medical assistant resume tips

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

9 Medical Assistant Resume Samples for 2024

Medical Assistant Resume

• Medical Assistant Resumes by Experience
• Medical Assistant Resumes by Role
• Writing Your Medical Assistant Resume

Medical assistant jobs are in high demand. The field is expected to grow by 24 percent through 2024, much higher than the average for most other jobs.

You know your way around EMR systems and how to deliver an excellent experience to patients. You shouldn’t also need to be an expert at  writing a resume . It can be challenging to discuss your experience and qualifications correctly on your resume.

Our medical assistant resume examples have  helped medical assistants land jobs at great hospitals and physician’s offices around the country , so they’re the perfect place for you to get started.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you include a  resume objective,  customize it for each job you apply to by matching the keywords mentioned in the job.
• Many different organizations grant medical assistant certifications. Standards vary by hospital and state, so be clear and include the body that certified you.
• Similarly, CPR and First Aid certifications generally last for two years. Remember to include the year you were last certified, or a potential employer might question if your certification is current.

Medical Assistant Student Resume

• Projects that leveraged your competency with medical software, such as a public health fair, can be just as valuable on your medical assistant student resume as a full-time healthcare position.

Medical Assistant Externship Resume

• Can you recount presenting a relevant project at college? Or maybe you attended a seminar like “TechNurse Evolution” in Mia’s piece? Be sure to bring these moments to life in your resume and then you can fill in the details in your medical assistant cover letter . You’ll need this extra flair besides your appetite for knowledge to learn to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Entry-Level Medical Assistant Resume

• Landing your first job as a certified medical assistant can seem daunting. However, a huge plus is a commonly accepted certification process. So once you get your certification, the process becomes far more straightforward. 
• Your entry-level medical assistant resume could be solid if you had related experience in medicine before earning your certification. If you lack experience, contact medical offices in your area to see if they need organizational help.
• When outlining your resume , it’s perfectly okay to include previous work experience outside of medicine. This can help show that you’re disciplined and organized.

Experienced Medical Assistant Resume

• Phlebotomy is drawing blood (more commonly known as a blood draw). It requires a separate certification, but it’s not uncommon for experienced medical assistants to specialize as it increases responsibilities on the job and can lead to an increase in pay. 
• You can include a wide range of skills, from interpersonal (like interviewing patients) to technical (like updating patient records). Remember to highlight the breadth of your expertise whenever possible on your experienced medical assistant resume .

Lead Medical Assistant Resume

• Is Asana listed as a crucial tool? Show how you used it previously for team collaboration. Do they dictate proficiency in the SurgiCare Inventory? Detail how you used the platform to streamline medical supplies’ storage, tracking, and usage.

Dermatology Medical Assistant Resume

• Include examples of your work with tools such as DermLite on your dermatology medical assistant resume to emphasize your field-specific skill set.

Medical Administrative Assistant Resume Example

• If you have  resume-related hobbies and interests  that stand out, include them when you’re a bit light on relevant work experience.
• When discussing your work experience, it helps to start each bullet point with a strong action verb.  Format your resume so that it’s easier to scan (the average recruiter spends less than 24 seconds reviewing a resume), and make it clear that you’ve had an impact in previous roles.

Certified Medical Assistant Resume

• As you gain more experience as a medical assistant, you should show more leadership and impact. You can beef up your resume by touching upon organizational systems (such as inventory and patient scheduling) that save time and reduce the chances of making mistakes.
• Colleges around the country offer specialized programs to train you to become a medical assistant. They’re generally two semesters long, can be part-time, and ultimately end with a certification. If you attended one of these programs, then absolutely mention it.

Related resume guides

• Medical Assistant
• Medical Receptionist

Resume Format for a Medical Assistant

Aside from the actual content of your resume, the formatting you use determines whether a hiring manager will seriously consider your medical assistant resume. When formatted correctly, your resume will be easy to read, have a logical flow, and be complete.

If your resume lacks these formatting qualities, there’s a likelihood that hiring managers won’t take your resume seriously; if it makes their job more difficult, they may toss your application. To properly format your resume, you’ll want to pay special attention to the following: 

Resume format options

• Contact info and header 

ATS and readability 

You have a few  resume formats  to choose from, with these being the most popular in 2024: 

• Reverse-chronological:  This type of format is uniquely positioned to highlight your most recent job experience first, highlighting career growth and giving a competitive advantage when numerous applicants compete with you for the same position. 
• Functional:  This resume format highlights skills over work experience. You might choose this format if you have large gaps in your work experience, but be cautious because many recruiters may find this format confusing or less forthcoming than other popular formatting options. 
• Combination/hybrid:  The combination/hybrid format blends both reverse-chronological and functional formatting by skills and work experience with equal weight. It’s a popular choice for industry experts with many years of experience. 

Each type of format can be considered for your resume, but reverse-chronological formatting is what we tend to recommend for any medical assistant resume.

Since recruiters in the medical industry are routinely inundated with 100+ resumes per job posting, they prefer resume formats that lend themselves to quick skimming. A reverse-chronological resume does that while highlighting your most recent job title. 

