The Ten Commandments of a Medical Assistant Extern
As you prepare for your time as a medical assistant extern, you might have a few questions about what is and what is not acceptable on the job. Being in a professional setting is not like coming to class. While both expect you to be on your best behavior, there are certain things that externships demand of externs.
Commandment 1
THOU ART expected to arrive at the assigned clinical site TEN MINUTES early every day. The Medical Assistant extern should not have unplanned absences or tardiness. If the extern student does not call the clinic supervisor to notify them of an absence or tardy, it will be considered a No Call/No Show. The supervisor will determine whether the student will be permitted to return in the future.
Commandment 2
Medical Assistants Community Care College
THOU SHALT be dressed professionally to include hair fixed, teeth brushed, the wearing of a wrinkle-free CCC scrub uniform that is odor and smoke-free.
Commandment 3
THOU MUST never smoke or use tobacco products while at the externship facility. This includes the parking lot and any private vehicle parked at the clinical site.
Commandment 4
THOU MUST never use your cell phone during clinical hours. Thy cell phone should be powered off or remain on silent during all work shifts.
Commandment 5
THOU MUST never check on your FACEBOOK postings while at your externship site. THOU MUST NOT take any photos inside your clinical area (HIPAA violation subject to extreme punishments). Anyone who violates a patient’s right to privacy will be terminated by the clinical site AND the college immediately.
Commandment 6
Medical Assistants Community Care College
THOU MUST carry a small notebook in thy pocket to record any important information or directions given by thy supervisor/extern mentor.
Commandment 7
THOU MUST submit thy Weekly Timesheet (to the MA Department Head) every Friday after it has been signed by thy clinical supervisor.
Commandment 8
THOU MUST perform all skills offered to thee including OSHA, CLIA, EHR Training, etc. The BEST Medical Assistants are well-rounded and ready to step in at the first sign of trouble due to their abundant knowledge.
Commandment 9
THOU MUST remember that externship is a part of your college experience, but it is also a 180-hour working interview every day. Do NOT try to make friends with the current staff. You should deem to be BETTER than them. You will NEVER look at your Facebook or telephone while at the clinic as YOU are NOT hired YET!
Commandment 10
THOU MUST ask questions of thy supervisor to be sure of thy assignment and your progress at the site. THOU MUST learn as much as any human can in these 180 hours so thy clinical site will see what an awesome Medical Assistant you have become!
Embrace the Journey to Becoming a Stellar Medical Assistant with Community Care College
At Community Care College, our Medical Assisting program imparts critical skills and knowledge needed to navigate the real-world medical environment. Our program includes theoretical and practical expertise so you can become a well-rounded medical assistant.
Are you ready to transform these ten commandments into your daily habits?