Medical assistants are an important part of the healthcare team, providing support to doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, it’s important to prepare for your interview by familiarizing yourself with common interview questions. In this article, we at founderactivity will provide a list of medical assistant interview questions and offer tips on how to answer them. Whether you’re a seasoned medical assistant or a new graduate, these questions will help you showcase your skills and qualifications. So, let’s dive in and help you ace that interview!
A excellent choice for you if you want to enter the medical sector quickly is to become a medical assistant.
The lives of patients can be significantly improved by medical assistants. They may also move into management, nursing, or another healthcare position.
Who is a Medical Assistant?
The healthcare team cannot function without medical assistants, often known as certified medical assistants. They serve as the go-betweens for patients and the doctor or medical staff, carrying out both administrative activities and patient care responsibilities.
They can work in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories, and their duties range from taking phone calls and updating medical data to helping with physical examinations and drawing blood.
Check out the video below to know what a day in a life of Medical Assistant is like.
What does a Medical Assistant do?
Depending on the location they operate in, a medical assistant’s functions and responsibilities may change. People who operate in specialized areas might receive training for the demands of that office.
But in the majority of situations, a medical assistant can anticipate performing both clinical and administrative duties, such as taking phone calls, filling out insurance forms, and conducting patient interviews and documenting medical histories and symptoms in advance of the patient’s physical examination by the doctor.
Medical Assistant Interview Questions
Knowing the answers to these often asked interview questions will make you feel more at ease and help you be prepared. By preparing for these questions, you will be able to show your interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job. Having a buddy conduct a mock interview for you using these questions might also be beneficial.
1. Tell me about your entire background as a medical assistant. Working an internship counts.
It’s important to know how much experience potential medical assistant applicants have. They might only have internship experience because they’ve just finished their training, so you’ll need to assess if they are a suitable fit for you in other respects.
Sample Answer
“During my medical assistant training, I previously worked as an intern. I just finished my degree in June, and after a year of training, I was hired as an intern at a pediatrician’s office. I got the opportunity to work alongside and shadow the other medical assistants there, and I can honestly say that my experience there solidified my decision to pursue this line of work.”
2. Do you have any knowledge of software for electronic health records from any of your training?
Many businesses prefer to hire candidates who have knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) software. As well as asking if they are familiar with the software your business uses, ask them to list the titles of the software programs they have trained on.
Sample Answer
“In my training program, an EHR software simulation was employed. Many of the elements in the simulation were also found in commercial software that is frequently used in hospitals and other medical facilities. I have some experience utilizing eClinicalWorks because I used it as an intern at the pediatrician’s clinic.”
3. How can a medical assistant verify that they are abiding by HIPAA rules that protect patients’ privacy?
It’s critical for medical assistants to comprehend HIPAA rules and how they relate to the work they do. This inquiry will make sure they fully understand the significance of HIPAA and how to adhere to its rules in their regular employment.
Sample Answer
“In my training program, we received HIPAA training, and the medical assistants I worked with were committed about respecting the privacy of their patients. Only the clients’ first names were used while addressing them in the waiting area. Before engaging in discussion, we made sure the patients’ exam rooms were closed. Naturally, we also realized that the only people with whom to discuss a client’s condition are their doctors.”
4. Do you have any prior front office management experience? Are you comfortable with addressing customers on the phone?
Clinical and administrative tasks are frequently distributed among medical assistants. Prepare to ask the candidate about the front desk positions they have held or for which they have received training.
Sample Answer
“In my training program, we studied a lot about office duties. Both Microsoft Office and scheduling applications were covered in our training. In order to prepare us for dealing with customers in person and over the phone, my program spent time emphasizing patient intake, scheduling, and other interactions. I also worked at the front desk during my internship with the other assistants, so I also have real-world experience.”
5. Which, if any, phlebotomy training did you receive? If necessary, are you okay having blood drawn?
A medical assistant’s duties include drawing blood, so you should inquire about a candidate’s phlebotomy training and level of comfort with the procedure.
