medical assistant externship experience essay

Medical Assistant Externship: What It Is & How To Find One

If you are interested in a medical assistant career, you may have come across the word “externship.” During an externship, you will shadow medical assistants in healthcare settings. This means that you will observe them as they interact with patients and perform their job duties.

Most accredited medical assistant training programs include an externship component. The main goal of these medical assistant externships is to help you experience what the job is like. In addition, you will have the chance to apply your medical assistant education beyond the classroom.

In this article, we will go over what a medical assistant externship is, how long it generally takes, how to find one near you, and some benefits of participating in one. 

What is a Medical Assistant Externship?

Think of an externship as an opportunity to learn what working as a medical assistant is really like. You will shadow and interact with medical assistants and other healthcare professionals. You may also have the chance to practice some of your skills under close supervision. 

An externship can also help you decide what medical assistant career path is the best fit for you. It is a great way to find out whether you are more interested in clinical or administrative tasks. In addition, it can help you decide what type of environment you want to work in.

Because medical assistants work in a variety of locations, an externship can take place in different environments. For example, externships can be found at hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and other healthcare settings. 

The following sections will go over various aspects of medical assistant externships in more detail.

Before we move on, we wanted to note that our Online Medical Assistant Program here at Stepful includes an in-person externship. We work with healthcare facilities in your area to place you in a medical assistant externship so you can get hands-on experience and are more likely to get a job.

How Many Hours & How Long is a Medical Assistant Externship?

If you participate in an externship, there will most likely be a required number of hours you need to complete. A typical amount is 100 hours total. This is usually divided into a certain number of hours per week, such as 15 hours.  

If you do the math, you can expect a medical assistant externship to take around 2 months to complete. However, this will vary depending on the particular requirements of the externship and program.

If the medical assistant program is taken through a community college, an externship will generally take a semester to complete. There will be a weekly time commitment, such as twelve hours per week. 

In many cases, you will participate in your externship as you take your classes. Though, some programs may place you in your externship after classes are completed. 

Responsibilities During a Medical Assistant Externship

Although most of your time during an externship will be spent shadowing medical assistants, there are several things that you are responsible for, including:  

• ‍ Helping medical assistants with daily tasks. You will get the opportunity to help medical assistants with various clinical and administrative tasks, under close supervision, of course.  ‍
• Asking questions. Active participation during an externship is essential. Asking questions is a great way to learn and gain a stronger understanding of the medical assistant profession.   ‍
• Completing the required number of hours. An externship is a significant time commitment, so it is important to satisfy all the requirements so that you can fully enjoy all of the benefits of the program. 

Expectations During a Medical Assistant Externship

A medical assistant externship takes place in a professional healthcare environment, where real patients come in to get care. As a result, students in their externship are expected to be:

• ‍ Professional: This includes dressing appropriately for a clinical setting, being courteous to staff and patients, and following all workplace policies.  ‍
• Observant: An externship should be taken seriously. Although students may not always be directly performing tasks, they are still expected to be focused and present while shadowing. ‍
• Willing to learn: It can sometimes be challenging to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a real-life environment. Sometimes mistakes can occur. It is important to keep an open mind and be willing to learn from them. 

Are Medical Assistant Externships Required?

Externships are not formally required to become a medical assistant. However, many medical assistant programs require an externship to complete the program. 

Even though it generally is not required, participating in an externship is certainly worth your time. An externship will help you find a job. Many employers will prefer to hire applicants who have gained real-life experience from an externship over candidates who did not complete one. 

Are Medical Assistant Externships Paid?

The vast majority of the time, medical assistant externships are unpaid. There are a few programs that offer paid externships with varying wages.

How to Find a Medical Assistant Externship Near You

If you think an externship may be right for you, you may be asking yourself "how can I find a medical assistant externship near me?"

If you choose to take a medical assistant program at a postsecondary institution like a community college, the school will likely help you find an externship. They usually partner up with various healthcare facilities, which makes the process relatively smooth.  

Online medical assistant training programs like Stepful’s include an externship as part of their curriculum. They will work with you to find an externship, so that you can be as prepared as possible for your future career. 

Other good ways to find medical assistant externships in your area include contacting your local medical assistant association, getting in touch with healthcare facilities, and speaking with community colleges that offer medical assistant programs. 

Benefits of a Medical Assistant Externship

Participating in a medical assistant externship is beneficial for both your education and your future career. Some benefits of an externship include:

• Deciding if it's the right career for you. By participating in an externship, you can get a better idea of if medical assisting is right for you . While you may be able to get a decent idea by reading about responsibilities and experiences of others, actually being there in person shadowing a medical assisting can help you see things you weren't aware of before.
• ‍ Learning the necessary skills to succeed.  It is important to apply the skills you have learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. An externship gives you the chance to “put it all together” so that you can be a successful medical assistant. ‍
• Networking and interacting with other professionals. An externship is an excellent opportunity to network and gain a stronger understanding of the profession. Knowing how to work well with others is an essential part of healthcare. Networking is also one of the most powerful ways to find a job.  ‍
• Gaining practical experience with patients. Communicating with patients is one of the most important skills a medical assistant can have. However, it is almost impossible to fully simulate patient interaction in a classroom setting. An externship will provide you with the opportunity to sharpen your communication skills before you start working. 

Medical Assistant Externship FAQs

How many hours are required for a medical assistant externship? The required number of hours will vary depending on the program. Typically, you can expect a requirement of around 100 to 160 hours. 

How long does a medical assistant externship take? It will usually take around 2 months to fulfill the required number of hours to complete a medical assistant externship.

Is a medical assistant externship paid?  Most of the time, medical assistant externships are unpaid.

Is a medical assistant externship required? They are not formally required to become a medical assistant. However, some medical assistant training programs require an externship to complete the program.

Are medical assistant externships hard to find?  It depends, but in general, they are not too difficult to find. If you are participating in a medical assistant training program, finding an externship is a relatively smooth process. In some cases, you will need to take the initiative and reach out to healthcare facilities or medical assistant organizations to find an externship.

Do you have to be certified to do a medical assistant externship? No, you do not need a certification to do a medical assistant externship. 

What is the dress code for a medical assistant externship? The specific dress code will vary depending on your externship site. However, typically you will need to wear clinic-appropriate attire. 

Will a medical assistant externship help me get hired? Many employers prefer to hire applicants that have experience. Participating in an externship is an excellent way to strengthen your resume. 

Does a medical assistant externship lead to a job at that hospital or healthcare facility?  Making a great impression during your externship can potentially lead to a future job offer from your externship site. However, it is not a guarantee that this will happen. 

How can I find a medical assistant externship near me? To find a medical assistant externship near you, you can contact local hospitals and other healthcare facilities, join a training program that includes an externship, or talk to local medical assistant associations.

Other Medical Assistant Career Resources

Here are some of our other medical assistant career guides that you may be interested in:

• Pros & Cons of a Medical Assistant Career
• ‍ How to Become a Medical Assistant ‍
• Medical Assistant Salary (Annually & Hourly) ‍
• Medical Assistant Certifications ‍
• How to Get a Medical Assistant Job with No Experience
• Medical Assistant Roles With On-the-Job Training ‍
• Types of Medical Assistants

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If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, you may have heard the term “externship.” It entails shadowing med assistants in healthcare settings, observing their interactions with patients and the performance of their professional duties.

