Lecture Clinical procedures for medical assisting (4/e): Chapter 23 – Booth, Whicker, Wyman

CHAPTER

23
Medical Assisting
Externships and
Preparing to Find a
Position
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23­2

Learning Outcomes
23.1 Perform professionally in all externship
scenarios.
23.2 Discuss employment services and
methods of obtaining a position.
23.3 Create a résumé.

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23­3

Learning Outcomes (cont.)
23.4Create a cover letter.
23.5Create a follow-up letter.
23.6Explain key factors for a successful
interview.

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23­4

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
© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­5

Externships
• Opportunity to gain on-the-job experience
• Minimum of 160 hours
• Mandatory requirement
– ABHES
– CAAHEP

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23­6

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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23­7

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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23­8

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

23­9

(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

23­10

(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
© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


Expectations of Externship Candidates

23­11

(cont.)

• As an extern you
represent
– The school you attend
– The profession of
medical assisting
– Yourself

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


Expectations of Externship Candidates

23­12

(cont.)

• Initiative and willingness to learn
– Accept all assignments
– Ask for additional work
if time permits
– Look for additional experiences

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­13

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.

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­14

Preparing to Find a Position
• Career services department
– Job placement
– Counselors
• Résumé
• Interviewing skills
• Positions available

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23­15

Seeking Employment
• Take advantage of resources
– Classified ads and employment
Websites
– Internet Websites sites
– Employment services

– Networking

• Explore possibilities

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23­16

Résumés
• Components
– Personal information
– Professional objective
– Employment experience
– Educational background

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23­17

Résumés (cont.)
• Components
– Awards and honors
– Campus and community
activities
– Professional memberships and
activities
– Summary of skills

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­18

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
© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

23­19

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

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­20

Résumés (cont.)
• Tips
– Use a computer and save work
– Proofread for spelling and grammar
– Use high-quality paper
– Be truthful and honest

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­21

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

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­22

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

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­23

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

© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


23­24

Portfolios
• Collection of employment documentation
– Résumé
– Reference list
– Awards
– Transcripts
– Diploma/certificates

• Professional appearance

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23­25

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!
© 2011 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.