Sample Answer
I am completely at ease having blood drawn, and I completed my training program well. I didn’t get the opportunity to draw blood during my internship, thus I lack actual customer experience. However, I did perform countless phlebotomies on my classmates when I was in school.
6. Have you ever taken client histories or monitored patient vitals during a job or internship?
The majority of medical assistants’ daily tasks include taking patients’ histories and vital signs, which is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the care they require. You can learn more about the candidate’s experience with these duties from this question.
Sample Answer
“I had the opportunity to take various clients’ patient vitals throughout my internship. Taking client histories is another skill we learnt in school, and I was able to use it at my internship as well.”
7. Are your AED, CPR, and emergency treatment certificates current? When do you intend to renew them, if not now?
Before a candidate starts working, you should confirm that all of their certifications are current, and if they need to be updated, you should find out how quickly they can complete that task.
Sample Answer
“My medical assistant training included instruction in emergency treatment, CPR, and AED use, and my Red Cross accreditations are still valid for another 18 months. And I am aware that every two years, I must renew my certification.”
8. How would you define polite bedside manner?
Anyone working in the medical field must understand the importance of bedside manner, or how to communicate with patients while providing medical care. Many patients find getting medical procedures done to be unpleasant and even upsetting; it is the duty of the medical expert to put them at ease and exhibit sensitivity when providing care. The answer to this question can reveal a candidate’s comprehension of acceptable patient interactions. It also aid the interviewer in identifying candidates who possess the soft skills necessary to be successful as medical assistants.
Sample Answer
“Being open and forthright with patients is key to having good bedside manner, but you should also take every effort to help them feel informed and in control of their health. When speaking with patients, I always keep eye contact, address them directly, and use a soft, courteous voice because I am very aware of my body language. I observe the patient’s body language and alter my demeanor as necessary to put them at ease.”
9. What would you say is your main responsibility as a medical assistant?
Given the extensive list of duties that medical assistants must perform, picking one to concentrate on is a difficult undertaking. But it gives you a chance to talk about your priorities and present yourself as a resource.
Additionally, you are not required to discuss just one duty. This medical assistant interview question and answer can actually fit quite a bit of information. Before focusing on the main responsibility, just touch on a few others.
Sample Answer
“I’ve performed a variety of duties over the course of my work as a medical assistant. I’ve spent time booking appointments, completing first exams, updating patient information, and much more. My primary responsibilities, in my opinion, are twofold. First and foremost, a fundamental duty is to provide excellent patient care. Second, the key to overall success is helping the doctors and other team members with their everyday responsibilities.”
10. How do you respond to upset clients that bring you a complaint?
There will be some unhappy patients. There are a lot of people that are stressed out and uncomfortable. Outbursts may result from this; some may be justifiable while others may not appear so. Hiring managers want to ensure that you have the poise necessary to handle the circumstance as it is your responsibility to do so.
Sample Answer
“I would let them speak first in order to understand their issue. Active listening is essential because if I don’t fully comprehend the problem, I can’t give them the correct kind of aid. I then reword their concern to be sure we are both talking about the same issue.
Then, I utilize empathy to let them know they are understood, that I care about their wellbeing, and that I’m trying to come up with a solution. Finally, I take the necessary actions in accordance with the nature of the complaint and actively participate in finding a solution.”
11. What knowledge of medical technology do you possess?
Medical assistants frequently use lab equipment, EKG machines, computerized blood chemistry analyzers, and software for electronic medical records. Since technology is frequently involved in employment, many firms will only select applicants who have some level of technical expertise.
Sample Answer
I didn’t have any formal training in medical technology when I started out as a medical assistant. My training was mostly practical in nature. The first thing I learned was how to update medical records and record patient data. I acquired training on blood chemistry analyzers, lab testing tools, and EKG machines as my profession developed.
12. What about working as a medical assistant do you like the most?
Interviewers are interested in learning about your professional passions. When giving your response, be sincere and don’t be shy about showcasing your personality.