Get information on Medical Assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Medical assistant externships serve as crucial avenues for gaining hands-on experience and learning. Not only it is a key to getting your foot in the door as a medical assistant, but it also affords you potential job opportunities and equips you with the confidence you need to be a successful.

This guide will cover what MA students can expect from a medical assistant externship, how to find and apply for one, and the benefits of participating in an externship.

What is a Medical Assistant Externship?

First, let’s start by examining what it aims to achieve, and how it differs from a medical assistant internship.

A medical assistant externship is an opportunity for aspiring med assistants to gain a real-world understanding of what working in this field entails.

During the externship, you’ll have the chance to observe and interact with MAs and other healthcare professionals, while also receiving close supervision and practicing some of your skills.

They are usually integrated into an accredited medical assisting program across the US, with schools partnering with key medical facilities and offices to provide this opportunity.

Purpose of Externship in MA Training

It serves as a valuable ‘trial’ phase that allows MA students to gain practical experience before graduating or securing a real job. Through this experience, you’ll get a snapshot of what’s to come in the future as a medical assistant .

Beyond providing valuable experience, an externship can also help you determine which medical assistant career path suits you best. It’s an excellent way to determine whether your interests are in clinical vs administrative tasks and what type of work environment you prefer.

Additionally, externships provide a competitive edge for those who participate as they’re highly sought after by future employers.

How Externship Differs from Internship

While both medical assisting externships and internships help to get students career-ready, they are designed in different ways.

During an externship, medical assistants usually shadow professionals, participate in meetings, and learn medical topics. In contrast, internships involve working on a particular job or assignment for the entire program, providing more detailed training and experience.

MA externs are typically in the early or middle stages of their training, which can limit their participation in hands-on experiences. MA interns, on the other hand, are considered apprentice-level training and have a wide range of tasks to perform.

Finding and Applying for Externships

To increase your chances of kickstarting your career as a medical assistant , it’s important you secure a valuable externship. There are multiple schools across the US that offer medical assistant programs that you can take advantage of.

Here’s everything you need to know about finding and applying for a medical assisting externship.

Where to Find Externship Opportunities

One of the best places to start looking for externship opportunities is through your school’s career services office. Many schools have partnerships with local medical facilities and can provide valuable resources.

In some cases, the educational program may take care of the task to find you an externship, but in other instances, you must find your own training site.

You can conduct online research to find potential externship opportunities through hospital or clinic websites job boards, and professional associations.

Application and Selection Process

Once you have found a potential externship opportunity, you’ll need to apply. Make sure to carefully review the application requirements, such as the application deadline and any required documents. Some facilities may require the following:

• Professional resume
• Criminal background check
• Drug panel screening
• PPD (TB) test results
• Immunization record
• Physician statement of health
• CPR, first aid, or BCLS certification.

Not all facilities will require this information, but it’s a good idea to prepare and have these documents available.

After submitting your application, you may be invited for an interview . Be prepared to discuss your interest in the med assisting profession and your goals for the externship experience.

You may also be asked about your previous experience, education, and any specific skills or areas of interest.

What to Expect During the Externship

Remember that the primary objective of an externship is to provide hands-on, real-world training as a med assistant. Consequently, you can expect to participate directly in the tasks that are typically associated with being a full-time medical assistant.

This might include giving patients specific types of care within your scope of practice, administering patient intake, and aiding physicians in performing certain tasks.

You’ll also have the opportunity to work with patients that are anxious, address their concerns, and ensure they’re as comfortable as possible. This is a crucial aspect of your job and no amount of classroom time can teach these kinds of interpersonal skills.

Externship Experience

You’ll acquire the necessary medical assisting skills and knowledge to perform daily MA duties during the program. While classroom learning provides technical MA skills, externships focus on developing your competency in patient care, medical assisting procedures, and communication skills.

As an MA extern, you’ll work under the supervision of medical professionals either at a hospital, clinic, or private practice. Some specific duties you can expect to perform during a medical assistant program include:

• Administering injections and immunizations
• Collecting samples for clinical testing
• Managing sensitive patient information
• Scheduling appointments and preparing patients for examinations
• Logging vitals and medical records
• Informing patients on procedures, tests, and follow-ups
• Coordinating with staff to determine supply needs and placing orders
• Setting up medical equipment
• Handling billing and insurance claims

At this point, you likely understand the importance of a medical assistant externship for your future career. But it’s key to note that this can be a challenging transitional period. You’ll need to be resilient, patient, and diligent.

Be prepared to adapt to a new work environment, deal with uneasy patients, take in constructive criticism, and manage the stress of working in a clinical setting.

Keep in mind that medical assistant externships are a significant opportunity for growth and development. It’s a chance to go beyond theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience that can boost your confidence in this line of work.

Becoming a successful medical assistant is a significant achievement and a source of pride, and a medical assistant externship is designed to help you achieve exactly that.

Benefits of Med Assistant Externship

MA externships are an incredibly rewarding aspect of your studies, and there’s no doubt that participating in one will provide you with numerous advantages.

Here are just some of the benefits you can reap from a medical assistant program:

Professional Development

A medical assistant externship can offer a wealth of opportunities for professional development. While it can be intimidating to transition from a medical assistant course to working with real patients, an externship provides a supervised and guided experience in a professional healthcare environment.

This first-hand experience you get from an MA externship allows you to learn from established medical experts, gain confidence, and hone your skills.

Networking Opportunities

It offers students an invaluable opportunity to network and build relationships. Strong contacts in the health sector can open doors and lead to new opportunities in your career as a medical assistant.

Even if the healthcare provider where you complete your externship doesn’t have any openings, the contacts you make during your externship can provide valuable referrals to other healthcare facilities.

Potential for Employment

If you perform impressively during your externship, there’s a possibility that the employer may offer you a permanent position in their establishment.

To maximize this benefit of an externship, it’s essential to approach it with a mindset of professionalism and readiness for future job opportunities.

Although you may not necessarily want a permanent position at the location of your externship, it is crucial to make a positive impression if you want a potential referral to your dream healthcare facility.

Real-World Experience

Interacting with colleagues, medical experts, doctors, and patients is a regular part of a medical assistant’s job. In all these communications, it is important to conduct yourself in a professional manner.

While classroom learning and simulations can be helpful, they can’t fully replicate real-life patient interaction. An externship allows medical assistant students to apply their knowledge of patient care, lab-based tasks, and administrative duties in a real-world setting.

Ultimately, it’s a chance to put learning into action.

Enhancing Your Resume

In addition to providing practical experience before entering the workforce, the most significant benefit of an MA externship is that it can make your resume stand out to potential employers.

Externships offer a practical complement to your textbook learning, providing you with a competitive edge that can help you score a medical assisting job sooner after graduation.

Potential employers are also more likely to trust your medical assisting competencies and skills when you demonstrate practical experience on your resume.

How do I find medical assistant externship opportunities?

There are several ways to find medical assistant externship opportunities. In most cases, your school will have a medical assistant student externship program that you can go through. If this is not the case, you can also contact local healthcare facilities, search online job boards, and network with professionals.