Contact info and header

When a recruiter determines that they want to reach out for an interview, make sure they know how to reach you. Using a large font, position your name on the left side or top center of your resume, and use a smaller font to include the medical assistant job title you seek. Have your contact info available, too.

Your resume header should consist of:

• Job title you’re seeking 
• Phone number 
• City/State (optional)
• Professional links (such as LinkedIn or other professional sites) (optional) 

Your header is also a good place to add a (professional) pop of color. Take a look at these  resume examples  and the visual sample below to get inspiration for a wide variety of header styles!

We don’t want to sound dramatic, but we can’t overemphasize how important it is that your medical assistant resume is ATS-friendly for every job you apply to in 2024. 

What is ATS?  Simply put, Applicant Tracking System software (ATS) became an integral part of the recruitment process after the explosion of the internet led to sharp increases in online job applicants.

ATS will scan your resume, searching for keywords by recognizing your resume formatting. For this reason, it’s critical that your medical assistant resume matches ATS standards, lest your application gets thrown out without ever being reviewed.

Beat the ATS with these tips:

• Margins : Margins on all sides of your resume should be between 0.5-1.0 inch.
• Fonts:  Stick with basics like Arial, Calibri, Cambria, or Times New Roman.
• Font sizes:  Your name should be the largest font size (around 24-point), with your title slightly smaller (around 20-point). The rest of your resume (including your contact information) should remain at the standard font size of 12-point. 
• Header names:  Headers throughout your text should stand out in some way. Consider using bold text or contrasting colors. 
• Skills:  Read the job posting. Highlight skills that are particularly applicable for every medical assistant job to which you’re applying. 
• Logical order:  As mentioned, we recommend using reverse-chronological order, with your most recent job experience at the top of the page. ATS prefers it, and it’s easier to read. 
• One page:  If your resume is over a page, it’ll look strange, and recruiters will wonder if you lack enough experience.

Feeling overwhelmed? Check out our  resume builder  to ensure your formatting is done correctly. 

Resume Writing for a Medical Assistant

Job hunting is stress-inducing for most people, and many think of resume and cover letter writing as the peak of their anxiety.

Thankfully,  writing an effective resume  doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to take it one section at a time. Using our resume builder, you can avoid all the frustration of writing and re-writing improperly formatted sections. Save yourself the time that could be spent on the job search. Let’s address the essentials:

What’s the objective/summary all about? 

Work experience, top skills for your medical assistant resume, education, certs, projects, interests, and hobbies.

• Resume customization for every medical assistant job application

Edit for a flawless medical assistant resume

Though similar in many ways, a resume objective  and summary statement are slightly different paragraphs to consider including in your medical assistant resume. Both are highly specified, short (two to three sentence) paragraphs, but an objective will emphasize why you’re seeking the job, whereas a summary highlights the skills you’ve honed throughout your career. 

Consider including a resume objective if you’re going through a substantial career change, such as a dental assistant to a surgical assistant. An objective can also be a helpful place to emphasize why you’re seeking a particular role (and use up white space) if you have minimal experience. 

On the other hand, resume summaries focus on skills and specializations developed throughout your career. Consider adding a resume summary if you’re a seasoned medical assistant with 10+ years of experience. 

If you decide to include a resume summary or objective, you’ll need to commit to customizing it for every job to which you apply. Let’s review some great examples of highly-specialized resume summaries and objectives.

Example 1—A poorly written objective:

Want to improve my career prospects with a job that will get me experience in the medical field. 

What we don’t like: This objective contains no specific details. It should include the job title you’re seeking, one to three specific skills that will help you contribute to the work environment, and the business name to which you’re applying. This objective consumes precious space on your resume without providing any useful information.

Example 2—A strong resume objective: 

OSHA and HIPAA-compliant medical assistant with 6+ years of proven experience serving 100+ daily patients in fast-paced ER environments. Seeking an opportunity at Trinity United Healthcare to continue serving patients and medical staff in the Pediatric Orthopedics department, where my efficient workflow and compassionate care management can help ensure more patients are served per hour. 

What we like:  Specific skills, years of experience, job title, hospital name, and work contributions were mentioned. A resume objective like the one above and the visual sample below deserve the space they take up on your resume.

Example 3—A poorly worded summary:

I have years of experience working well as a medical assistant.

What we don’t like:  Like the first objective example, this summary provides little substance. It’s vague and short.

Example 4—A strong resume summary:

Detail-oriented medical assistant with 20+ years of experience in clinics and hospitals across Idaho, with a depth of knowledge of HIPAA, ERM software, medical terminology, and Microsoft Office. I enjoy working in fast-paced environments that enable me to improve patient comfort, physician efficiency, and operating systems.

What we like:  This summary gets right to the point, discussing some of the most valuable skills a great medical assistant will possess while highlighting years of work experience and how they would add value to the business.

