and thrive. In a relatively short period, you may be working your dream job. Get more information about healthcare training at Prism Career Institute campuses in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ. To learn more or enroll, contact us today.