What is the application process for a medical assistant externship?

The application process for medical assistant externships can vary depending on the provider or institution offering the opportunity. Typically, you will need to submit a resume and any required application materials. You may also need to undergo an interview process before being accepted into the program.

What happens during a medical assistant externship?

During a medical assistant externship, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with various healthcare professionals in real-life situations. You may help with administrative and clinical tasks, all while receiving the mentorship you need to successfully complete the program.

What are the requirements for a medical assistant externship?

The requirements for medical assistant externships can vary depending on the institution, but the following are most common:

• Applications must be at least 18 years old,
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent,
• Possess proof of legal residency in the US,
• Provide background checks, drug screenings, and health checkups,
• Vaccinations are typically mandatory, although the specific list may vary depending on the program and state regulations,
• And the duration of the externship can vary depending on the program and specific requirements but are typically around 180 hours for successful completion.
• https://aiht.edu/blog/medical-assistant-externship-expectations/
• https://scopenotes.org/finding-the-best-medical-assisting-externship/
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• https://www.prismcareerinstitute.edu/blog/benefits-of-taking-a-medical-assistant-externship/
• https://www.northwestcareercollege.edu/blog/medical-assistant-externship/

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Expectations of a Medical Assistant Externship

Medical assistant (MA) jobs call for an equal amount of theoretical and practical knowledge to find success. Bolster your classroom learning with comprehensive, hands-on training. For this reason, externships are a critical aspect of an MA program. Learn more about what a medical assistant externship is, its benefits and what you can expect with one with this guide.

What Is a Medical Assistant Externship?

An MA externship is an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world work environment. Externships give students practical, hands-on training before they graduate and enter the workforce. Most accredited MA schools incorporate externships into their programs. Externships for medical assistant students are usually spread throughout the semester. Thus, they often last six to 12 weeks, depending on the school’s arrangement with the employer.

The primary difference between externships and internships is that externships involve unpaid shadowing of an MA professional. An extern observes an MA professional’s daily tasks and responsibilities over an extended period. Comparatively, internships are paid or voluntary positions where the intern performs MA work under supervision.

Why Do You Need It?

Although it’s possible to enter the medical assistant field without an externship, it’s not recommended. A medical assistant externship is valuable for many reasons. As it gives practical experience before entering the workforce, the most significant benefit of a medical assistant externship is helping your resumé stand out to employers during hiring seasons. Externships provide practical experience to balance your textbook learning. This competitive edge can help you land an MA position sooner after graduation.

What Are the Benefits?

Besides a competitive edge and improved career outcomes, externships provide several other benefits. Some other benefits of externships for medical assistant students include:

• Gaining valuable contacts:  As medical externships involve shadowing MA professionals, they let you meet people already working in the industry. These contacts are helpful when looking for a job or a change of scenery. Even if the medical facility has no openings where your contact works, those contacts may be able to direct you to another facility. Connections go a long way in the workforce!
• Putting theoretical knowledge into action:  Soaking up the expert theoretical classroom knowledge is invaluable for MA students. Yet, such learning can become stale if it isn’t implemented. An externship provides an opportunity to put everything you’ve learned about patient care, lab-based tasks and administrative duties into action. Further, you can discuss what you’re learning in class with an industry professional who can share their insight with you. Such insight may help you perform better in your studies!
• Up-close observation:  With a medical externship, you’ll pay close attention to the daily responsibilities of an MA who has worked in the field for years. This shadowing gives you insight into what skills you should focus on to succeed in an MA position . It also allows you the time and space to assess your strengths and aptitude as an MA.
• Skill development:  Besides learning essential MA skills, externships also let you develop those skills before entering the workforce. Thus, you can start your MA career with skills you’ve already begun to develop and hone.
• Seeing a snapshot of your future:  MA externships provide a snapshot of what you can expect in your future as an MA. Such a snapshot can either confirm your desire to become an MA or let you know if another career choice is better for you before committing yourself.

What to Expect From Your Externship

As mentioned, an externship is not the same as an internship. In general, externships require less of students than internships. Whereas internships require you to perform duties as if you had a full-time position, externships involve significant observation and guidance from MA professionals. MA externships allow you to glean as much information and experience as you can from industry professionals before graduating and setting off on your own. Here is some of what to expect from a medical assistant externship.

What Do You Learn?

During your medical assistant externship, you’ll learn what it takes to perform daily MA duties. While classroom learning involves technical MA skills, externships teach you skills like patient empathy and effective communication with patients of varying personalities and medical needs. You’ll also learn about efficient work practices and other interpersonal aspects of MA positions. As you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world environments, externships may also clarify what you’re classroom learning.

Medical Assistant Externship Duties

During an MA externship, you’ll perform administrative duties, lab assignments and patient care tasks. Here are some specific responsibilities you will likely fulfill during an MA externship:

• Administer injections and immunizations
• Collect samples for clinical testing
• Coordinate with staff to determine supply needs and place orders
• Discreetly manage sensitive patient information
• Explain procedures, tests and follow-up instructions to patients
• Handle billing and insurance claims
• Log vital signs and medical history reports
• Manage inventories
• Prepare patients for examinations
• Schedule appointments
• Set up medical equipment
• Use electronic health record (EHR) systems

How Many Hours Is an Externship for a Medical Assistant?

The number of hours you’ll need to complete an MA externship depends on your state regulations. Thus, externship hours vary with each MA program. At AIHT, our  MA externship program involves 225 hours  of shadowing an industry professional.

Where Can You Do Your Externship for Medical Assistants?

Most MA schools offer externships, but not all of them do, so you’ll want to research which schools incorporate externships into their MA program before applying. As an accredited institution,  AIHT has clinical affiliations  with various healthcare facilities where you can complete your MA externship program.

What Challenges Can You Expect?

You can expect challenges with any internship, externship or college program. It’s no different with an MA externship. Still, those challenges help you develop your skills and find ways of reaching higher levels of success as an MA professional. Some common challenges students encounter during MA externships include:

• Learning to multitask
• Striking an optimal work-life balance
• Receiving constructive criticism and growing from it
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of place, especially at the beginning

Tips for Success

To help you overcome those common challenges, here are some tips for success in an MA externship :

• Research all your options for externships at various healthcare facilities.
• Ask your program supervisor and mentor what will be expected of you during the externship.
• Maintain open lines of communication with your supervising industry professional. Ask them how you’re doing and where you can improve.
• Soak in all the information directed at you and circulating around you. Pay attention to your supervisor’s duties and those of doctors, nurses, technicians and other healthcare staff.
• Be confident. Ask questions to clear up confusion about a specific procedure or task.
• Be as thorough as possible and maintain a positive attitude as you complete your MA externship responsibilities.
• Follow up with your supervisor and the healthcare facility at the end of your externship. Thank them for their help and guidance, and let them know you enjoyed your time there.

Visit Our Medical Assistant Page or Request More Info

If you’re from the Connecticut area and are looking for a medical assistant externship near you, we welcome you to consider AIHT! Our applied health and sciences school has an excellent medical assistant program with many externship options. Visit  our medical assistant page  or contact us to  request more info !

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Medical Assistant Externships – How to Find One and Launch Your Career

Many medical assistant schools offer an externship as part of the training program .