Your work experience section should include two to four positions you’ve had throughout your career. That means, if you’ve been a medical assistant for many years, you don’t need to include information about the job you had in high school. Instead, focus on the most recent 10-year period, and narrow that list to the most relevant.

Note: if you’ve just entered the workforce, there’s nothing wrong with highlighting less relevant job experience or even class projects and volunteer experience, but we’ll touch on that later.

Writing your job description bullet points

Chunking your job description text with bullet points is a great way to enhance readability and reduce a visually dense or overwhelming resume.

While writing bullet points , focus on:

• Action verbs:  Start each bullet point with strong, unique verbs such as “Outperformed” or “Overhauled.”
• Active voice:  Avoid passive voice. A passive phrase, like “the IV was inserted by the R.N.,” is less interesting than active language, like “the R.N. inserted the IV.”
• Avoid personal pronouns:  The employer knows your resume is written about you! 
• Either using punctuation or not:  When you start writing your bullet points, you can leave periods at the end of your sentences or skip them. Whatever you choose, be consistent. 
• Verb tense:  Though you can keep your current experience in the past tense, ensure all your past work experience is written in the past tense. 

Here are a few medical assistant bullet points that incorporate this advice:

• Overhauled clinic software operations, integrating Meditech EMR to boost office operation efficiency. 
• Initiated HIPAA-compliant integration into Microsoft Office scheduling systems. 
• Outperformed efficiency targets, reaching more clients to confirm appointments and follow up on visits than any other M.A. 

We like these bullet points because they use active voice and action words while avoiding personal pronouns such as “I” or “my,” and they have consistent punctuation written in the past tense. 

Quantify your medical assistant impact 

The only thing our above bullet point examples are missing is quantifiable metrics (numbers). Numbers are an essential element in your medical assistant resume, and you should aim for at least 50 percent of your bullet points, including them. 

Why are metrics important? 

Numbers positively impact your resume in two ways. First, the visual interest helps break up text and draw in hiring managers’ eyes. This is critical, as it will encourage them to read your resume more thoroughly. Second, numbers are impressive because they demonstrate your proven job performance. In the context of your medical assistant resume, numbers say a thousand words. 

Here are a few places you can leverage metrics from your medical assistant work experience:

• Consider highlighting your organizational skills by noting the number of patient records you’ve organized. You may also wish to discuss the number of patients you call per shift, the size of the hospital you work for (volume of patients, number of physicians, etc.), or the percentage of patients who gave you positive reviews. 
• Highlight how you’ve improved workflow as a medical assistant. Perhaps that means you’ve provided hundreds of appointment confirmations, reducing gaps in physician schedules? Or maybe you reorganized E.M.R. software, resulting in increased capacity for patients?
• Including metrics about your administrative duties isn’t too hard. Think about the percentage of total office insurance forms you processed, the number of appointments you’ve scheduled per shift, referrals you’ve written, or the types of electronic medical records software you’re trained to use. 

Here are a few examples of job description bullet points that would work well for any medical assistant resume.

• Automated 6 clerical functions, including processing insurance forms and filing medical records
• Scheduled 30+ daily patients for diagnostic testing and follow-up appointments to ensure completion of testing
• Overhauled and maintained EMR by performing 100% of order reconciliations, secure messaging, and other tasks

One of the most under-utilized sections on most resumes is the skills section. Many medical assistants don’t realize that this section is essential for catching the eye of ATS. Since ATS works by matching keywords in your resume to pre-selected words (skills) chosen by hiring managers, you want to ensure you’re listing the right skills. 

Ideally, your medical assistant resume should include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills such as “CRM software proficiency” can be trained. They’re highly specific to the job title you’re seeking, and they demonstrate your ability to utilize the skill (they’re easily measurable). 

On the other hand, soft skills are skills you can include on any resume. These skills, such as “organization” or “attention to detail,” are universally important. However, it’s difficult to measure these skills; they’re often overused and may be disregarded by hiring managers. 

Focus mostly on hard skills while incorporating a few particularly relevant soft skills. Include 6 to 10 resume-relevant skills for your medical assistant resume, such as:

• Infectious Disease Mitigation and HIPAA compliance:  Being aware of regulations, laws, and best practices to keep patient information safe while reducing the risk of contracting or spreading disease. Hiring managers won’t overlook these hard skills. 
• Reading electrocardiograms (EKG) : This is a great hard skill that not all medical assistants have. Stand out by emphasizing your vitals-taking skills. 
• EMR software:  Do you have an understanding of Epic or Meditech software? Specify which EMR systems you know.
• Typing speed:  If you want to impress, use this hard skill and share your words per minute.
• Bilingual:  Do you know Spanish, A.S.L., or Arabic? Share this hard skill, as it’s always in high demand in healthcare. 
• Compassionate care:  This is a soft skill, but it’s important that the focus of all of your work as a medical assistant is on the health and well-being of your patients.

Becoming a medical assistant has a few different educational routes. Some employers are satisfied with on-the-job training experience, while others seek applicants with one-year certificates or an associate’s degree. Legally, there are no formal training requirements to become a medical assistant. 