Sample Answer
“I enjoy the hectic atmosphere. The days fly by for me when I get to run from one thing to the next. Even better is that I get to work and assist others at the same time. I’ve worked jobs in the past that kept me busy but had nothing to do with people, and I’ve discovered that I love my work a lot more when I can help people.”
13. What aspect of working as a medical assistant is the most difficult?
Recruiters are aware that no job is ideal, just as they are aware that you aren’t perfect.
To get to know you better and be able to support your growth, they want to know which portions you find less enjoyable. Again, be truthful in your response, but make sure you wrap it up well to avoid coming across as whiny.
Sample Answer
“It’s difficult, especially on hectic days, to keep up with my to-do list while dealing with problematic patients. However, I’m becoming more adept at handling them, and I’m also learning when to seek assistance. I’d also like to find out how other more seasoned medical assistants handle this if I worked here, so I’ll question them as well.”
How to ask the Right Medical Assistant Interview Questions
If you’ve ever spent time and money searching for, interviewing, and hiring a number of medical assistants only to discover they weren’t the right fit, you understand how time-consuming and expensive the process can be. Therefore, before you make your next employee, it is worthwhile to refine your recruitment technique.
The interview is the first point worth looking into. The secret to interviewing medical assistants is to tailor your questions to the particular requirements of your clinic. Make sure to include these three key areas in your questions to candidates in order to thoroughly vetting them:
- Necessary knowledge, talents, and training
- Specialized knowledge and expertise for your line of work in medicine
- Personality traits and cultural fit.
The advice provided here can aid you in developing a set of medical assistant interview questions to help you locate applicants who have the qualifications, experience, and personality you need for your practice.
1. Assessment of Hard Skills
The first phase of the procedure is to make a list of the daily duties that your medical assistant will carry out and then to examine each of those duties. You can make your first set of medical assistant interview questions using the list of duties and essential hard skills, which might include some of the following:
14. What knowledge do you have about software for electronic medical records?
15. What have you done with the software?
16. What other software do you have expertise in?
17. Which insurance companies did you bill?
18. Tell me about your experience with HIPAA.
19. Where did you receive your OSHA training?
20. What duties did you do in the front office in your previous position?
21. Which phlebotomy abilities do you possess? Autoclave? Injections through IM? What do you think of getting a needle stuck?
22. Describe your background in medications for me. Have you worked with pharmacists, documented medications, or managed refills electronically?
23. Are you qualified in CPR?
24. Which voicemail and telephone systems have you employed?
25. Have patient histories been taken?
26. What actions did you take to safeguard patient privacy and rights?
27. Were you in charge of maintaining the supplies and equipment?
Choosing which abilities are essential and which you are willing to train in is also a smart idea. Avoid asking medical assistant interview questions that rule out candidates who have the motivation and desire to learn even though they may not have experience with all types of tasks.
2. Ask Practice Related Questions
There are various needs for different practices. While a 10-lane pediatrics clinic with hundreds of patients each day needs numerous medical assistants who can handle stress, a solo practitioner needs a multitasking front and back office genius. Your following collection of interview questions for a medical assistant should delve into your area of expertise, the patient base you serve, and the breadth of your business.
For instance, if you’re interviewing candidates for a dermatological clinic that sees a lot of teenagers, you might ask them the following questions:
30. How long have you been practicing dermatology?
31. What tasks did you have to do during your most recent practice?
32. What treatments did you help the doctor with?
33. Can you describe a situation where dealing with a teen patient and his parent was especially challenging?
34. At your previous practice, what choices were you able to make on your own?
35. How did you handle patient education at your previous position?
36. At your previous career, how many other technicians and medical assistants did you collaborate with?
37. How many patients were seen each day at your previous job?
What medical treatments are carried out most frequently in your practice? The candidate might be a good fit if they enjoy performing these operations. You can determine what it takes to succeed in your practice by looking at its particular requirements.