An externship allows medical assistant students to get hands-on training with an experienced medical staff, in the field, with real patients.

Though externships are unpaid, they are a valuable way to apply clinical training and get familiar with a healthcare facility. Most externships are several weeks, varying in length depending on the arrangement the local schools have with nearby doctor’s offices and medical facilities.

One of the biggest advantages of a medical assistant externship is helping students to get a job upon graduation.

What is a Medical Assistant Externship?

An externship is a short-term opportunity for medical assistant students to work alongside medical professionals in a real-world medical office, gaining valuable experience. Students can partner with experienced medical professionals and see how they perform clinical and administrative tasks firsthand.

In medical assistant programs, students learn clinical and administrative skills in the classroom. They practice these skills on fellow students, but this is not the same as real-world experience.

Medical assistant externships are an opportunity to do real-world, hands-on work in a medial office or facility, gaining valuable experience. This helps students gain confidence and practice in a professional setting.

Student Responsibilities During a Medical Assistant Externship

Mostly, you will be shadowing other medical professionals during your externship, but these are responsibilities you will have as well.

• ‍ Helping medical assistants with clinical and administrative tasks. Under the supervision of a physician, you will be able to help the medical assistants in the medical office with their daily and weekly responsibilities.
• Actively learning and participating. Be sure to ask questions of the medical staff and learn as much as you can during your externship. ‍
• Completing your required number of externship hours. An externship is a big time commitment, and you must complete it to graduate most medical assistant programs where it is offered.

Expectations During an Externship

Since your medical assistant externship takes place in a real medical office, staffed with medical professionals, seeing real patients, there are certain expectations.

• Come prepared to learn . Focus on what the veteran medical professionals can teach you about working in a medical office. Observe astutely, listen attentively, and come ready to do hands-on work.
• Be a professional. Healthcare offices are a unit of people working together as a team. Maintain a professional demeanor, dress appropriately, carry yourself with business professionalism. Follow all policies and procedures to the letter.
• Focus on the tasks at hand. Working in healthcare can be overwhelming on some days. Maintain your focus on what needs to happen next and move through your tasks diligently. Listen to the physician and other staff for instructions, they know how the office runs.

Are Medical Assistant Externships Paid?

Medical assistant externships are unpaid. There are usually agreements between the medical schools in each area and surrounding medical offices to provide an externship, but they are almost always unpaid.

How to Find a Medical Assistant Externship

Many medical assistant schools offer externships to students as part of the curriculum. If for whatever reason, your medical assistant training program does not offer an externship, you might call around to different medical offices in your area and see who offers this to graduating medical students who have completed the rest of their training.

Benefits of a Medical Assistant Externship

The medical externship is valuable because you gain real-world experience in a short amount of time and meet other medical professionals. The healthcare professionals you work alongside during your externship can help you by writing a letter of recommendation or referring you to employers.

Medical assistant students are encouraged to stay in contact with the other medical workers they meet during their externship. They may be able to give you insights when a job is opening at another facility.

Externships are beneficial for medical assistants as employers prefer candidates with real world experience, who are well-acquainted with how a medical office runs and functions.

Become a Medical Assistant in Less than 10 Months

Looking to become a medical assistant? Graduates of the medical assistant program at Campus will have proficiency in the skills needed to perform diverse duties in the healthcare field and can look forward to an in-demand career.

Each student in the Medical Assisting program is required to finish a 200‐hour unpaid off‐campus Medical Assisting Externship along with your standard course requirements to graduate. To become certified as a Medical Assistant, the classroom work can be completed in as few as 38 weeks, followed by a 4-week externship. This means you can become certified as a Medical Assistant in as little as 42 weeks.

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Medical Assistant Externship: Launch Your Healthcare Career

Table of Contents

Overview of a Medical Assistant Externship

1. Program Completion / Certification : Most medical assistant programs , including online medical assisting programs , will require completing an externship of 140-180 clinical hours. Completing one of these medical assisting programs and externships is required for certification.

2. Gain real-world experience : A medical assistant externship provides hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, allowing you to apply your skills and knowledge gained in the classroom to real-life situations.

3. Increase job opportunities : Completing a medical assistant externship can enhance your resume and make you stand out to potential employers. The practical experience acquired during the externship demonstrates your ability to handle different tasks and work effectively as part of a healthcare team.

What is a Medical Assistant Externship?

An externship is a short-term hands-on learning experience for medical assistant students to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. It provides an opportunity for students to shadow professionals and gain practical experience in various clinical and administrative tasks.

• Clinical Experience : Students will work closely with medical assistants, observing and assisting with patient care, vital signs measurement, and medication administration.
• Administrative Experience : They may also learn about appointment scheduling, medical record management, and insurance billing under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Duration and Requirements of a Medical Assistant Externship

During a medical assistant externship, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting. The duration of an externship can vary but typically lasts for a few weeks or months to complete around 140 – 180 clinical practicum hours. To apply for an externship, students may need to meet certain requirements such as completing specific coursework and obtaining necessary certifications . This valuable experience allows students to shadow professionals and learn essential job skills that can enhance their career prospects in the healthcare industry.

Benefits of a Medical Assistant Externship

• Gain practical experience in a real healthcare setting
• Develop essential skills and knowledge through hands-on training
• Improve job prospects by building a strong professional network

In an externship, you can apply your classroom learning to real-world situations, gaining valuable experience that will set you apart when applying for medical assistant jobs. Shadowing experienced professionals allows you to observe their day-to-day tasks and learn from their expertise. Additionally, the connections made during an externship can open doors to future employment opportunities.

5 reasons why a medical assistant externship is essential for your career

1. gain practical experience.

Gain Practical Experience : A medical assistant externship provides hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge and develop critical skills. This practical experience enhances your understanding of medical procedures and patient care, preparing you for the demands of a career in healthcare.

Hands-on Learning : A medical assistant externship offers invaluable hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting. This practical experience allows you to apply your classroom knowledge and develop essential skills that will benefit your career.

Exposure to Various Procedures : During an externship, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and assist with a diverse range of medical procedures. This exposure not only enhances your understanding of different specialties but also builds confidence in performing these procedures independently in the future.

2. Build Professional Network

Build Professional Network : During your medical assistant externship, you have the opportunity to interact with experienced professionals in the field. Networking with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can open doors to future job opportunities and mentorship.

Developing a robust professional network is crucial for career progression and advancement.

Building a professional network is crucial for your career as a medical assistant. Networking allows you to connect with professionals in the industry, gain valuable insights, and open doors to potential job opportunities. By attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and actively participating in online communities, you can expand your network and stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in healthcare.

Additionally, building a strong professional network can also lead to mentorship opportunities. Connecting with experienced professionals in your field can provide guidance and support as you navigate through your career journey. Furthermore, networking helps establish credibility within the industry by showcasing your expertise and dedication to continuous learning.

3. Increase Employability

Increase Employability : Completing a medical assistant externship demonstrates your commitment to learning and professional development. It adds valuable experience to your resume, making you more competitive in the job market. Employers often prioritize candidates with practical training experiences like an externship.

To increase your employability as a medical assistant, completing an externship is crucial. Employers highly value the hands-on experience gained through externships, as it demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, participating in an externship allows you to showcase your adaptability and willingness to learn, making you a standout candidate among other applicants.

