© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Medical Assisting Externships and Preparing to Find a Position PowerPoint® presentation to.

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

Medical Assisting Externships and Medical Assisting Externships and Preparing to Find a PositionPreparing to Find a Position

PowerPoint® presentation to accompany:

Medical AssistingThird Edition

Booth, Whicker, Wyman, Pugh, Thompson

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

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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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Learning Outcomes (cont.)

54.4 Create a cover letter.

54.5 Create a follow-up letter.

54.6 Explain key factors for a successful interview.

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Introduction

Externship – an opportunity to explore the different responsibilities of a medical assistant

You will learn to write a Résumé Cover letter Thank-you letter

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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Externships: The Process

Educational institutions partner with medical facilities Clinical coordinator

Arranges experiences Ensures that the site will

provide a thorough educational experience

Requirements Signed affiliation agreement

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Externships: The Process (cont.)

Screening by medical facility Interviews students Drug screening Background check

Time sheets and progress reports Completed daily Student is monitored by clinical coordinator and the

program director

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Externships: Expectations of Candidates

Professionalism Accept constructive criticism Be open to suggestions and ideas Do not question or argue with preceptors Use proper verbal skills and grammar Turn cell phones and pagers off during working

hours

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Attendance Report each day assigned

to a schedule

Be dependable and punctual

Adhere to policies regarding breaks

Externships: Expectations of Candidates (cont.)

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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

Externships: Expectations of Candidates (cont.)

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Initiative and willingness to learn

Accept all assignments

Ask for additional work if time permits

Look for additional experiences

Externships: Expectations of Candidates (cont.)

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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 Internet sites Employment services Networking

Explore possibilities

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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Creating a résumé – components

Personal information

Professional objective

Employment experience

Educational background

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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Résumé – components Awards and honors Campus and community

activities Professional memberships and

activities Summary of skills

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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Choosing a résumé style Functional – highlights

specialty areas of accomplishments and strengths

Chronological – used by people with job experience

Targeted – focuses on a specific job target

Writing the résumé Direct, functional style

Focus on verbs that imply action

Choose words that display strengths and demonstrate initiative

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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Résumé writing tips Organize information on a

worksheet List educational institutions

with dates attended and degree or certificate attained

Choose format that best describes you

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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Tips Use a computer and save work

Proofread for spelling and

grammar

Use high-quality paper

Be truthful and honest

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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Writing a 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

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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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

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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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

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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Preparing a portfolio Collection of employment documentation

Résumé Reference list Awards Transcripts Diploma/certificates

Professional appearance

Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

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Apply Your Knowledge1. What do you include on a functional resume?

2. Name two things that you know about the cover letter.

ANSWER: You should highlight specialty areas of your accomplishments and strengths.

ANSWER: The cover letter:1. Markets your resume as well as your skills and

abilities2. Direct and to the point3. One page in length Correct!

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Interviewing: Planning and Strategies

Practice interviewing

Anticipate questions

Learn about the company

Dress appropriately

Be poised and relaxed

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Maintain comfortable eye contact

Relate your experience to the job

Be honest Focus on how you can

benefit the company Be punctual

Interviewing: Planning and Strategies (cont.)

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Be honest

Exhibit appropriate behavior

Comply with application process

Do not contact the interviewer excessively

Interviewing: Planning and Strategies (cont.)

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Interviewing: Interview Questions

Anticipate questions you may be asked

Inappropriate questions Age

Race

Sexual orientation

Marital status

Number of children

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Interviewing: Reasons for Not Being Hired

Poor appearance

Acting like a know-it-all

Poor communication

Lack of planning

Lack of confidence or poise

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No enthusiasm for the job

Not active in extracurricular school programs

Being interested only in salary offer

Poor school record

Unwilling to begin in entry-level position

Interviewing: Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.)

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Making excuses for poor record

No tact

No maturity

No curiosity about the job

Being critical of past employers

Interviewing: Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.)

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Interviewing: Salary Negotiations

Salary ranges based on Geographic location Medical specialty Experience Credentialing Job description

Prepare a budget to determine needed income Benchmark for negotiating

Employer should bring up salary first Ask about range for

position

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Apply Your Knowledge

During an interview, the interviewer asks you your age and if you are married and have children. How should you answer these questions?ANSWER: These are inappropriate questions. You should be polite and professional in declining to answer the questions. You may state that you do not believe the information is needed to evaluate your qualifications for the job.

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On the Job

Learn to be an effective employee

Identify skills in your daily duties

Stay competitive and marketable through continuing education

Integrate constructive criticism

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On the Job (cont.)

Job description Lists and describes

expectations of position and duties to be performed

Provides standard benchmarks

Employee evaluations Initial review after

probationary period and annually

Describes performance

Evaluates strengths and weaknesses

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On the Job (cont.)

Continuing education Set educational

advancement goals annually

Stay current Medical publications Medical assisting meetings Internet

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Apply Your Knowledge

What is the purpose of your job description?

ANSWER: Your job description lists and describes the expectations for your position and the duties you are expected to perform. It is used as the standard by which you are evaluated.

Outstanding!

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In Summary

Medical assisting Many opportunities that begin with your externship Fast-growing occupation

Manage your career carefully Continue your education

Résumé is a life-long documentation of your career

Maintain professionalism

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End of Chapter

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

~ Aristotle