Why this matters: Medical assistants are often required to be certified in CPR, first aid, and AED, and will need to get recertified regularly. If a candidate
doesn’t currently have all their valid certifications, keep this in mind — as it may mean they won’t be able to start the job right away. What to listen for:
Why this matters:
An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient’s chart that’s updated in real time, so it plays an important part in keeping medical staff in the know. It can also be more secure than a paper chart that anyone could see. Many medical settings require employees to use EHR software, so some familiarity with them is a plus.
What to listen for:
- Mentions of commercial software like Epic and eClinicalWorks, or of their previous employer’s proprietary program
- Ideally, regardless of the exact program, an answer that shows they’re comfortable using this software — or are willing to learn
Why this matters:
Most medical assistants are responsible for a range of administrative tasks. They play a vital role in keeping the front office running smoothly, so you want to know that your candidate can take care of these tasks without dropping the ball on their other work. It may not be the most exciting part of the job, but it’s still important.
What to listen for:
- Answers that mention tasks like answering phones, handling medical billing and coding, using electronic health records, checking vital signs, and assisting patients and visitors
- Signs that they’re organized and efficient
Why this matters:
Tensions can sometimes run high in medical settings, and it’s not uncommon for patients to get upset. In extreme cases, this may pose a risk to staff, other patients, or the patient themselves. Medical assistants have a responsibility to help de-escalate tense situations to maintain order and keep patients safe.
What to listen for:
- Answers that demonstrate that the candidate handled a difficult situation with professionalism and empathy — and a focus on safety
- Mention of strategies like speaking in a soothing tone or using phrases like “I understand”
Why this matters:
To work in a demanding environment like a medical center, medical assistants must be equipped to handle stress. It’s OK if a candidate admits they sometimes feel overwhelmed, so long as they don’t crack under the pressure. The most important thing is that they don’t let it affect the service they deliver to patients.
What to listen for:
- Strong answers that mention stress-reducing strategies like breathing exercises
- Signs that the candidate knows when to ask for help and when to power through
Why this matters:
Accountability is key in healthcare, so it’s good to know whether a candidate can own up to their mistakes and learn from them. The nature of the mistake itself is not as important as what happened afterward. Top medical assistants are always working to enhance their skills and improve patient care, so they should recognize what they can do differently next time.
What to listen for:
- Signs that the candidate recognizes the importance of avoiding mistakes — after all, lives are at stake — and that they’ll work hard not to make the same mistake again
- A severe and dangerous mistake they can’t clearly explain
Why this matters:
Medical assistants interact with patients on a daily basis, many of whom are worried about an ailment or nervous about a procedure, so it’s important for candidates to have strong interpersonal skills. The patient experience should be important to them, so strong candidates will go out of their way to make their patients feel comfortable.
What to listen for:
- Strong answers that may include mentions of a friendly demeanor, good listening skills, and an ability to make others laugh
- Whether the candidate seems comfortable and relaxed talking to you — if so, they’ll probably act the same way around patients
Why this matters:
This question can help you test a candidate’s teamwork skills. Medical settings tend to be highly collaborative environments. To do their job effectively, medical assistants need to interact with many other members of staff, including doctors, nurses, specialists, technicians, and other medical assistants.
What to listen for:
- Signs that the candidate thrives in a team setting and understands the importance of working together to achieve a common goal — optimal patient care
- Mention of a preference to work alone, which may indicate they’re not a good fit for a collaborative culture
Why this matters:
This questions tests for passion and a continuous learning mindset. A medical assistant who is truly passionate about their job will continually strive to improve their skills and knowledge, both to advance their career and to do better for their patients.
What to listen for:
- References to professional organizations they belong to, certification classes they’ve taken, and journals they read
- Mention of things they’re not currently doing but intend to start, especially if they’re new to the profession
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