Starting a career in the healthcare industry definitely has a theoretical component that you can learn in a classroom. However, it also requires hands-on practice. For aspiring medical assistants, this practice usually comes in the form of an externship that they complete as part of a medical assisting program.  

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s involved in a medical assistant externship, and how it helps shape your future career in the medical sector. 

What’s a Medical Assistant Externship All About? 

An externship is like a test drive for your career as a medical assistant. Here’s what it involves: 

• Real-World Experience: You get to work in a healthcare setting under supervision, allowing you to learn from current medical professionals. 
• Skill Application: It’s where you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom. 
• Networking: You connect with professionals who can offer wisdom and job leads after graduation. 

In a nutshell, an externship is the part of a medical assistant program that connects academic preparation with the realities of medical work. It also gives you a glimpse into your future career. 

Making the Most of Your Medical Assistant Externship 

Understanding how to maximize your externship experience is crucial for any aspiring medical assistant. Here’s how you can make the most of it: 

Embrace Every Learning Opportunity 

• Be Curious: Ask questions and seek to understand the hows and whys behind every procedure and administrative task. 
• Take Initiative: Show eagerness to learn and volunteer for tasks, even those outside of your comfort zone. 

Build Professional Relationships 

• Network Effectively: Form connections with healthcare professionals you encounter. These relationships could lead to job opportunities or mentorships. 
• Observe and Adapt: Learn from the professionals around you, noting the soft skills (like communication and empathy) that elevate patient care. 

Reflect and Apply 

• Journal Your Experiences: Keep a journal of daily learning points, challenges faced, and how you overcame them. This can be a valuable resource for future interviews. 
• Incorporate Feedback: Actively seek out feedback on your performance and use it constructively to improve. 

Prepare for the Future 

• Resume Building: Update your resume with the specific skills and experiences gained during your externship. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Before your externship ends, ask your supervisor and other healthcare professionals for letters of recommendation. These can be extremely valuable when applying for jobs. 

The experiences, skills, and relationships you build during your externship will help you stand out in the competitive job market. 

Why PCI’s Medical Assistant Program May be Best for You 

With an estimated 114,600 job openings annually between 2022 and 2032, the medical assisting field is growing rapidly. But to take advantage of this opportunity, you need to pick a training program that can prepare you for this career. 

Here’s what to expect from PCI Health Training Center: 

• Experienced Faculty: Learn from those who’ve worked in the field. 
• Relevant Instruction: Our program covers some of the essentials like electronic health records, pharmacology, and clinical skills.  
• Solid Externship Opportunities: We provide a 200-hour, real-world externship with our professional partners. 

By the end of the program, you’ll be trained to check vital signs, perform point of care tests, transcribe patient medical information, and manage patient appointments. You’ll have the foundation for you to build a career in the healthcare industry. Enroll in our medical assisting training program today and experience the theoretical and practical medical assistant training. 

Read more about getting your medical assistant diploma:

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