When listing your education, avoid including too many details unless you’re a recent graduate with limited work experience. As you gain work experience, you can reduce details about your education, including only your most advanced education level.

Though not required by all employers, most prefer CPR and First Aid Certification; if you have your Certified Medical Assistant Certification (AAMA), include it. Like Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CASC), other specialized certifications will make your resume even more impressive. 

Wow employers with your most impressive certs.

You may wonder if you should include  resume-related interests and hobbies  in your piece. Generally, we don’t recommend medical assistants have these on their resumes, but there are instances it may be appropriate: 

• Anyone with minimal work experience should consider adding interests and hobbies.
• Just make sure you elaborate on how the hobby or interest is relevant during an interview! 
• Perhaps you’ve spent years volunteering for a non-profit that sorts and ships medical equipment around the world? Or maybe you volunteer with the administrative office at your local hospital? 

Resume customization for every medical assistant job app

Want to stand out from the competition? Then  make sure the employer sees that you read the job description , that you take their time seriously, and that you genuinely want this position.

Show you care by customizing your resume to every job you apply for.

• If you include a resume objective or summary, tailor it to the job—mention specifics like the job title, relevant skills, and the company name. 
• Your skills section should be fully customized. Read the job description to determine which skills are essential to the hiring manager. 
• Your bullet points should also be specialized. Again, focus on what the job description says, and write your bullet points to highlight your most closely-aligning experience.

Finally completed your resume? Step back from your masterpiece and come back with fresh eyes for the edits. Once you return to it, you may be surprised that a few grammatical errors made it prominently onto your resume.

Wahoo, cheers to you! You’ve taken the first step to upping your resume game. We’ve covered many topics, including formatting techniques, ATS, skills section, work experience tips, and more. We know you’re ready for the next step:

• Tap into our  resume checker  to upload your existing medical assistant resume. Once there, you’ll get AI-powered tips to improve things like verb tense, work experience, word counts (per bullet point and resume), and your use of action words. 
• Don’t have a resume yet or want to start from scratch? Check out our  AI resume builder , which allows you to build a brand-new piece using AI-powered tips. 

• Career Blog

Medical Assistant Resume: Example and Writing Tips for 2024

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, medical assistants play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient patient care. A medical assistant resume is a document that highlights the skills, experiences, and qualifications of a candidate seeking employment in healthcare settings, such as clinics, hospitals, or private practices.

A well-written medical assistant resume is important because it serves as the candidate’s first impression on potential employers. It is the initial step of the hiring process and therefore needs to stand out to make a positive impact. Furthermore, since the medical field is highly competitive, having a well-crafted resume increases a candidate’s chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job.

The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide to help medical assistants create a resume that showcases their unique abilities and qualifications correctly. Through practical writing tips and an example of a medical assistant resume, this article aims to help aspiring candidates create an outstanding resume that catches the recruiters’ attention. The article aims to cover various sections of a medical assistant resume, including key skills, work experience, and educational qualifications, among others.

This article will serve as a one-stop-shop for all aspiring medical assistants seeking employment in the healthcare industry. By the end of the article, readers will have a thorough understanding of how to craft a professional medical assistant resume that highlights their unique abilities and experiences.

Understanding the Role of a Medical Assistant

As a medical assistant, you play an essential role in healthcare delivery by providing support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. You perform clinical and administrative duties, maintain patient records, and interact with patients, insurers, and suppliers. Understanding the job duties and responsibilities of a medical assistant is crucial to ensuring you stay on top of your game.

Job Duties and Responsibilities of a Medical Assistant

Your primary responsibility as a medical assistant is to assist healthcare providers in delivering quality patient care. Some of the clinical duties you may perform include:

• Taking patient histories and vital signs
• Collecting specimens and conducting diagnostic tests
• Dressing wounds and removing sutures
• Performing routine patient screenings and exams

On the administrative side, you may be responsible for:

• Scheduling appointments and coordinating referrals
• Maintaining patient records and processing insurance claims
• Purchasing and stocking medical supplies and equipment
• Communicating with patients via phone or email

Technical and Interpersonal Skills Required to be a Successful Medical Assistant

A successful medical assistant must possess a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. These include:

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
• Ability to operate medical equipment and perform routine tests and procedures
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Empathy, compassion, and patience with patients
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask in a fast-paced environment

Having these technical and interpersonal skills will help you excel in your role as a medical assistant and provide exceptional support to healthcare providers and patients.

Understanding the role of a medical assistant is essential to building a successful career in healthcare. Mastery of clinical and administrative duties, combined with technical and interpersonal skills, is key to becoming a successful medical assistant. By staying current with industry trends and continuously improving your skills, you’ll stand out as a top-notch medical assistant and help improve health outcomes for patients.

Researching Your Target Company

As a medical assistant, researching your target company before applying is crucial to maximize your chances of landing the job. Not only does it demonstrate your interest and dedication to the position, but it also helps you tailor your resume to the specific requirements and values of the company.

