1 Introduction Externship  Opportunity to explore the different responsibilities that are required of a medical assistant.  Complete a resume, cover letter, and a thank-you letter.  Form a strategic plan on how to secure a position. Gain knowledge of your new career.

2 Externship  Measured by hours attended usually 160 hours.  Apply the knowledge and skills that you have learned.  Mandatory requirement for (ABHES) and (CAAHEP)

3 The Externship Process  Clinical coordinator Arrange experiences Ensure that the site will provide a thorough educational experience. Externships are unpaid  Requirements Affiliation agreement has to be signed Affiliation agreement states the expectations of the facility and the expectations of the student.

4 Screening by Externship Site  Site may: Interview the student prior to externship Ask the student to provide a urine or hair sample for drug screening. Ask the student to consent to a criminal background check. Fill out application and new employee orientation if signing an agreement to work after externship.

5 Professionalism  Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.  Accept constructive criticism.  Students are not expected to know everything.  It is not professional to question or argue with clinical preceptor.  Expected to be professional with patients at all times.

6 Professionalism (cont.)  Professional appearance Clean, pressed, and well fitting Shoes clean and white Name tag or badge  Initiative and willingness to learn Accept all assignments Ask for additional work if you are idle Look for tasks to do

7 Attendance  Every day attendance is required.  Have alternatives for babysitting and transportation. Medical facilities will not tolerate absenteeism or tardiness from an externship student, and you may be asked to be removed.

8 Timesheets  Complete daily and fax to educational facility at the end of every week.  Clinical preceptor and student both sign.  Student is monitored by clinical coordinator and the program director.

9 Preparing to Find Position  Career Services at your school Help with resume development Show you how to interview Assist with getting positions in your field  Employers will contact Career Services to recruit medical personnel.

10 Seeking Employment  Involves: Taking advantage of number of resources  Use Classified ads Internet sites Employment services Networking with classmates and others  Positions you are qualified for: Unit secretary Phlebotomist Patient care associate Entry-level medical coding Clinical and administrative position

11 Creating a Resume  Components of a Resume Personal information Professional objective Employment experiences Educational background Awards and honors Campus and community activities Professional memberships Summary of skills

12 Choosing a Resume Style  Functional Highlights specialty areas of your accomplishments and strengths  Chronological Used by individuals who have job experiences  Targeted Best focused on a specific job target List your skills, achievements, and honors

13 Resume Writing Tips  Organizing your information using a worksheet  List your educational institutions with degrees and years of attendance  Choose a resume format that best describes you  Use a computer and save it to disk  Proofread for spelling and grammar. Don’t depend on spell-check software  Use clear and concise statements and sentences  Be truthful and honest about your strengths and abilities

14 Writing Cover Letter  An introduction to your resume  Markets your resume 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

15 Sending a Resume  Have correct address, zip code, and name of facility  If you fax, verify the fax number before sending   Post your resume and cover letter on the Internet by using a career job search internet site

16 Interviewing  Prepare by practicing how you are going to handle the interview  Decide on what you will wear  Be punctual  Use appropriate interview behavior  Learn about the company  Relate your experiences to the job

17 Interviewing (cont.)  Be honest  Focus on how you can benefit the company  Be poised and relaxed  Maintain comfortable eye contact  Anticipate question types  Close the interview on a positive note  Follow – up letter

18 Inappropriate Interview Questions  You are not obligated to answer the following: How old are you? Are you married? How many children do you have?  Be polite but decline to answer a question if you feel it is inappropriate.

19 Reasons for Not Being Hired  Poor appearance  Acting like a know-it-all  Not communicating clearly  Lack of planning for interview  No tact  No maturity  Being critical of past employers

20 Salary Negotiations  Salaries are varied and differ by geographic area.  Determined by Location Medical specialty Years of experience Credentialing Job description

21 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

22 Employee Evaluations  Initial review generally occurs after probationary period of 90 days.  Evaluation describes employee’s performance.  Evaluation form outlines most important qualities and abilities needed for the job.  Helps determine whether an employee is worthy of a merit raise.

23 Continuing Education  Set specific educational advancement goals yearly.  You must stay abreast of updates in medicine.