4. Explore Different Medical Specialties

Explore Different Medical Specialties : Through an externship, you can explore various medical specialties within different healthcare settings. This exposure allows you to discover which areas interest you most and where your skills align best. Exploring different specialties helps shape your career path as a medical assistant.

Exploring different medical specialties is a crucial step in your career as a medical assistant. By gaining exposure to various fields, you can broaden your knowledge and discover which specialty resonates with your interests and skills. This exploration not only expands your professional horizons but also enhances the quality of care you can provide to patients by allowing you to develop expertise in specific areas. Take advantage of opportunities such as rotations or shadowing experiences to gain valuable insights into different medical specialties and find the path that suits you best.

In addition, exploring diverse medical specialties through an externship enables you to witness firsthand the unique challenges and rewards associated with each field. By observing professionals in action, engaging with patients, and assisting healthcare teams across various specializations, you can better understand the intricacies involved in each discipline. This multifaceted exposure broadens your perspective on patient care while honing essential skills that are applicable across disciplines – ultimately making you a well-rounded medical assistant capable of adapting to any clinical setting.

5. Boost Confidence and Skills

Boost Confidence and Skills : Working alongside experienced professionals during an externship helps build confidence in performing clinical tasks independently. You’ll also enhance essential skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork through real-world scenarios. These newfound abilities will serve as a solid foundation for success throughout your career journey as a medical assistant.

A medical assistant externship is an excellent opportunity to boost your confidence and enhance your skills. By working in a real healthcare setting, you will gain hands-on experience that will prepare you for the challenges of the profession. This practical exposure will help you refine your clinical skills, improve your communication abilities, and develop a strong sense of professionalism. Additionally, interacting with patients and healthcare professionals on a daily basis will build your self-assurance and enable you to thrive in any medical environment.

How long is a medical assisting externship?

A medical assisting externship may last between 160 and 320 hours , depending on the program and educational institution. This hands-on experience is a crucial part of the training for aspiring medical assistants, as it allows them to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world healthcare setting.

During the externship, students work under the supervision of experienced medical professionals, such as physicians, nurses, or medical office administrators. They have the opportunity to observe various medical procedures, interact with patients, and assist with administrative tasks. This practical experience helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in their future careers as medical assistants.

The duration of the externship can vary based on a few factors. Some programs may require a minimum number of hours to meet accreditation or certification requirements. Additionally, externship opportunities may be offered on a part-time or full-time basis, which can affect the overall duration. It is important for students to check the specific requirements of their program to ensure they meet all necessary criteria.

Medical assisting externships provide valuable hands-on experience and often serve as a bridge between classroom learning and professional practice. They offer students the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This exposure to different environments allows aspiring medical assistants to gain a well-rounded understanding of the field and explore different areas of specialization.

What kind of tasks will I be expected to perform in a medical assistant externship?

A medical assistantship provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to gain real-world experience in the medical field and develop essential skills necessary for a successful career as a medical assistant. During your externship, you will be expected to perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Here are some of the common tasks you may be expected to perform:

1. Patient Care : As a medical assistant extern, you will assist in providing direct patient care. This may include taking vital signs, recording patient information, and preparing patients for examinations.

2. Medical Record Management : You will be responsible for managing patient medical records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. This may involve organizing and filing documents, updating electronic health records, and retrieving patient information as needed.

3. Administrative Duties : Medical assistants often have administrative responsibilities, such as scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and managing patient inquiries. During your externship, you may be expected to assist with these tasks to develop your administrative skills.

4. Laboratory Procedures : Depending on the healthcare setting, you may have the opportunity to assist with basic laboratory procedures. This can include collecting and preparing specimens, performing basic tests, and ensuring proper handling and disposal of laboratory materials.

5. Medical Equipment Handling : Medical assistants are responsible for maintaining and sterilizing medical equipment. During your externship, you may be involved in cleaning and disinfecting instruments, ensuring their proper functioning, and restocking supplies.

Benefits of a medical assisting externship

A medical assisting externship offers numerous benefits to students pursuing a career in the healthcare field. Here are some of the key advantages:

Hands-on Experience : One of the primary benefits of a medical assisting externship is the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience. Through direct involvement in patient care and administrative tasks, students can apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. This practical experience helps develop critical skills and builds confidence in performing various medical procedures.

Exposure to Different Healthcare Settings : Medical assisting externships provide students with exposure to a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This exposure allows students to understand the differences in how healthcare is delivered in different settings and explore potential areas of specialization. By experiencing different environments, students can make informed decisions about their future career paths.

Networking Opportunities : During an externship, students have the opportunity to interact and network with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and medical office administrators. Building relationships with these professionals can lead to valuable connections and potential job opportunities in the future. Networking is a vital aspect of career development, and an externship provides an ideal platform for students to expand their professional network.

Professional Development : An externship helps students develop essential professional skills that are crucial for success in the healthcare industry. These skills include effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. By working alongside experienced professionals, students can observe and learn from their mentors, acquiring valuable insights and practical knowledge that can enhance their professional growth. This hands-on learning experience allows students to refine their skills and develop a strong foundation for their future careers as medical assistants.

Confidence Building : The hands-on experience gained during an externship can significantly boost a student’s confidence. By actively participating in patient care and administrative tasks under the guidance of experienced professionals, students can gain a sense of accomplishment and build their self-assurance. This confidence is vital in the healthcare field, where quick decision-making and effective communication are essential.

Assisting with Procedures : In some cases, students may have the opportunity to assist with medical procedures during their externship. This invaluable experience allows students to witness and participate in various medical procedures, such as taking vital signs, administering injections, or assisting with minor surgeries. This exposure not only enhances their understanding of medical procedures but also allows them to develop the necessary skills to perform these tasks in the future.

Resume Enhancement : A medical assisting externship is a valuable addition to a student’s resume. It demonstrates their commitment to the field, their willingness to learn and gain practical experience, and their ability to work in a professional healthcare environment. Employers often value candidates with hands-on experience, and having an externship on their resume can set students apart from others in the job market.

Career Exploration : Medical assisting externships provide students with the opportunity to explore different career paths within the healthcare industry. By working in various healthcare settings and interacting with professionals from different specialties, students can gain a better understanding of the different career options available to them. They can observe the day-to-day responsibilities of medical assistants in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices, and determine which area aligns best with their interests and goals. This exploration can help students make informed decisions about their future career paths in healthcare.

Networking Opportunities : During an externship, students have the chance to network and build professional relationships with healthcare professionals in their field. These connections can be valuable resources for future job opportunities, references, and mentorship. Building a strong professional network early on can greatly benefit students as they enter the job market and navigate their careers in medical assisting.

Personal Growth : Lastly, a medical assisting externship can contribute to a student’s personal growth. The hands-on experience, exposure to real-world scenarios, and interactions with patients and healthcare professionals can enhance communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. It can also help students develop a sense of compassion and empathy towards patients, which is essential in the healthcare field. Overall, the personal growth experienced during an externship can shape students into well-rounded individuals and compassionate healthcare professionals.