What to look for when researching a company:

Company culture: Review the company’s website and social media pages to understand their mission, values, and culture. This will give you insights into the company’s personality, work environment, and employee expectations.

Industry news and competitors: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the healthcare industry and the company’s competitors to understand their position in the marketplace. This information can be used to highlight your relevant skills and experience that align with the company’s challenges and goals.

Leadership and staff: Research the company’s leadership team and staff to understand their backgrounds, skills, and experience. This can help you understand the company’s priorities and expectations, and also assess your fit within the organization.

How researching your target company influences your resume:

Highlight relevant skills and experiences: Your research will enable you to identify the keywords and qualifications that the company is seeking, allowing you to tailor your resume and highlight your relevant skills and experiences. This can increase your chances of getting noticed by the recruiter or hiring manager.

Customize your summary and objective: Your research will help you understand the company’s goals and expectations, which can influence how you frame your summary and objective sections in your resume. Showcase how your abilities align with the company values and requirements.

Personalize your cover letter: Use your research to craft a thoughtful cover letter that connects your experience with the company’s goals and values. A personalized cover letter shows that you have invested time and effort into your application, which can impress potential employers.

Researching your target company before applying is essential to show your dedication and tailor your resume to the specific requirements and values of the company. Incorporating this information throughout your application can increase your chances of landing the job you want as a medical assistant.

Formatting Your Medical Assistant Resume

To be considered for a medical assistant position, it is important to have a well-formatted and organized resume. A clear and concise format can help showcase your experience and skills, making it easier for recruiters to quickly identify your qualifications.

Overview of resume formatting

There are several aspects to consider when formatting your medical assistant resume, such as font size, margins, and spacing. These may seem like minor details, but they can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your resume. As a general rule, use a simple and easy-to-read font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and keep the font size between 10-12 points.

Maintain consistent spacing throughout your document to create a clean and uncluttered appearance. Use bullet points to break up large paragraphs and make your resume more scannable.

Choosing the right resume format for the medical assistant position

There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and hybrid. The most suitable option for medical assistants is typically the chronological format.

This format highlights your work history in reverse chronological order, making it easy for employers to see your most recent and relevant experience. It also allows you to showcase your growth and progression throughout your career and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Key sections to include in your medical assistant resume

While the exact layout of your medical assistant resume may vary depending on your experience and qualifications, there are some essential elements that every resume should include.

• Summary or objective statement:  A brief statement that highlights your skills and qualifications and positions you as a strong candidate for the position.
• Education:  List your highest level of education, along with any relevant certifications or licenses you may have.
• Work experience:  Detail your work history in reverse chronological order, including the name of the company, your job title, and your key responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Skills:  Highlight your key skills, such as medical terminology, patient care, and administrative tasks.
• References:  Include a list of 2-3 professional references who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

The key to creating a strong medical assistant resume is to be clear, concise, and detail-oriented. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, and tailor your resume to each job you apply for. With a well-formatted and informative resume, you can stand out in a competitive job market and land the medical assistant position of your dreams.

Writing Your Professional Summary

As a medical assistant, your professional summary plays a critical role in your resume. It is the first thing recruiters and hiring managers read, and it needs to make a strong impact. This section will cover the purpose of a professional summary, how to write an impactful one, and provide examples of well-written professional summaries.

Purpose of a Professional Summary

A professional summary is a brief statement that summarizes your qualifications, skills, and experience. It serves as a hook to grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers and entice them to read more about you. The purpose of a professional summary is to showcase your value proposition and make a strong first impression.

How to Write an Impactful Professional Summary

To write an impactful professional summary, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep it brief: Your professional summary should be no longer than 3-4 sentences.
• Start with a strong opening statement: Begin your summary with a statement that highlights your key qualifications and experience.
• Tailor it to the job posting: Make sure your professional summary aligns with the job requirements and company culture.
• Use action-oriented language: Use active verbs to describe your skills and accomplishments.
• Showcase your unique selling proposition (USP): Highlight what makes you stand out from other candidates.

Examples of Well-Written Professional Summaries

Here are a few examples of well-written professional summaries for medical assistants:

“Dedicated and results-driven medical assistant with 5 years of experience in a fast-paced clinical setting. Skilled in patient care, medical coding, and EMR systems. Passionate about providing exceptional patient care and improving clinical operations.”

“Experienced medical assistant with a strong background in phlebotomy and EKG testing. Proficient in scheduling appointments, insurance verification, and medical billing. Committed to maintaining a safe and organized work environment.”

“Highly organized and detail-oriented medical assistant with a patient-centric approach. Proficient in taking vital signs, administering injections, and assisting with minor surgical procedures. Skilled in medical charting and documentation.”

Your professional summary should effectively highlight your unique qualifications and experience. By following the tips outlined above and using the examples provided, you can craft an impactful professional summary that sets you apart from other candidates.

