Chapter 2 Becoming a Professional Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Becoming a Professional Technical and social skills expected: Dependability Loyalty A positive attitude Integrity Diplomacy Confidence Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2 Characteristics of a Professional Dependable Punctual Efficient Reliable Loyal Quality work Initiative Good work habits Team player Ethical Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 3 Professional Characteristics Positive attitude Enthusiastic Goal oriented • Seeks new learning opportunities Works well with others Integrity Honest Trustworthy Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 4 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 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 5 Professional (Technical) Abilities Competence Dexterity Ability to move with skill or ease Effective communication Ability to get things done Ability to use good English speaking and writing skills Nonverbal communication Ability to use facial expressions and gestures Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 6 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 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 7 Professional Dress Uniform Shoes Neat, clean, pressed Meets dress code of office Clean, no scuffs Comfortable and supportive Other No gum chewing No tobacco odors No visible tattoos Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 8 Administrative Duties Answering telephone Scheduling—computer skills Filing—record maintenance Supply ordering Prescription refills Making referrals Patient billing—insurance/coding Payroll Banking Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 9 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 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 10 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 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 11 Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 12 AAMA Credentialing Agency American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Exam offered by appointment Awards the certified medical assistant –CMA (AAMA) Nationally recognized certification 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 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 13 RMA Credentialing Agency American Medical Technologists (AMT) Exam offered frequently throughout year Awards the registered medical assistant (RMA) credential; nationally recognized certification 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 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 14 AAMA and AMT Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 15 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 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 16 CMA (AAMA) Pin Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 17 Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Pin Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 18 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” Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 19 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 Copyright © 2010, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 20