Career Opportunities

Graduates can seek entry level medical office assisting employment in a variety of settings including:

1. Hospital, Clinic
2. Doctor's Office
3. Nursing Home
4. Medical Supply Buisness
5. Home Healthcare Agency
6. Insurance Company

In 5 years?

I'm excited about medical assisting, and I hope I can go further with a medical career.  I'd like to work at Trident hospital, as a medical office assistant and then further my education in the LPN (liscensed practical

nurse) program.

What part of the program was most interesting to me?

They teach you how to do everything from the paperwork in the front office to the blood draws in the back office.  I prefer the back office, like getting people's vital signs, drawing blood, giving injections.  The paperwork doesn't interest me as much, though it's necessary.  I really like dealing with people most.

Sources for additional information

Medical assistants: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition.

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES):  7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314 N., Falls Church, VA 22043. Phone: (703) 917-4109.

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA):  20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 1575, Chicago, IL 60606. Phone: (312) 899-1500.

Abilities, Work Activities, and Work Context

Abilities:

1. Oral Expression
2. Oral Comprehension
3. Problem Sensitivity
4. Speech Clarity
5. Near Vision
6. Speech Recognition
7. Written Ordering
8. Written Expression
9. Deductive Reasoning

Work Activities:

• Documenting/Recording Information
• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Getting Information
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Indentifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Organizing, Planning, and Priortizing Work

Work Context:

1. Telephone
2. Contact With Others
3. Work With Work Group or Team
4. Face-to-Face Discussions
5. Physical Proximity
6. Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
7. Exposed to Disease or Infections
8. Indoors, Enviromentally Controlled
9. Frequency of Decision Making
10. Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge:

• English Language
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Customer and Personal Service
• Clerical
• Psychology
• Public Safety and Security

Skills:

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Social Perceptiveness
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Coordination
• Service Orientation

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

1. Hypodermic needles
2. Mercury blood pressure units
3. Nebulizers or axxessories
4. Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets
5. Spirometers or its accessories or its supplies

Technology used in this occupation:

1. Accounting software
2. Electronic mail software
3. Medical software
4. Office suit software
5. Operating system software

MOA at work in a clerical setting

Courses Applied To My Career

Health Career Procedure 1 & 2 (B)(C) (Spring 2002)
Concepts of Geriatric Care (B) (Spring 2002)
CPR (S) (Spring 2002)
Keyboarding 105 (B) (Fall 2010)
Psychology 201 & 203 (A) (Fall 2010) ( 203 starts1-10-2011)
Medical Terminology 104 & 119 (B) (Fall 2010) (119 starts 1-10-2011)
Biology 110 (starts 1-10-2011)
Public Speaking 205 (starts 1-10-2011)

The following courses with be completed in the fall and spring of 2011.

Medical Office Management 107 (Med 107)
Medical Business Records 109 (Med 109)
Medical Office Lab Procedures 1and 2 which is 115 and 116 (Med 115 & 116)
Medical Comp Practicum 124 (Med 124)
Clinical Experience 156 (Med 156)
Patient Care Procedures 110 (Ahs 110)
Medical Assisting Pharmacology 112 (Med 112)

You can find a detailed description of each of these courses in the octech course catalog. They are located in the back of the catalog on pages 206-207, 210, 213, 228, 235-236, 243, 248 .  The college website is www.octech.edu.com.

Medical Abbreviations

Pictures of Medical Records

Inspirational Saying

 CHERISH YESTERDAY

 DREAM TOMMORROW

 LIVE TODAY

Examples of my work

Settings, Salaries, Statistics, and how to become a Medical Office Assistant

More than half of all medical assistants work in the offices of physicians.  In fact, more medical assistants are employed by practicing than any other type of allied health personnel.  Of the remaining medical assistants, approximately 16 percent work in clinics, 9 percent in managed care or health maintenance organization facilities, 8 percent in hospitals, and 2 percent are employed in dependent laboratories, educational institutions, and nursing homes.  Approximately 365,000 medical assistants were employed in the United States in 2002.  Most were females.  Median annual earnings were $23,940 annually, $13.77 hourly, in 2002, with the lowest-paid 10 percent of medial assistants earning less than $17,640 and the highest-paid 10 percent earning more than $34,130, according to the 2002 research of the U.S. Bureau of Statistics.
Most are graduates from formal education programs.  You must have knowledge in medical terminology, biology, anatomy and physiology, typing, transcription, accounting and record keeping as well as instruction in laboratory techniques, clinical procedures, and the use of medical equipment.

