Medical assistant externships are your first step into the healthcare world, offering hands-on training in clinics, hospitals, or doctor’s offices. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to succeed, from preparation to completion.
Key Takeaways:
- Preparation: Ensure all documentation (immunization records, background checks, etc.) is submitted and gather essentials like scrubs, a stethoscope, and a notebook. Plan transportation and arrive early.
- Skills to Master: Focus on clinical tasks (vital signs, injections, EKGs) and administrative duties (EHR systems, scheduling, insurance verification).
- Professionalism: Stay punctual, follow HIPAA guidelines, and maintain a professional demeanor during patient interactions.
- Completion: Submit verified hours, performance evaluations, and skills checklists. Request a recommendation letter and update your resume with externship accomplishments.
With the medical assistant field growing by 15% between 2023 and 2033, excelling in your externship could lead to job opportunities. Treat every shift as an opportunity to showcase your skills and professionalism.
Medical Assistant Externship Complete Checklist: Before, During, and After
DO’s and DON’Ts While on Externship | Tips For Medical Assistant Students Going on Externship
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Before Your Externship: Preparation Checklist
Getting everything in order at least two weeks before your externship can save you from last-minute stress. From paperwork to supplies, these steps lay the groundwork for honing both your clinical and administrative skills.
Verify Required Documentation
Double-check that all necessary documents are ready before you step into the facility. This typically includes immunization records (MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and annual flu shot), a background check, drug screening, HIPAA training certification, and a government-issued ID. Your school will usually provide proof of professional liability insurance and a signed affiliation agreement with the healthcare site.
Some facilities may also ask for a pre-externship interview with your preceptor or administrator before you begin.
"One of the biggest ways that students can prepare for their externship is making themselves familiar with their site." – Michelle Keim, Medical Assisting Program Director at Indian River State College
Be proactive by regularly checking with your program coordinator to ensure all paperwork is submitted and approved. Missing documents are a common reason for delays.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Pack a bag with essentials tailored to your site’s requirements. This often includes professional scrubs (check if a specific color is required), comfortable closed-toed shoes for long shifts, and a watch with a second hand for timing vitals and procedures. A small notebook and pens can be invaluable for jotting down site-specific protocols or clinical tips.
Don’t forget your school ID with a holder and a stethoscope if needed. Carry a skills checklist or competency forms for supervisors to sign off as you complete tasks. These tools help you stay organized and ensure you meet clinical expectations.
Understand Dress Code and Transportation
Reach out to the facility ahead of time to confirm the dress code. Some sites have strict rules about scrub colors or limit jewelry to small studs. Avoid strong perfumes, and remember to silence your phone during shifts. Since externships often double as extended job interviews, maintaining a professional appearance is crucial.
Plan your commute in advance. Test your route and aim to arrive 15 minutes early to account for traffic or transit delays. Familiarize yourself with the correct entrance, parking areas, and the general layout of the facility. Punctuality not only sets a good impression but also helps you start the day smoothly.
Once your documentation, supplies, and logistics are squared away, you’ll be ready to focus on developing the skills needed for success in the field.
Clinical and Administrative Skills Checklist
Your externship is where classroom learning transforms into hands-on experience. This is your chance to apply clinical and administrative skills to support patient care effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the key tasks you’ll be performing.
Clinical Skills
Start with the basics: taking vital signs and gathering detailed patient histories. These are the foundation of every patient interaction. From there, you’ll move on to more technical tasks like performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), administering medications or injections (if allowed by state laws), and conducting basic lab tests such as urinalysis and blood glucose checks. Following strict infection control and sterilization protocols is non-negotiable. You’ll also need to master accurate specimen collection, processing, and documentation. To ensure patient safety, practice these skills in a lab setting and have them verified by your preceptor using a formal checklist.
"Medical assistants are a critical part of the patient experience and management of the medical practice. They are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the physician’s office and often explain the physician’s instructions." – American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Administrative Skills
On the administrative side, your focus will be on keeping patient flow and communication smooth. Get comfortable with the facility’s electronic health record (EHR) system while managing tasks like scheduling, insurance verification, obtaining authorizations, and processing prescription refills. You’ll also handle check-in and check-out procedures and coordinate referrals to specialists.
Professional phone etiquette is another key skill. You’ll manage multi-line phone systems, address patient concerns, and communicate with empathy and clarity. When things are quieter, take the opportunity to assist with tasks like filing, managing inventory, or organizing supplies. Treat every task as if you’re a full-time employee – your performance during the externship can significantly influence hiring decisions. Excelling here can make a strong case for you as a potential permanent hire.
Professional Conduct and Attendance Checklist
Your externship is more than just clocking in and out – it’s your opportunity to showcase the dependability and professionalism that healthcare facilities expect from their team. These weeks are a chance to make a lasting impression, and your performance could directly lead to future job offers.
Attendance and Punctuality
Strive for perfect attendance. If you’re feeling unwell and absolutely can’t make it, notify your site supervisor immediately and follow the facility’s protocol.
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for every shift. This small window not only accounts for unexpected delays but also allows you to get settled and ready for the day ahead. As Bay Area Medical Academy wisely states: "If you’re 10 minutes early, you’re on time. If you show up when your shift starts, you’re late". For guidance on transportation and preparation, refer to the prior section.
Being punctual ensures you’re prepared to jump into the clinical flow without missing a beat.
Workplace Etiquette
Timeliness is just one piece of the puzzle – your daily interactions also shape how others perceive you professionally. Communicate with patients in a calm, friendly manner, keeping conversations professional and steering clear of personal topics. Keep distractions at bay by silencing and storing away your cell phone. Also, avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented products, as these can cause discomfort for patients or coworkers with sensitivities.