Highlighting Your Skills and Qualifications

When it comes to creating a strong medical assistant resume, highlighting your skills and qualifications is key. Not only will it help you stand out to potential employers, but it can also give them a better understanding of your capabilities as a medical assistant. Here are some essential skills and qualifications to include on your resume:

List of Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency in medical terminology
• Understanding of medical procedures and protocols
• Ability to take vital signs and patient history
• Knowledge of medical office administration, including scheduling appointments and managing patient records
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy
• Familiarity with medical software and technology
• Ability to multitask and work well under pressure
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Commitment to patient care and confidentiality

How to Effectively Showcase Your Skills and Qualifications

When showcasing your skills and qualifications on your resume, there are several strategies that can help you stand out to potential employers:

• Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems to screen resumes, which means that including relevant keywords can help your resume make it past the initial screening process. Review the job description and highlight any keywords or phrases that appear frequently, then make sure they appear throughout your resume.
• Quantify your achievements: If you have specific achievements or accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and qualifications, be sure to include them on your resume. For example, you might mention that you increased efficiency in a medical office by implementing a new patient scheduling system or that you consistently received high levels of patient satisfaction feedback.
• Use bullet points: Using bullet points to break up your resume can make it easier for potential employers to skim and quickly assess your qualifications. Be sure to use clear, concise language that highlights your skills and accomplishments in each bullet point.

Specific Examples of Skills and Qualifications for Medical Assistant Resumes

Here are some specific examples of skills and qualifications that can be particularly relevant for medical assistant resumes:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credentials
• Knowledge of medical coding and billing
• Experience with electronic medical record (EMR) systems
• Proficiency in phlebotomy and specimen collection
• Familiarity with medical supply inventory management
• Ability to assist with minor medical procedures, such as wound care and suture removal
• Understanding of infection control protocols and OSHA regulations

By effectively highlighting your skills and qualifications on your medical assistant resume, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in the healthcare field. Use these tips and specific examples to create a strong, impactful resume that showcases your strengths as a medical assistant.

Showcasing Your Work Experience

When it comes to creating a medical assistant resume, your work experience section is one of the most important parts to get right. Employers want to see that you have relevant experience that demonstrates your ability to handle the responsibilities of the job.

Importance of Relevant Work Experience

Relevant work experience is important for several reasons. Firstly, it shows that you have a good understanding of the industry and the tasks you will be expected to perform as a medical assistant. Secondly, it demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to perform those tasks effectively. Finally, it reassures employers that you have the necessary experience to hit the ground running in the role.

How to Showcase Your Work Experience on Your Medical Assistant Resume

When it comes to showcasing your work experience, your resume should be a concise summary of your relevant experience that highlights your key achievements and accomplishments. Here are some tips to help you showcase your work experience effectively:

• Start with your most recent job and work backwards, listing your previous roles in reverse chronological order.
• Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments; this makes it easy for employers to scan your resume quickly.
• Highlight any achievements or accomplishments that demonstrate your skills or abilities; for example, if you made any cost savings or process improvements in your previous role.
• Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. You might need to tailor your resume slightly for each job application to make sure you emphasise the skills and experience that the employer is looking for.

Example of Bullet Points Describing Work Experience

Here is an example of bullet points that you might use to describe your work experience on your medical assistant resume:

• Monitored and recorded vital signs for up to 20 patients a day, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of results.
• Conducted patient assessments, including taking medical histories and updating patient records, communicating findings to providers as required.
• Administered medications and injections as prescribed by providers, adhering to best practice guidelines for medication safety and infection control.
• Maintained an organised and clean clinical environment, ensuring that all supplies and equipment were fully stocked and readily available.
• Assisted with minor procedures, including preparing patients, providing support during the procedure and post-procedure care.
• Educated patients on preventive care measures and healthy lifestyle choices, promoting wellness and disease prevention.

By following these tips and using bullet points to showcase your relevant work experience, you can create a standout medical assistant resume that catches the attention of potential employers.

Education and Certifications

When it comes to becoming a medical assistant, there are educational and certification requirements you need to meet. Generally, aspiring medical assistants must complete a postsecondary education program to be able to fulfill their duties properly.

To become a medical assistant, you can either take a certificate program, diploma program, or two-year associate’s degree in medical assisting. The focus of such programs is to give individuals the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to be a medical assistant. The program coursework includes:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical procedures
• Ethical and legal considerations

Medical assistants must also obtain certification to showcase their competency and ensure employers that they have the necessary skills to perform their various duties. Although certification is not mandatory, it can increase your job prospects, salary, and professional development.

One of the most recognized certification organizations for medical assistants is the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), which offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification. To obtain CMA certification, candidates must pass the CMA exam, which tests candidates’ knowledge and skills in various areas, including:

• Administrative tasks
• Communication skills
• Medical ethics and legal considerations

Now that you understand the education and certification requirements for medical assistants, the next step is to highlight them effectively on your resume. Here are a few tips on how to list and highlight your education and certifications:

• Start with your most recent education
• List your educational institution, program name, and graduation date
• Mention any honors, achievements, or awards you received during your coursework
• Be sure to list your certification(s) and indicate when you earned them
• Provide a link to your certification agency and indicate the specific certification obtained

When formatting your resume, it’s important to make sure your education and certification stand out. One way to do this is to create a separate section for this information. Here’s an example of what that could look like:

By highlighting your education and certification(s) on your resume, you show your potential employer that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your duties as a medical assistant effectively.

