Building a good medical assistant resume is key to getting the job you want. In this article, we provide resume examples and advice on what to include. Learn what hiring managers look for, how to highlight your skills, and make your resume clear and strong.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for a medical assistant job.
Show Measurable Impact: Use numbers to show your impact. Metrics like
Highlight Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Show Certifications: Certifications are important. Look for phrases like
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As a hiring manager, I advise you place your education section strategically on your resume. If you are a new medical assistant graduate or have recently obtained a certification relevant to healthcare, lead with your education. Your latest academic achievements show current knowledge and dedication to the medical field.
For those with more experience in healthcare, consider listing your work history first. Highlighting hands-on experience can be more impactful, as it demonstrates your skills in a practical setting. Yet ensure your education is still easily found, as formal training is vital for a medical assistant role.
When listing skills, use those specific to being a medical assistant, such as taking vitals, administering medications, and patient scheduling.
Also include any knowledge in electronic health records (EHR). This sets you apart by showing you can handle the technical aspects of the job as well.
You want your resume to be long enough to show your qualifications but short enough to keep the hiring manager's attention. For medical assistants, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience, aim for a one-page resume. This helps you focus on your most relevant skills and experiences that are key for this role, such as patient care and knowledge of medical terminology.
If you have more than 10 years of experience or are at a senior level, a two-page resume may be better to cover all your qualifications. Always ensure your most important information is on the first page. Prioritize your recent work experience, relevant certifications, and skills that directly relate to the job of a medical assistant, and place them prominently on the first page. To manage space, opt for a clean, straightforward layout and keep margins and fonts in readable sizes.
Certain certifications are crucial in the medical assistant field. Always list your certifications like CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) or RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) prominently on your resume.
Include these certifications in the summary or the education section. This shows employers you meet industry standards and can be trusted with patient care.
When you apply for a job as a medical assistant, your resume will often be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems look for keywords and formats that match the job description. To ensure your resume gets noticed:
Keep your formatting simple. Avoid images, graphics, and tables. These elements can confuse the ATS and lead to your resume being rejected.
To get the job you want as a medical assistant, you need to show why you're the right fit. Make your resume speak to the job by showing your skills and experience in a way that matches what the employer is looking for. Here's how you can tailor your resume:
When crafting your resume as a medical assistant, it's vital to focus on your achievements rather than just listing your job duties. You need to show potential employers the impact you've made in your previous roles, not just what your tasks were. This approach will set you apart and prove that you're a candidate who brings value.
For instance, instead of saying, "Responsible for taking patient vitals," you could transform this into an accomplishment by stating, "Improved patient wait times by efficiently taking vitals for over 25 patients daily." Similarly, rather than writing, "Managed patient records," you might say, "Enhanced record retrieval times by organizing and digitizing over 10,000 patient records." These statements demonstrate the positive outcomes of your work.
Remember to quantify your accomplishments where possible. Numbers provide clear evidence of your contributions and make your achievements more compelling. They help you build a strong case for why an employer should hire you.
As a hiring manager, I've seen how a well-crafted skills section can help your resume stand out. Focus on the technical abilities that make you a great fit for a medical assistant role. Here are some skills you might include:
Include these skills in a dedicated section on your resume. This helps Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) pick them up and shows hiring managers you have the necessary technical expertise. Don’t feel you need every skill listed; choose those that match your experience and the job you want. For example, if you're skilled in
Remember, a good resume is tailored to the job. If the posting asks for experience with
If you've taken on leadership tasks or been promoted, it's key to show this on your resume. This tells employers you're ready to handle responsibility and that you've grown in your field. Here are ways to share your leadership and promotion experiences as a medical assistant:
Think about times you've guided others or helped improve how things are done. These are chances to show leadership. For example:
When you write your resume, showing your impact with numbers makes your experience stand out. Employers want to see how you can contribute to their team. As a medical assistant, there are specific metrics you can use to highlight your accomplishments.
Think about your past work. Ask yourself: How many patients did I assist each day? Did I help reduce wait times? How many procedures did I support or perform? Even if you're unsure of exact numbers, you can estimate. Here's why numbers matter:
Remember to use numbers that reflect your contributions clearly. For example:
Use these ideas to think about your own experiences. Then, write them down in simple, clear sentences. This will help employers see the value you can bring as a medical assistant.
When you're applying to smaller practices or startups, such as local health clinics, highlight your versatility and direct patient care experience. Small teams value employees who can perform a variety of tasks. You might say, "Provided comprehensive patient care and administrative support in a fast-paced clinic."
In contrast, applying to large hospitals or medical groups like Kaiser Permanente or the Mayo Clinic, emphasize your ability to work within large teams and your understanding of complex healthcare systems. Mention specific software or procedures you are familiar with that are relevant to big organizations. A good phrase to use is, "Collaborated in a large healthcare team, utilizing advanced EMR systems to improve patient outcomes."
Regardless of the company size, always show your certification and any relevant training. Also, make sure to highlight good communication skills and your commitment to patient care – these qualities are valued universally.