HIPAA compliance is critical. Never discuss patient information in public spaces or outside the workplace. Handle sensitive records with care, as breaches can result in immediate dismissal and even legal consequences.
Respect the facility’s hierarchy and follow proper communication channels. When supervisors offer feedback, act on it promptly. Jessica Wheeler, CMA, emphasizes: "Accept constructive feedback as valuable professional development rather than personal critique". Show initiative by volunteering for tasks like restocking supplies or tidying up – but always stay within your scope of practice.
After Your Externship: Completion Checklist
Wrapping up your externship is an important milestone as you step into your career as a certified medical assistant. Before moving forward, make sure to tackle two essential tasks: submitting all required documents and mapping out your next career steps.
Submit Required Documentation
Start by submitting all necessary paperwork to confirm you’ve completed your externship. This includes verified timesheets that document the 160–240 hours you’ve worked. You’ll also need a formal performance evaluation that reflects your clinical and administrative skills, as well as your professional conduct.
Another critical piece is your skills competency checklist, signed off by your preceptor. This checklist proves you’ve successfully performed specific tasks like drawing blood, taking vitals, and administering injections. Many credentialing bodies, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), require proof of externship completion before allowing you to take certification exams.
Once you’ve submitted your documents, it’s time to reflect on your experience and prepare for what’s next.
Reflect and Plan Next Steps
After completing your documentation, focus on the final steps to position yourself for success. Start by asking your supervisor for a formal letter of recommendation – this can be a valuable addition to your job applications. Make sure to exchange contact details and connect with your supervisors on LinkedIn to maintain professional relationships.
Update your resume to highlight the EHR systems you’ve worked with, the medical procedures you’ve performed, and the administrative tasks you’ve managed during your externship. Use your performance evaluation to identify your strengths and areas for improvement . This feedback can also help you fine-tune your study plan as you prepare for the CMA or CCMA certification exams .
"The biggest thing that we try to stress to the students is that we’re not just going to send you out to your site and say good luck and then we don’t see you again until you’re done. It’s a very, very involved process." – Michelle Keim, Medical Assisting Program Director at Indian River State College
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Externship Success
Your externship is more than just a learning opportunity – it’s your chance to showcase your abilities and make a lasting impression. Think of it as a real-world audition for your first medical assistant job. To succeed, focus on four key areas: preparation, professionalism, skill development, and documentation. Each step, from getting ready to following up, builds on these pillars to help you transition seamlessly from the classroom to the clinic.
Start by learning everything you can about your externship site – the team, the services they offer, and how their workflow operates. As Michelle Keim from Indian River State College puts it, "One of the biggest ways that students can prepare for their externship is making themselves familiar with their site". Keep your phone out of sight and treat every shift as if you’re already part of the team. Remember, those 160–240 hours are not just practice; they’re also an evaluation of whether you’re someone who can be trusted with patient care.
Sharpen your clinical skills like taking vitals, performing EKGs, and giving injections, while also mastering administrative tasks such as EHR documentation and scheduling. Carry a notebook to jot down protocols or questions, and use downtime wisely – restock exam rooms or shadow other specialties to show initiative and eagerness to learn.
Stay on top of your paperwork by tracking your hours daily and getting your preceptor to sign off on your skills checklist. Submit all required forms promptly, as credentialing organizations like the AAMA often require proof of externship completion before allowing you to take certification exams. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting a 12.5% growth in medical assistant roles through 2034, excelling in your externship could be the key to standing out in this growing field.
FAQs
What should I do if I don’t have all the required documents for my externship?
If you’re missing any required documents for your externship, the first step is to carefully review the guidelines from your program. These will usually list everything you need, like site information, hours tracking sheets, or performance evaluation forms.
Once you’ve identified what’s missing, contact your program coordinator or instructor right away. Let them know about the situation – they can help you figure out how to get or replace the missing paperwork. Tackling this issue early will help you stay organized and meet all the necessary requirements for a hassle-free externship.
What are the best ways to manage my time and stay organized during my medical assistant externship?
Managing your time wisely during your medical assistant externship is crucial for getting the most out of this hands-on learning opportunity. Start by organizing your daily schedule to juggle both clinical and administrative responsibilities effectively. Arriving early not only helps you prepare for the day but also demonstrates professionalism and dependability – qualities that won’t go unnoticed.
Using tools like a detailed to-do list or a calendar can keep you on top of tasks, deadlines, and the specific skills you aim to practice. This simple step ensures you’re making steady progress and not overlooking essential responsibilities.
Stay engaged throughout your externship by asking questions, seeking feedback, and clarifying expectations with your supervisors. These actions show initiative and help you refine your skills. Take time to review your progress regularly and adjust your strategies if needed. This level of preparation and open communication will keep you organized and focused, setting the stage for a rewarding experience.
What should I do after finishing my medical assistant externship to boost my career opportunities?
After finishing your externship, it’s time to leverage that experience to boost your career. Start by leaving a strong impression – maintain professionalism, express gratitude, and showcase a solid work ethic. These qualities can open doors to job offers or glowing recommendations. Be sure to follow up with your supervisors to thank them, ask for feedback on your performance, and request letters of recommendation.
From there, keep the momentum going by staying connected with the professionals you met during your externship. Networking can lead to long-term opportunities, whether within the same organization or elsewhere. You might also want to explore additional certifications or training to stay competitive and show that you’re serious about advancing in the field. Taking these steps can help turn your externship into a crucial building block for your career in medical assisting.
