CHAPTER
54
Medical Assisting
Externships and
Preparing to Find a
Position
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54-2
Learning Outcomes
54.1 Perform professionally in all externship
scenarios.
54.2 Discuss employment services and
methods of obtaining a position.
54.3 Create a résumé.
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54-3
Learning Outcomes (cont.)
54.4Create a cover letter.
54.5Create a follow-up letter.
54.6Explain key factors for a successful
interview.
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Introduction
• Externship – an
• You will learn to
opportunity to
write a
explore the
– Résumé
different
– Cover letter
responsibilities of a
– Thank-you letter
medical assistant
• Form a strategic
plan for securing a
position
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Externships
• Opportunity to gain on-the-job experience
• Minimum of 160 hours
• Mandatory requirement
– ABHES
– CAAHEP
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The Externship Process
• Educational institutions partner with
medical facilities
– Practicum coordinator
• Arranges experiences
• Ensures that the site will
provide a thorough
educational experience
– Requirements
• Signed affiliation agreement
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54-7
The Externship Process (cont.)
– Screening by medical facility
• Interviews students
• Drug screening
• Background check
– Time sheets and progress reports
• Completed daily
• Student is monitored by practicum
coordinator and the program director
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54-8
Expectations of Externship Candidates
• Professionalism
– Accept constructive criticism
– Be open to suggestions and ideas
– Do not question or argue with preceptors
concerning how procedures are done
– Use proper verbal skills and grammar
– Turn cell phones and pagers off during
working hours
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Expectations of Externship Candidates
54-9
(cont.)
• Attendance
– Report each day assigned to a
schedule
– Be dependable and punctual
– Adhere to policies regarding
breaks
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Expectations of Externship Candidates
54-10
(cont.)
• Professional appearance
– Clean, pressed, and
well-fitting uniform
– Name tag or badge
– No artificial nails, visible
tattoos, or facial piercings
– Hair off collar
– Avoid colognes, perfumes,
and scented hair products
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Expectations of Externship Candidates
54-11
(cont.)
• As an extern you
represent
– The school you attend
– The profession of
medical assisting
– Yourself
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Expectations of Externship Candidates
54-12
(cont.)
• Initiative and willingness to learn
– Accept all assignments
– Ask for additional work
if time permits
– Look for additional experiences
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54-13
Apply Your Knowledge
What are the expectations of a candidate for an
externship?
ANSWER: Candidates are expected display
professionalism in actions and appearance, to be
dependable and punctual, and to exhibit initiative
and a willingness to learn.
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Preparing to Find a Position
• Career services department
– Job placement
– Counselors
• Résumé
• Interviewing skills
• Positions available
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Seeking Employment
• Take advantage of resources
– Classified ads and employment
Websites
– Internet Websites sites
– Employment services
– Networking
• Explore possibilities
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Résumés
• Components
– Personal information
– Professional objective
– Employment experience
– Educational background
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Résumés (cont.)
• Components
– Awards and honors
– Campus and community
activities
– Professional memberships and
activities
– Summary of skills
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Résumés (cont.)
• Choosing a résumé
style
– Functional –
highlights specialty
areas of
accomplishments and
strengths
– Chronological – used
by people with job
experience
• Writing the résumé
– Direct, functional style
– Focus on verbs that
imply action
– Choose words that
display strengths and
demonstrate initiative
– Targeted – focuses on
a specific job target
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Résumés (cont.)
• Writing tips
– Organize information on a
worksheet
– List educational institutions
with dates attended and degree
or certificate attained
– Choose format that best describes you
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Résumés (cont.)
• Tips
– Use a computer and save work
– Proofread for spelling and grammar
– Use high-quality paper
– Be truthful and honest
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Résumés (cont.)
• Cover letter
– An introduction to résumé
– Markets your résumé as well as your skills and
abilities
– Direct and to the point
– One page in length
– Address to specific person at organization
– Make descriptions of your qualifications reflect the
words used by the company’s advertisement
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Sending a Résumé
• Use correct address, zip code,
and name of facility
• Verify the fax number before sending
• E-mail
• Post your résumé and cover letter on a
career job search site on the Internet
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Obtaining a Reference
• Recommendation for employment
• Always ask permission before listing
someone as a reference
• Faculty and externship facility
• Generally 3 to 5
– Employment
– Academic
– Character
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Portfolios
• Collection of employment documentation
– Résumé
– Reference list
– Awards
– Transcripts
– Diploma/certificates
• Professional appearance
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Apply Your Knowledge
1.
What do you include on a functional resume?
ANSWER: You should highlight specialty areas of your
accomplishments and strengths.
2.
Name two things that you know about the cover
letter.
ANSWER: The cover letter:
1. Markets your resume as well as your skills and
abilities
2. Direct and to the point
3. One page in length
Correct!
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