Your Guide to MAing

A medical assistant (MA) plays an essential role within a medical practice and offers an excellent opportunity for pre-medical students to gain clinical experience.

As a student interested in medicine, it is vital to gain clinical experience to strengthen your medical school application and make sure you truly enjoy working in a medical environment. There are many ways to get clinical exposure; each will give you a unique experience to discuss in medical school interviews. As a medical assistant, you gain a variety of skills that are essential as a professional in the medical field. You learn to demonstrate empathy and professionalism, to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, to communicate effectively with patients and staff, and to follow protocol with close attention to detail. Most importantly, you learn about HIPAA compliance and maintaining patient confidentiality. 

Role in the Workplace

MAs are primarily responsible for patient intake. This includes preparing the patient for examinations, taking vitals, and updating patient charts. An MA will also aid physicians during exams and minor procedures, depending on the practice. Basic laboratory responsibilities include collecting and preparing specimens and performing basic lab tests. Outside of clinical work, medical assistants also have administrative duties. This includes preparing charts, scheduling appointments, and updating medical records. Some practices have MAs handle front desk responsibilities as well. The front desk handles greeting and checking in patients, verifying insurance, and collecting copays. 

CCMA v. MA

There are a few key differences between a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) and a medical assistant (MA). The main difference is certifications and training. CMAs are certified by the American Medical Student Association (AAMA), have undergone training through an accredited MA program, and have passed the CCMA certification exam. They also renew their certification throughout their career, specifically every 60 months. An MA is not certified and does not undergo formal training. MAs are often trained on the job for their specific role in the practice. Because they do not have formal training, MAs are usually not permitted to administer injections or draw blood like a CCMA. Each state has its own laws about what tasks a medical assistant is allowed to perform, so it is essential to be aware of those guidelines. 

How? 

Most practices will prefer you to be certified, so it can be difficult to find offices willing to take someone untrained and inexperienced. It can also be competitive without proper connections in the field. So how do you start from a blank slate? The secret is cold emailing private practices. 

A private practice is more likely to take on a student and train them. Large groups and hospitals require proper training and certifications because they simply can’t afford the time for training needed. A smaller practice can be flexible and accommodating. Additionally, in a private practice, you will likely be able to work closely with the physicians and form meaningful connections. 

Cold emailing can be a daunting task. Make sure to show your enthusiasm to learn and note any skills you can offer to the practice in your email. If they see genuine interest in learning and growing, they will be more inclined to want you as a part of their team. Also, it is essential to research and reach out to multiple practices in your area.

My Personal Experience

I am currently working as a medical assistant in both pediatrics and gynecology, where I support physicians by performing a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. Both experiences have been entirely different so far, which makes sense considering how distinct these areas of practice are. Through these experiences, I’ve learned much more than I initially thought I would. I’ve learned that medicine is more than practice; it involves managing insurance, careful record keeping, and efficient communication. My favorite part of the job is talking to the patients and getting to know them. During intake, they often tell you about parts of their lives, and you realize how unique everyone’s experiences are. Patient interactions make the job meaningful and enjoyable. Going into medical assisting, I was unsure if medicine was the right career pathway for me, but this job has made me realize that I can’t imagine myself working in any other field. It has been a huge source of motivation. I would recommend this work experience to anyone interested in medicine!

Thank you for reading, 

Ashira Agarwal