A medical assisting externship offers numerous benefits for students pursuing a career in healthcare. It provides hands-on learning opportunities, boosts confidence, allows for assisting with medical procedures, enhances a student’s resume, explores different career paths, creates networking opportunities, and contributes to personal growth. By participating in an externship, students can gain valuable experience while growing their network and engaging potential employers.

What type of medical facilities might offer a medical assistant externship?

A medical assistant externship is a valuable opportunity for aspiring medical assistants to gain practical experience in a real-world healthcare setting. A variety of medical facilities may offer externship programs to provide students with hands-on training and exposure to different aspects of the medical field. Here are some examples of medical facilities that commonly offer medical assistant externships.

Hospitals : Large hospitals often have comprehensive externship programs where medical assistant students can work in different departments, such as emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, or internal medicine. This allows students to gain exposure to a wide range of medical conditions and procedures.

Clinics : Medical clinics, including primary care clinics, specialty clinics, and urgent care centers, frequently offer externship opportunities for medical assistants. Working in a clinic setting can provide students with experience in various aspects of outpatient care, such as patient intake, vital signs measurement, medication administration, and assisting with minor procedures.

Physician’s Offices : Many private practices, including family medicine, internal medicine, and specialty practices, may offer medical assistant externships. Students working in these settings may assist with patient examinations, record-keeping, administering injections, preparing specimens for laboratory testing, and performing administrative tasks.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities : Externships in long-term care facilities allow students to gain experience in geriatric care, including assisting with activities of daily living, medication management, and interacting with residents and their families.

Rehabilitation Centers : Medical assistant students may find externship opportunities in rehabilitation centers, where they can gain experience in providing care to patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or illnesses. This may involve assisting with physical therapy exercises, monitoring vital signs, and helping patients with mobility and daily activities.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers : Externships in ambulatory surgical centers can provide medical assistant students with exposure to surgical procedures and perioperative care. Students may have the opportunity to assist with pre-operative assessments, surgical instrument sterilization, and post-operative patient care.

Laboratories : Some medical assistant externship programs may be available in laboratory settings, where students can learn about specimen collection and processing, performing basic laboratory tests, and ensuring accuracy and quality control in lab procedures.

Community Health Centers : Externships in community health centers allow students to gain experience in providing healthcare services to underserved populations. Students may assist with health screenings, patient education, and community outreach programs.

Imaging Centers : Externships in imaging centers can provide medical assistant students with exposure to a variety of diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans. Students may assist with patient positioning, equipment preparation, and image documentation.

Research Facilities : Some medical assistant externship programs may be available in research facilities, where students can gain experience in clinical research and data collection. This may involve assisting with patient recruitment, data entry, and adherence to research protocols.

Overall, a medical assistant externship can be a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

Finding a Medical Assistant Externship

Toward the end of your medical assistant program you will begin your externship, here are some ways you can start finding the best opportunities for your externship.

Career Services

College career services programs can be a great resource for students looking to find medical assistant externships. Career services staff can provide guidance and resources to help students identify potential opportunities, create professional resumes and cover letters, and prepare for interviews. Furthermore, many colleges have connections with local employers that may offer medical assistant externships and can provide students with valuable insight into the process of applying and interviewing for these positions.

Job Search Websites

Job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster are great tools for students looking to find medical assistant externships. These websites offer a wide range of postings from employers seeking qualified individuals to fill these positions. Additionally, these sites provide valuable resources such as tips on how to make your resume stand out, how to write a successful cover letter and the best ways to prepare for an interview.

Local Clinics

Local medical clinics are an excellent resource for students looking to gain practical experience in medical assisting. Many clinics offer externships and can provide invaluable on-the-job training supervised by experienced professionals. These externships may range from short-term observation opportunities to long-term hands-on experiences.

Part of medical assistant schooling is the externship. The duration of a medical assisting externship can vary between 160 and 320 hours. This practical experience is an integral part of the training for aspiring medical assistants and allows them to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world healthcare setting. By working under the supervision of experienced professionals, students have the opportunity to observe medical procedures, interact with patients, and assist with administrative tasks. The duration of the externship may be influenced by accreditation or certification requirements, as well as whether it is offered on a part-time or full-time basis. Regardless of the specific length, medical assisting externships provide valuable hands-on experience and help students develop the skills and confidence needed for their future careers.

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What Are The Benefits Of A Medical Assistant Externship?

• Medical Assistant
• March 11, 2024

Medical Assistant externship occurs at the end of a training course, are an excellent way to put your newly found skills into practice and gain valuable hands-on experience in the medical field. While academic externships are unpaid, they can make a significant contribution to your career by providing you the experience, in a healthcare setting, that will help set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs.

Table of Contents

Learning On The Job

The best way to start your medical assistant  career.

• Learning under supervision – Active experience in a healthcare environment is an excellent way to sharpen your skills, but it can be daunting to transition from your medical assistant course to practicing your procedures on real patients. An externship gives you the opportunity to work in a professional environment while still receiving supervision and guidance. It’s an excellent way to experience what working in a healthcare practice is really like and an opportunity to learn from an established medical professional.
• Experiencing the workplace – During your career as a medical assistant, you may find yourself working in a variety of workplaces, from small local healthcare providers to large hospitals. An externship gives you the opportunity to experience at least one of these environments. How much that particular environment suits you can help to decide which healthcare facilities you apply for a position with.
• Learning professional conduct – While your medical assistant training course will give you all the clinical skills you need to excel in your position, the hands-on experience of an externship will allow you to develop your professional conduct skills. Interacting with coworkers and patients is a significant part of the medical assistant role and experience with the difficult situations that healthcare providers are often called upon to deal with is one of the many benefits of completing an externship.
• Mentoring – An externship is an excellent way to learn from an established medical professional. During your externship, you should take every opportunity to learn from those around you, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and advice. Use your supervisor, co-workers, and superiors as a resource to improve your own abilities.
• Networking – While there is no guarantee that you will be asked to join the healthcare provider you have completed your externship with, your time there is still an excellent chance to network with other healthcare professionals. Building contacts within the healthcare sector is an excellent way to hear about job leads, get recommendations and even advice and mentoring in the future.

Here at Northwest Career College, we have a student-focussed attitude that prioritizes giving our graduates the training and skill set they’ll need to excel as medical assistants. Our established and seasoned instructors work with you, teaching you every aspect of Medical Assistant. We help you build your skills, abilities, and confidence, and we are proud of our 88% national exam pass rate .

If you’d like to learn more about what our medical assistant course can offer you, call one of our enrollment specialists on (702) 403-1592 today. We provide flexible learning, with online and on-campus morning, afternoon and night classes to accommodate your Las Vegas work and family schedule. As a Northwest student, you will work with our dedicated and experienced Career Services team to help you find the best employment opportunities in Las Vegas. Call us now on (702) 403-1592 to start your journey!

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Corey Del Pino attended Northern Arizona University after high school and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a Chemistry Minor in 2012. After attending Mohave Community College and earning her Medical… Read Full Bio

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Free Externship Report Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Medicine , Nursing , Doctor , Community , Practice , Exercise , Medical Assistant , Experience

Published: 11/08/2021

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Externship just like internships and apprenticeship are learning opportunities that allow students to get a firsthand experience of the professional word before their graduation. Externship involves job shadowing and is conducted over a short period. As a medical assistant student, externships are a major part of the course as they allow one to gain different skills, which are rarely taught in class. The externship is usually followed by a report explaining the various activities and skills learned in the externship. This report provides a description of my externship at Best Care Ever medical group.