                                                           Citing this information
                                                       Professional Careers Series

                                                    Careers in Health Care E-Book

                                                      Swanson, Barbara Mardinly

                                                                   5th edition 

Why I Want To Be a MOA

What sparked my interest in becoming a medical office assistant?  I saw a TV commercial about medical assisting that caught my eye.  At the time, I was a single mother and I needed to find a way to make a decent living in order to support my daughter, also because my daughter weighed 3 pounds 1 ounce and almost died.  I want to be able to better care for her health needs and better understand the doctors.  I want to give back to the community.  I enjoy the versatility of medical office assisting.  I can contribute to the way the office operates.  I especially like working directly with patients.  Working with patients who absolutely adore me definitely motivates me to provide excellent care.  I've always, wanted to be in medicine.  I was always intrigued by medical things. 

Certificates

Certificates cont.

Letters of Recomendation

Background of Medical Office Assistant

• Definition and Nature of the work:

Medical assistants aid physicians by performing administrative duties and handling basic clinical tasks. They work in doctors' offices, hospitals, and medical clinics.  The job description of a medical assistant varies from office to office.  Others are responsible for medical records, bookkeeping, and answering telephones.    Clinical duties vary according to state law.  Some medical assistants may help doctors examine and treat patients.  They may check the height, weight, temperature, and blood pressure of each patient.  Assistants write down patients' medical histories and run simple laboratory tests. Medical Office Assistants greet patients, file records and correspondence.  They keep medical records up to date and handle tax and insurance forms.  At the doctor's request they arrange for laboratory tests or for a patient's admission to the hospital. 

• Education and Training Requirements:

A high school diploma is required to enter this field.  Most employers prefer to hire graduates of formal training programs. These are 40 semester hours, 34 week diploma programs. an internship is an additional  4 weeks. www.trios.com A core curriculum and course requirements outline can be found at www.national-college.edu Vocational schools offer one-year programs resulting in a certificate or diploma.  One should study anatomy, physiology, medical terminology. They learn laboratory techniques, clinical procedures, and first aide. They are also given practical training in computer skills, accounting, and insurance processing.  A medical assistant can become certified or registered by various associations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the American Medical Technologists. This involves meeting certain training and experience requirements, as well as passing a national test.

• Advancement Possibilities

Advancement can come with experience and further training.  Medical Assistants who show leadership qualities can become supervisors.
The medical office assisting is projected to grow much faster than average through the year 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The best job prospects are for medical assistants with formal training, experience, or both.  Medical assistants with word processing and computer skills will also have an advantage.

• Working Conditions

Doctors' offices, hospitals, and clinics are busy and challenging places in which to work.  The duties are generally varied.  Medical assistants work 40 hours a week.  Those who work in private offices may work some evenings and Saturdays.  You may go here for more information:

 American Association of Medical Assistants
20 North Wacker Dr., Ste. 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 899-1500
http://www.aama-ntl.org/

American Medical Technologists
107000 W. Higgins Rd.
Rosemont, IL 60068
(847) 823-5169
http://www.amt1.com/

• Earnings and Benefits

Earnings depend on training, experience, size of practice, and geographic location.  Those with a degree generally earn more than one with little or no training.  The median income for medical office assistants was $24,610 per year in 2004.  Wages are higher in the Northeast and the West.  Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, and those who work in clinics, hospitals, and group practices also receive health insurance and pension plans.

For additional background information go to:

From U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Statistics. "Medical Assistants." Available online at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm from homepage at: http://www.bls.gov/

Citing this material:

<a href="http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/455/Medical-Assistant .html ">Medical Assistant Job Description, Career as a Medical Assistant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job</a>

Skills, Abilities and Marketable qualities

• Skills:

I am able to type 25 gwpm with few mistakes.  I have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.  I have a great understanding of medical terms, biology, and anatomy. I am able to provide leadership. I am able to work with a variety of patients and medical personal. I have patience, dependability, good eye-hand coordination, and a pleasant manner. I am a active listener, and show social perceptiveness.  I use critical thinking when necessary.  I am a active learner, and have great coordination, and service orientation.

• Abilities:

I use oral expressions, and comprehension in all that I do. I understand and use problem sensitivity, speech clarity, and speech recognition.  Also, my written comprehension, information ordering, written expression, and deductive reasoning play an important part in my life and toward this career.

Accomplishments

Throughout my life, I have accomplished very much, and I still look forward to accomplishing more things in my life and will work hard to succeed in doing this.  One accomplishment that i achieved was graduating from OCTC in 2002 with a certificate in Certified Nursing Assistant.  Another accomplishment I achieved was being the head leader of a group project.  Therefore, it shows that I am a hard-working, problem-solving, and decision-making individual.  I am friendly, outgoing, positive, highly family-oriented, honest, intelligent, and analytical.  My most important values include: problem-solving, creativity, analytical, and positive decision making.  I would like to share some of my contributions that I had to apply these values toward.  I also, recieved my high school diploma in May 1997 from Bamberg-Erdhardt High School where I was on the honor society the whole year.  In addition I also, I have my CPR, first-aide, and blood pathogens certifications.