Choosing the Appropriate Keywords

Keywords are powerful tools that can make or break an applicant’s chances of landing an interview. These relevant terms and phrases act as a bridge between the job requirements and the applicant’s qualifications, making it easier for recruiters to assess their fit for the role. In this section, we’ll define keywords and their importance, identify relevant medical assistant keywords, and provide tips on how to strategically place them in your resume.

Definition of Keywords and Their Importance

Keywords refer to the specific words or phrases that employers use to describe the required qualifications for a job. They can be either hard skills, which are specific abilities or technical know-how, or soft skills, which are personal traits such as communication or teamwork. Keywords are essential because they act as a filter for recruiters who receive hundreds of resumes for a single job posting. By including the right keywords in your resume, you increase your chances of being noticed and shortlisted for an interview.

Identifying Relevant Medical Assistant Keywords

To identify the appropriate keywords for a medical assistant role, it’s essential to review the job description thoroughly. Highlight the key qualifications, skills, and experience required for the job, paying attention to both hard and soft skills. Some common medical assistant keywords include administrative tasks, patient care, vital signs, medical terminology, electronic health records, and clinical procedures.

Google Trends and Google Keyword Planner are excellent resources for determining the most popular and relevant medical assistant keywords for your location.

How to Strategically Place These Keywords in Your Resume

Once you have identified the relevant medical assistant keywords, it’s essential to incorporate them strategically into your resume to optimize your chances of being noticed by recruiters. Here are some tips for adding keywords to your resume:

• Use keywords throughout your resume, but especially in your summary or objective section and in the descriptions of your work experience.
• Customize your resume for the specific job posting, making sure to incorporate the exact keywords used in the job description.
• Avoid overusing keywords or stuffing them in unnaturally. Ensure they flow naturally in your writing.
• Use action verbs when describing your experience using medical assistant keywords. For example, instead of saying “Performed administrative tasks in a busy medical office,” say “Managed patient scheduling, billing, and medical records using electronic health record software.”

By thoughtfully incorporating relevant medical assistant keywords in your resume, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and potentially a job. Remember to review and update your resume regularly to ensure that it is optimized for the keywords in the latest job postings.

Cover Letter Writing Tips

As a medical assistant, your cover letter can be the key factor in landing your dream job. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself, highlight your skills, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the position.

The Importance of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is essential for any job application as it provides a personalized introduction to the hiring manager. Unlike a resume, a cover letter allows you to showcase your personality and explain why you’re excited about the job. Not only can it help you stand out from other applicants, but it also demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter

• Tailor your cover letter to the specific job description, highlighting relevant skills and experience.
• Use a professional tone, but don’t be afraid to inject some personality and enthusiasm.
• Address the hiring manager by name if possible, or at least use a professional greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Keep your cover letter concise, ideally no more than one page long.
• Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make it easier to read.
• Close your cover letter with a clear call-to-action, such as “I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you further during an interview.”

Opening Lines for Medical Assistant Cover Letters

Here are some attention-grabbing opening lines to help you stand out from the crowd:

• “As a dedicated medical assistant with over five years of experience, I’m excited to apply for the open position at [Company Name].”
• “I was thrilled to see the opening for a medical assistant at [Company Name] because of your reputation for providing exceptional patient care.”
• “I am confident that my strong work ethic and attention to detail make me the perfect candidate for the medical assistant position at [Company Name].”
• “After conducting thorough research on [Company Name], I’m confident that my passion for healthcare and commitment to excellence align with your mission and values.”
• “As a recent graduate of a nationally accredited medical assisting program, I’m eager to apply my skills and knowledge to provide top-quality healthcare at [Company Name].”

By following these tips and using attention-grabbing opening lines, your medical assistant cover letter is sure to stand out and land you an interview. Good luck!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hiring managers often receive loads of medical assistant resumes, and it can be challenging to stand out from the competition. However, one surefire way to grab attention is to avoid common mistakes that many applicants make. Here are some of the most common mistakes found in medical assistant resumes and some tips on how to steer clear of them.

Mistake #1: Including Irrelevant Information

Including information that is not relevant to the job can damage your chances of getting noticed. For example, mentioning your interests and hobbies or including a personal photograph can distract the hiring manager from your qualifications.

Tip:  Keep your resume professional and focused on your skills, education, and work experience. Also, ensure that you tailor your resume to the specific job and organization.

Mistake #2: Disregarding Keywords

Many employers utilize applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes for specific keywords before they even reach the human recruiter. Disregarding these keywords means that your resume might not make it to the hiring manager at all.

Tip:  Carefully analyze the job description and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume. But avoid overloading your resume with keywords just for the sake of it; your resume should still flow naturally.