Company Description

Best Care Medical Group is health care organization located in the Bronx. The organization provides medical care to residents of New York including those living in the Bronx. Best Care Medical Group aims at providing quality, compassionate and culture sensitive care by building relationships with the patients. The organization has two physicians who specialize in internal medicine and general practice. Both of the physicians have practiced medicine for over ten years. The physicians have worked in different hospitals in New York; therefore, have a vast experience in different medical issues. The organization provides six main services namely Homeopathy, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Acupuncture, Psychiatrist, and Podiatric. Provision of these services involves creating a relationship between the patient and the physician. Ensuring that patients are treated with respect as well as ensuring that care is culturally sensitive.Care helps in the creation of positive relationships.

Externship Experience

The externship involved the provision of patient care, assisting the doctors with different procedures as well educating patients on different health issues. During the externship, I worked together with the physicians as well as alone. Working alone made me learn to assess patients as well as explain the various medication to the patients. While working alone, I was also involved in educating patients on different health issues including explanations on the best diet for a diabetic patient. I also worked alone in assessing patients who came to the care center with minor complications involving Asthma. I also assisted the physicians in different medical procedures. I assisted the doctor in conducting different tests aimed at looking for a complication that may result from diabetics. I assisted the doctor in conducting eye tests including Diabetic Retinopathy as well as Glaucoma tests. I also assisted the doctor in therapeutic treatments including Acupuncture. Since the organization is involved in alternative medicine, I was able to observe the physician practice Homeopathy. I also helped the physician in the treatment of foot and ankle injuries. Podiatry involved diagnostics as well as surgical and medical treatment of the foot injuries. I conducted several examinations but only assisted the doctor in surgical procedures. I was also involved in explaining the various medications that patients were given for the various injuries.

The externship at Best Care Medical Group allowed me to attain personal growth, academic growth as well as practical growth. Personally, I got to learn and train myself on work ethics. Working with the two physicians allowed me to learn the various work ethics required in professional practice. An ethical practice that I developed during the externship was that of keeping time. I was required to arrive at the externship at a specific time. The physicians were also quite strict on issues relating to time as they aimed at ensuring that patients spent the least time possible before receiving attention. Personal growth also involved me getting to learn communication skills that one could use with different patients. Due to working with patients from different cultures, I also learned how to relate to individuals with different cultural practices. The externship also allowed me to practice some of the skills learned in class. I was able to apply knowledge on how to assess patients. While at the externship, I got the chance to assess different patient conditions and as put such knowledge learned in class into practice. The externship also allowed me to learn different types of alternative medicine including acupuncture. During the internship, I also got the chance to educate patients on the different medications and medical conditions. The externship also helped me to learn the various issues involving my career as a medical assistant. I worked with two physicians; therefore, gained practical experience in the role of a medical assistant. I helped the physicians in various medical procedures including ankle surgery; therefore, gained an understanding of the role undertaken by a medical assistant. I also gained experience in communication skills, which will go a long way in ensuring that I can create positive relationships with patients.

Recommendation

The externship at Best Care Medical Group allowed a great learning opportunity for me. Best care Medical Group is a great learning environment, and I would recommend externship for future students. The internship allows medical assistant students to see a variety of care styles and as a search a great learning opportunity. As far as any improvements to the externship, I do not see anything that I would recommend being changed.

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Why Externships Are Important for Medical Assistant Training

Externships Help Students Gain Experience

Students in medical assistant programs gain knowledge through various methods, including in-classroom instruction, thorough reading, collaborative projects, and hands-on experience. Externships serve as a great form of first-hand work experience and may help you in your future career. There is no better way to gain a practical understanding of the healthcare sector than by working alongside medical assistants who have been in the field for years. Not only will an externship provide you with insight from skilled medical assistants, but it may also guide you in determining what type of environment you want to work in — or avoid — when you graduate.

Externships vs. Internships in the Medical Field

More people recognize the term internship, which many businesses offer to prepare people for a job in their industry. In the healthcare world, the externship is a much more popular option for training students. Internships and externships share several notable differences.

With an internship, the student works a bit longer, typically a few months, and usually requires more leadership roles. On the other hand, externships may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and tend to focus more on observation.

Externships are more favorable in the medical world simply because they allow students to learn by watching other medical assistants in action, instead of simply listening in a classroom. As a result, many medical assistant programs require students to complete an externship to graduate.

Benefits of Participating in an Externship

A medical assistant externship is not only ideal for gaining experience, but also provides long-term advantages. While shadowing an experienced professional in the field, students work directly with patients, doctors, and other healthcare providers. This is a great opportunity to build connections with professionals who work in your area of interest. By building these relationships, you receive one-on-one insight and may even find reputable professionals who will serve as references during your job search after graduation. Other ways your medical assistant externship program may help you in the future include:

• Preparedness: You’ll have a good idea of what to expect after completing your externship. This awareness keeps you better prepared for your future career as a medical assistant.
• Specialization: During your externship, you may work in several different departments and form your own preferences. Browsing different specializations is beneficial when choosing which medical department you wish to work in.
• Solidifying your career path: By partaking in an externship, you will have more confidence that the medical assistant occupation is one you will find rewarding.

While an externship may make clear to individuals that they want to become a medical assistant, it may also reveal that the career is not for them. In this case, an externship gives people a better understanding of where their preferences lie while still providing them with a new educational experience. In other words, they prove beneficial even if you ultimately choose a different field.

Discover Medical Assistant Programs at Prism Career Institute

If you are ready to begin your journey to becoming a medical assistant and are located near Philadelphia, PA, or Cherry Hill or West Atlantic City, NJ, apply online at Prism Career Institute. Students in the medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute will gain quality knowledge through training courses and an externship in just 24 instructional weeks. For additional information on medical assistant programs and externships, contact us today.

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My Externship in Medical Assistant Program

• Updated March 27, 2023
• Pages 4 (825 words)
• Health Care
• Medical Assistant
• Any subject
• Within the deadline
• Without paying in advance

Externship is having an opportunity to utilize your hands on skills and bring you one step closer to your career. The Medical Assistant program at ECPI University prepared me well for Externship at UNC Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic and UNC Pulmonary Specialty Clinic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In both clinic, my daily duties during my externship were as patients came in for appointments, I would prepare their chart. During my down time, I took the time out to fax papers such as prescriptions to pharmacies, nursing homes, lab results etc.

After the fax had a confirmation, I would staple the confirmation to the original and file the paper in alphabetical order, later the necessary files would be put in the patient’s chart. I also was in charge in making sure all the rooms were cleaned before rooming the patient. When I had the opportunity I was allowed to assist patients which means I was obligated to write down the reason of the visit ( chief complaint), and retain vital signs and making sure patient’s chart such as prescriptions, vaccinations are up to date. I would give shots such as Prolia shot and flu shot as needed.

