1 Becoming a Professional Chapter 2 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc....

1

Becoming a Professional

Chapter 2Chapter 2

Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

2 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Becoming a Professional

Technical and social skills expected: Dependability Loyalty A positive attitude Integrity Diplomacy Confidence


Characteristics of a Professional

Dependable Punctual Efficient Reliable

Loyal Quality work Initiative Good work habits Team player Ethical


Professional Characteristics

Positive attitude Enthusiastic Goal oriented

• Seeks new learning opportunities

Works well with others

Integrity Honest Trustworthy


Diplomacy and Confidence

Diplomacy Tact

• Builds good relationships

Empathy• Understanding how others feel

• Putting yourself in their position

Confidence Helps you make decisions Helps you provide leadership Allows you to compromise


Professional (Technical) Abilities

Competence Ability to get things done

Dexterity Ability to move with skill or ease

Effective communication Ability to use good English speaking and writing

skills Nonverbal communication

Ability to use facial expressions and gestures


Personal Appearance

First impression Very important Can make it only once Example: day in court

Personal hygiene and grooming includes: Bathing daily and using deodorant Hair, fingernails Make-up, perfume Jewelry, minimal and plain


Professional Dress

Uniform Neat, clean, pressed Meets dress code of office

Shoes Clean, no scuffs Comfortable and supportive

Other No gum chewing No tobacco odors No visible tattoos


Administrative Duties

Answering telephone Scheduling—computer skills Filing—record maintenance Supply ordering Prescription refills Making referrals Patient billing—insurance/coding Payroll Banking


Clinical Duties

Vital signs—T, P, R, BP, Ht/Wt ECGs Blood draws—venipuncture Administering injections Patient teaching Assist with procedures Set up sterile equipment Suture removal Cast removal Supply inventory


Professional Training Programs

Many types of programs Vary in length

Accreditation Voluntary for programs It helps programs achieve educational goals Graduate is eligible for professional credentialing

• Pass either AAMA or AMT certification exam


Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)


AAMA Credentialing Agency

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Awards the certified medical assistant –CMA (AAMA) Nationally recognized certification

Exam offered by appointment 200 multiple-choice questions Score based on curve formed from examinees’ past and

present scores

Recertification required 60 continuing education units (CEUs) every 5 years


RMA Credentialing Agency

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Awards the registered medical assistant (RMA) credential;

nationally recognized certification

Exam offered frequently throughout year Testing sites in major cities for MA graduates’ convenience Three sections: general, administrative, and clinical with

more than 200 questions Scores based on a scale, with questions weighted according

to difficulty; passing grade 70

Recertification Recommended CEUs: 15 per year


AAMA and AMT


Advantages of Credentialing

Signifies your attainment of certain competency standards

Allows an employer to make hiring decisions based on applicant’s educational qualifications

Shows commitment to medical assisting profession

Makes you more marketable Will earn more wages


CMA (AAMA) Pin


Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Pin


Certification Test-Taking Skills

Examine your strengths and weaknesses

Refine your test-taking skills Identify key words in sentence Select patient-centered answers Understand how to answer questions:

• “All of the above”

• “None of the above”


Benefits of Continuing Education

Keep up with new knowledge Reinforce areas related to your job Networking with other professionals Required by AAMA and AMT

Needed to recertify or retain active status CMAs needs 60 CEUs every 5 years or lose

credential RMAs recommended to earn 15 CEUs per year,

but do not affect credential

1 Becoming a Professional Chapter 2 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc....

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