• the world in general:  develope services that help people achieve what they want in life, and to have a lasting impact on the way people live thier lives.
• my family:  to be a leader in terms of personal outlook, compassion for others, and to be a good mother and a loving wife; to leave the world a better place for my children.
• my future employers:  to lead by example and demostrate how inovative and problem-solving products can be both successful in terms of profitability for the organization.
• my friends:  to always have a hand held out for my friends for them to know they can always come to me with any problem.
• my community:  to use my talents in such a way as to give back to my community.

Resume

                                         Ronda Chavis
  173 Creekmeadow Circle, Orangeburg, South carolina 29115 Phone: 803-614-0195

Objective:  Obtain a position as a Medical Office Assistant within your facility.

Work History: 
                                 Jolley Acres HealthCare Center
                                 1180 Wolfe Trail  
                                 Orangeburg, South Carolina
                                 CNA, kitchen Assistant                                                                  
                                 Dena Houser (administrator)    
                                 803/534/1001
                                 2003-2004
                                                        
                                Ryan's Family Steakhouse                             
                                2580 North Rd                                
                                Orangeburg, South Carolina                                
                                waitress, dishwasher, prep cook, bar chef                        
                                Nate Simmons (supervisor)
                                803/534/6605
                                2003-2004

                               Husqvarna Outdoor Products                             
                               172 Old Elloree Rd                                 
                               Orangeburg, South Carolina                                                              
                               tiller assembler                                                                
                               Jackie (supervisor)
                               803/534/3285
                               2008-2009

Education:  Expected graduation July 2011 Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

                            Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School
                            N. Carlisle St
                            Bamberg, South Carolina 29003
                            August 1993-May 1997
                            Diploma

                            Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
                            3250 St Matthews Rd
                            Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118
                            January 2002-May 2002
                            Certificate Nursing Assistant

                            Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
                            3250 St Matthews Rd
                            Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118
                            August 2009-current
                            Medical Office Assistant(in progress)

                            American Academy of CPR & First Aid, Inc.
                            online(internet)
                            December 2009
                            Certification # AB2236-FA

                           ProCPR, LLC
                           5005 Plainfield Ave., NE Suite B
                           Grand Rapids, Missouri 49525
                           December 2009
                           Certification # 126154953960

Special Skills:  Typing 25 gwpm or better with few errors.  High understanding of          Medical Vocabulary/Anatomy.  Strong oral communication ability.  Excellent people skills.

Awards:  National Honor Society
                May 1997



Community Activities:  September 2010 - current * Brownies Girl Scout Parent Volunteer
                                      October 2010 - current * Parent Volunteer Nurses Assistant  
                                      Whittaker Elementary School
 Portfolio:  Available for review


                        
  
                            

               


                       
                 

Mission Statement

To live life completely, honestly, and compassionatley, mixed with imagination and dreams that all things are possible if one stes their mind to finding an answer, and to live life to the fullest.

Goals

Short-term:  To continue my career with a progressive employer that allows me to use my skills, talent, and values to achieve success for the company.  To graduate in July 2011, and work at trident hospital, or at a local doctors' office in Charleston.


Long-term:  To develope other outlets for my talents and develope a longer-term plan for diversifying my life and achieving both professional and personal success. To go back to college after working for awhile as a MOA and start taking courses to get my LPN.

References

Mrs. Jackie Shafer
Teaching Department
Whittaker Elementary School
Whittaker Parkway
Orangeburg, SC 29118
(803) 534-6559
Cell: (803) 707-0635
(General Studies, Tutor)

Mrs.  Sharon Fogle
Nurses Department
Whittaker Elementary School
Whittaker Parkway
Orangeburg, SC 29118
School: (803) 534-6559
(Community Service)

Mr. Nate Simmons
Assistant Manager
Ryan's Restaurant
2580 North Rd.
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 534-6605
(Supervisor for 1 year)

Cover Letter

   Enclosed are application materials for the position titled "MOA."  My goal is to provide a significant contribution by working collaboratively to help your company reach its vision.  I am confident that my communication skills, employer loyalty, and work-specific skills match those needed to excel in this position.

   I urge you to read my reference letters and call my current/previous employers.  You will find that my enthusiam, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities are outstanding.  Thank you for considering me for an interview.

   I will telephone your office in a few days to see if you would like additional information or have any questions.

Cordially,

Ronda Chavis
173 Creekmeadow Circle
Lot 36
Orangeburg, SC. 29115

Statement Of Originality And Confidentiality

This portfolio is the work of Ronda Chavis.  Please do not copy without permission.  Some exhibits, work samples, and/or service samples are the property of the organization whose name appears on the document.  Each has granted permission for this product to be used as a demostration of my work.