In Pulmonary Clinic, when the provider comes out of room with a patient, the providers normally would tell me specimen test was ordered where I give nebulizer test to the patient with 3% and/or 7% saline solution depending on the order for the purpose of getting a sputum sample. There is an extra steps for a patients such as Cystic Fibrosis and C-diff, since the charges and questions for patients are different, in addition we have to use PPE. In Diabetes Clinic, glucose testing is done with every diabetes patient, with A1C if due. I didn’t have to be taught on skills as much since I knew all of this skills from school.

I was glad ECPI University did such a good job on training the students on these skills. As for the clinical site, I had high expectation that I will be instructed properly, then reality hit me. My first day was at the Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic, my trainer was tough and I was taught pretty quickly, which was a do or die. There were a few times where I was screamed at for either incorrectly doing something or not knowing how to do it like using EPIC software, but my thought was “how do you expect me to just know if I wasn’t taught properly.

But, I would go over them during lunch time and after couple of days, I’ve gotten better. On the third day of working in Pulmonary Clinic, the computers were down except the ones at the nurses’ station. The nurse who trained me, checked-in a patient at the nurses station which the information included about patients. Patient was asked the name, DOB, chief complains, etc… in a hallway which is against HIPAA. I was surprised that the nurse would do such a thing but it was even more surprising to see no one stopping her. This experienced, would help me finding the right job for me.

Because, from what I’ve learned from this specialty clinic, I see the importance of training and a typical day. My experienced at Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic and Pulmonary Clinic was what I expected, and eye opener for a student like me who thought of everything was going to be easy and slightly hard with minimum fun. In school I was taught that in the field things will be professional, however, within my first experience I encountered unprofessional work such as how the staffs has lack of patient, and violation of HIPPA.

I would recommend this clinics for incoming student. But, I will say this can be a learning experience for incoming students because I learned how clinic offices work in reality. These skills that I did during my clinical were thoroughly taught at ECPI. However, I think there should be a class more focused on public speaking. During my clinical, there were times where I have to educate a patient. Although , towards the end of my clinical, I did it with confident, when I first started, I was having a hard time to do it because of English barrier and lack of confident on myself. I think if I had more experience on public speaking, it would’ve help me a lot.

I am really happy I made the choice to become a Medical Assistant. I thought it would be a good fit since I love working with people and I’ve always been interested in medicine, and the Medical Assistant program at ECPI University gave me the perfect opportunity to confirm that. I got lots of hands-on practice for the practical skills I learned in the classroom, through the labs at school and through a great externship, and I felt confident and prepared when I started my first job.

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My Externship in Medical Assistant Program. (2021, Dec 27). Retrieved from https://samploon.com/my-externship-in-medical-assistant-program/

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My Externship Experience Essay (1082 words)

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Externship is having an opportunity to utilize your hands on skills and bring you one step closer to your career. The Medical Assistant Management program at the College of Westchester prepared me well for Practicum at Dr. Lawerance Neshiwat’s Endocrinology and Internal Medicine Office in Mount Vernon, New York. Endocrinology is the study of the medical aspects of hormones, including diseases and conditions associated with hormonal imbalances. I held the position of a front desk receptionist and medical assistant.

My daily duties during my externship were picking up phone calls , where patients will schedule or reschedule appointments. Also as patients came in for appointments, I would prepare their chart and create a new chart for any new patients. During my down time, I took the time out to fax papers such as prescriptions to pharmacies, nursing homes, lab results etc. After the fax had a confirmation, I would staple the confirmation to the original and file the paper in alphabetical order , later the necessary files would be put in the patient’s chart.

I also was in charge in making sure all the rooms were filled with a patient for the doctor to see. When Dr. Neshiwat would comes out of room with a patient, he normally would hands me their prescription where I made a copy. He would also ask me to give them any glucose testing machines, test strips and medicine tablets. When I had the opportunity I was allowed to assist patients which means I was obligated to write down the reason of the visit ( chief complaint), perform EKG, and spirometry, retain vital signs ( height, weight, blood pressure), glucose testing if needed and obtain recent lab results.

During the last hour of my day, I would start pulling charts for patients who had an appointment for the next day, finish up my messages that were written down, create folders for the doctor such as signature, lab result callbacks, and reviews. Although I performed a few things I learned in class ,there were still things slightly different such as EKG. I learned in school that EKG leads on extremities were placed on the wrist and ankle, but in my externship they preferred me to put the leads more on the upper arm and upper leg.

I knew to perform proper hand washing before and after every patents to but I noticed that the coworkers didn’t , but they wore gloves during blood and urine exposure. I heard information about patients by name flowing through the office, which is against HIPAA. I had high expectation that I will be instructed properly and everyone would be nice, then reality hit me. My first day, I was taught pretty quickly, which was a do or die. There were a few times where I was screamed at for either incorrectly doing something or not knowing how to do it, but my thought was “how do you expect me to just know if I wasn’t taught properly .

They expected me to know everything since I was fresh out of college. On a positive note, I was trained how to do a spirometry, which is used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale. Spirometry is also used to diagnose asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions that affect breathing. I learned about health insurances, where we would see if patient’s were eligible or approved for the visit.

Another thing we would do was check for any outstanding balances, copays and if referrals are needed. My trainer showed me how to request and get an approval for patient ‘s MRI testing of the brain, chest and thyroid gland at St. John’s Hospital. I would obtain many results such as labs, blood, MRI etc. These new skills that I gained can be recommended to be taught to medical students in the College of Westchester. I feel that it is important to know what health insurances are out there other then Medicare and Medicad because honestly some students only know the common ones.

My experience at Dr. Lawerance Neshiwat’s office was not what I expected. I had the thought of everything was going to be easy and slightly hard with minimum fun. I had high expectation because in school I was taught that in the field things will be professional, but within my first experience I encountered unprofessional work. I wouldn’t recommended this office for incoming student. Although I wouldn’t recommend the office , I will say this can be a learning experience for incoming students because I learned how medical offices work in reality.

This can be a eye opener for students who expect everything they learned will be done in a medical office. This office can show students how not to expect what you learn in class to be exactly done in medical office which will give them a taste of reality. During my externship journey, I was in search for a medical assistant job. Around my last few weeks of my externship I got called in for a interview at Dr. Patel’s office. I got the job, but they wanted me to work immediately which I couldn’t do because I had externship hours that must be completed.

They asked me if I was willing to leave my externship and finish my hours at their office and then after my hours were completed they will hire me. Of course I had the honor in asking my teacher if I can continue my externship at Dr. Patel’s office. I got the approval to switch externship and now that I been at Dr. Patel. Meanwhile, I have a full time job at Dr. Patel’s office as medical assistant and also I am a friendly outgoing bartender at your neighbor grill, Applebee’s.

Now that my journey is coming to an end, I will like to continue my education in a different school where I have the opportunity to get my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and also get into a Pre-Med program. My goal is to go to medical school and become an OB/GYN doctor. I got accepted to many colleges such as St. Johns’s University and Mercy College, but unfortunately due to financial aid, I will not be able to attend a college at the moment. I can’t afford school right now, since my mother is going through hardships like losing her job. I will not give up my dream in becoming a doctor.

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My Externship Experience Essay (1082 words). (2018, Aug 06). Retrieved from https://artscolumbia.org/my-externship-experience-55412/

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