6 Tips to Turn Your Medical Assistant Technician Externship into a Job Opportunity
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, medical assistant careers have a bright outlook, meaning the field will either grow faster than average or have over 100k openings in a 10-year span. These careers depend on an employee’s ability to provide top-notch administrative and clinical services to their employer, all while treating their patients with the level of customer service they expect. Many career colleges and technical schools will include medical assistant externships as part of their curriculum, to help their students get the hands-on experience they need to successfully land their first job. Some students find that they can leverage their communication skills and work ethic to secure a job with their externship employer. We’ve come up with a list of six tips you can use to help you turn your medical assisting externship into a job opportunity.
If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, consider enrolling in our Medical Assistant Program. The program can be completed, and you can earn a diploma in as little as 10 months.
MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION
One of the most important things you can do during your medical externship is to make a good impression and to remain professional at all times. Take the initiative to dress appropriately, greet everyone you meet with a smile, and avoid office gossip and politics at all costs. Remaining professional can make a lasting impression on employers.
UTILIZE YOUR NETWORKING SKILLS
Networking is a great way to open professional doors. Make a point of introducing yourself to doctors, nurses, and office staff, in a natural way, and try to remember their name and a bit about them. Developing and nurturing professional relationships with your coworkers can be invaluable down the road. In addition, find yourself a mentor, someone you admire and who you can absorb all the clinical and professional advice they can offer. Mentors can make great references down the line.
SHOW YOU ARE DEDICATED TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Take the initiative to learn as much as you possibly can during your externship; it will not only increase your knowledge-base, but it will also show your employer that you are driven and eager to learn. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Employers don’t expect you to know everything about being a medical assistant, and they will appreciate your willingness to ask questions and your dedication to your development.
WORK HARD AND STAY BUSY
It is absolutely essential that you show your employer that you are a hard worker and that you use any free time you have to brush up on techniques and skills you might be lacking in. Current (and potential) employers need to see that you are willing to get your hands dirty and do what is necessary for your role.
WORK HARD AND STAY BUSY
It is also always a good idea to learn about your externship provider. By showing that you know about their business, their goals, and their success, it will make you stand out in their minds as a potential candidate for employment.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Finally, keep in touch with your employer and colleagues after your externship is finished. Write the employer a Thank You note and ask your mentor to meet you for coffee sometime. By maintaining these relationships after your externship is finished, it will keep you in their minds should a job opportunity come about.
Externships are a great way to learn more about being a medical assistant technician, but they can also open doors for future job opportunities. Of course, externships do not guarantee future employment, but by using these six tips during your externship, the possibility is there.
Enroll in FCC’s Medical Assisting Program today!
