10 Traits You Need to Be a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants need to be able to feel what the patient feels, understand his or her fears and concerns, and patiently lend an ear when needed.

One of the responsibilities of an MA, learned at a Utah medical assisting college, is to instruct patients on health care procedures and discuss their health care options under the direction of a physician. It is vital that a medical assistant speaks clearly and thoughtfully.

Physicians expect their medical assistants to be on time, orderly and professional. They depend on their assistants to perform tasks in a thorough and timely manner.

Doctor-patient confidentiality applies to medical assistants as well. MA’s must respect the privacy of the patients they treat.

Physicians need medical assistants who can act independently when permissible. If there is a task that needs completing, medical assistants should recognize and act on it without being told to do so. MA’s should also be able to anticipate the needs of their patients.

It is common for patients to be nervous or afraid when they come in to see a doctor. MA’s should be cheerful, friendly and genuine to help patients feel at ease.

Emergencies occur frequently in health care. Medical assistants must learn at Utah medical assisting colleges how to react to a variety of unexpected situations without panicking.

MA’s should be observant, paying attention to the needs of patients and noticing details that could mean the difference between life and death.

MA’s need to keep cool under pressure, especially when assisting physicians with surgical procedures.

Medical assisting can be a tiresome and stressful job. MA’s need to be able to tough out the bad times and appreciate every good moment. They should learn how to do this through a Utah medical assisting college.