3. Establish cultural fit and soft skill levels
Next, think about the communication styles, corporate culture, and workplace philosophy. After that, probe such topics in your upcoming medical assistant interview questions.
It’s essential to understand how to ask medical assistant interview questions regarding these matters since they provide you with hints about whether a job prospect is likely to be pleased working in your office. Someone who excelled in a fast-paced clinic won’t be content in a slow-paced clinic, the expert claims. They will become uninterested
Include questions regarding the difficulties your practice’s medical assistants will encounter. For instance:
- Tell me about a moment when you had an unhappy patient. If the office is backed up, you’ll need someone who can communicate effectively with patients in the waiting room. How did you treat them, or how would you handle a patient or worried parent?
- In a high-stress workplace, you may inquire, “How do you handle stress?” The response you’re looking for will require balance, whether that comes from outside activities like yoga class or taking a five-minute break to stroll around the building.
- Multitasking and setting priorities: Ask the prospect how they would prioritize workloads and responsibilities in a multi-doctor practice and how they multitask in their current role.
- Asking questions that offer value include “How did you contribute value to the patient experience at your last employment” and “What did you do at your last organization to boost revenues, reduce costs, or save time?” This is especially important if the practice needs to make improvements.
- Whether your business is flexible about work schedules or not, find out what kind of schedule the applicant is looking for and whether they would be willing to put in extra hours if necessary.
Questions to ask at the end of a Medical Assistant Interview
It’s time to consider the opposite side of the coin now that you have a basic understanding of what to anticipate from medical assistant interview questions. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of your own as an interview comes to a close. After all, a turnabout like this is appropriate during an interview.
Even if your first urge might be to do the task at hand and decline, repress the temptation.
A chance is being presented to you. Avoid wasting it.
By posing questions, you can demonstrate your sincere interest in the position. Additionally, you can learn things you didn’t know before, some of which can help you determine if this is the perfect location for you. Keep in mind that you are also interviewing them. Make sure the fit is appropriate.
39. What does a typical day in this organization for a medical assistant look like?
40. What does a typical day’s patient volume look like? How about on a busy day?
41. Over the next three to five years, how do you anticipate the role of medical assistants in this country will alter and evolve?
42. What are the main objectives of this organization? What part might medical assistants possibly play in reaching those goals?
Before & After Your Medical Assistant Job Interview
It’s possible that your actions before and after the interview will be just as significant as your performance there. These actions display professionalism, drive, and commitment.
Be careful you follow these measures before your interview:
- Prepare your professional outfit the night before and dress professionally. Business professional is a good generalization.
- An ideal option for guys is a suit or pants with a jacket.
- Women should wear a good top with dress slacks or a skirt, a suit, or a business-casual outfit.
- Additionally, stay away from cologne and perfume that are overpowering.
- Bring many copies of your résumé and a list of references in print form.
- Make sure you plan your route to the interview and arrive at least ten minutes early.
- Being kind and respectful to the front desk employees when you arrive for the interview is important.
- Ask the employer the pertinent questions in advance. Asking the employer sincere inquiries demonstrates your interest in the job and may reveal some crucial information.
Follow these steps once your interview is over:
- Request business cards from the interviewers. This will demonstrate your ongoing interest in the job.
- Inquire about the next steps.
- If they seem pressed for time to decide, write them as soon as you get home to express your gratitude for their attention and to let them know you’re prepared to move forward. Use this chance to emphasize how your skill set aligns with the job requirements that were covered during the interview.
- Send a handwritten thank you note via mail as soon as you can if they aren’t making a decision right away. This “traditional” step could help you stand out as a candidate.
In conclusion, the medical assistant interview is an important step in your journey to becoming a successful healthcare professional. By familiarizing yourself with common interview questions and understanding how to answer them effectively, you can showcase your skills, qualifications, and passion for the role. Remember to be honest, confident, and prepared, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing the interviewer and landing your dream job. Always remember to do your research about the company you are applying for and tailor your answers to their values and needs. Good luck on your interview!
What did the vein say to the pessimistic blood clot? Be positive.