Mistake #3: Being Too Wordy

Medical assistant resumes should be concise and to the point. Hiring managers have limited time, and a lengthy resume can quickly bore them and reduce your chances of being considered for the position.

Tip:  Keep your resume short and sweet by using bullet points to highlight your skills and accomplishments.

Mistake #4: Failing to Show Achievements

Your resume should not just be a list of your job duties but should highlight your achievements as well. Employers want to see what you accomplished in your previous roles, not just what you did.

Tip:  Be specific and use figures, such as the number of patients you assisted or the percentage of reduction in patient wait times that you achieved. Highlighting your achievements shows that you can add value to the organization.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Proofreading

Spelling and grammatical errors on your resume can be fatal. They indicate a lack of attention to detail and professionalism, which can turn off a hiring manager instantly.

Tip:  Proofread your resume multiple times, and even consider having a friend or colleague help you with proofreading. Ensure that your resume is error-free and easy to read.

By avoiding these common mistakes, your medical assistant resume can stand out from the rest and increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to tailor your resume to the job and organization, highlight your achievements, include relevant keywords, and proofread several times. Good luck!

Related Articles

• Resume Pictures: Guide to Putting a Photo on Your Resume
• 10 Data Analyst Resume Examples That Will Land You the Job
• Office Manager Resume Example & Tips for 2023
• Auto Electrician Job Description & Duties for 2023
• 25 Group Interview Questions and Tips for Success in 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

Medical Assistant Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples

How To Write a Medical Assistant Resume

• Resume Text Examples

As a medical assistant, you play a vital role in the delivery of quality care to patients. To generate opportunities on the open market, you want to showcase achievements demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, and patients in fast-paced healthcare environments. The key to differentiating yourself from the competition is to build a compelling, accomplishment-driven resume that highlights your strongest qualifications.

Throughout our medical assistant resume guide, we’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your work experience into an effective marketing document.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your medical assistant qualifications

Your profile is often the first thing the hiring manager sees when reviewing your resume, so it’s important to grab the reader’s attention as quickly as possible. Your opening sentence should contain your title, years of experience, and three to four specializations that match the job posting. This will send a clear message to hiring managers that you have the ideal qualifications for the position you’re applying for, which will increase your odds of landing the interview.

Example 1 - Senior-Level

A Certified Medical Assistant with 10+ years of clinical and administrative experience. A proven track record of supporting nursing teams and physicians in delivering patient-centered care in high-volume hospital environments. Adept at communicating with patients, maintaining medical records, and utilizing EHR software.

Example 2 - Entry-Level

A Certified Medical Assistant with two years of experience delivering exceptional patient care in acute care environments. Adept at collaborating with registered nurses, physicians, and administrative teams to improve clinical operations and efficiency.

2. Add a compelling section featuring your medical assistant experience

To create a strong accomplishment-driven resume, you must translate your healthcare experience into compelling bullet points. Hiring managers want to gain a better understanding of your unique background as a medical assistant. As you build out your professional experience section, you should also quantify your achievements using quality metrics such as patient satisfaction scores. This will show prospective employers that you have a proven track record of positively impacting internal teams and patients in fast-paced clinical settings.

Professional Experience

Certified Medical Assistant, St. Anthony’s Hospital, New York, NY May 2013 – November 2015

• Supported registered nurses in performing examinations, delivering treatment, and providing high-quality care to patients in a hospital with 300+ beds
• Coordinated with nurses to perform non-invasive procedures, interfaced with patients, family members, and medical teams, and ensured compliance with patient-centered care standards, which contributed to a 5% increase in patient satisfaction in 2014

Medical Assistant, West Chester Pediatrics, West Chester, PA October 2022 – Present

• Schedule all patient appointments for a high-volume pediatrics office with six full-time physicians and two nurse practitioners, amounting to up to 40 appointments per day
• Interface effectively with diverse patient populations, communicate with empathy and understanding, and contribute to a 95% patient satisfaction rating for the practice
• Obtain patient vitals, including blood pressure, temperature, and diagnostic information, and maintain medical records using EHR software

3. Include education and certifications relevant to medical assistants

Obtaining your Medical Assistant Certification (CMA) from an accredited program is a prerequisite for employment in over 26 states. You can also consider pursuing a specialization (SCMA) if you plan on working in a specific healthcare unit, such as cardiology or pediatrics. Another way to increase the strength of your application is to acquire certifications in phlebotomy or medical billing and coding, as these are valuable in both the clinical and administrative aspects of the role.

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Certified Medical Assistant, AAMA, 2019
• Registered Phlebotomy Tech (RPT), 2018
• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Associate of Applied Science (A.S.S.) Medical Assistance
• University of San Francisco, San Francisco, Ca September 2020 – May 2022

4. List medical assistant-related skills and proficiencies

Many healthcare organizations utilize automated tracking systems (ATS) to help narrow down their candidate pool. To separate yourself from the crowded field of applicants, you’ll want to incorporate various skills that showcase your expertise in both the clinical and administrative areas of healthcare delivery. Below, you’ll find a list of skills and keywords you may encounter during the job search:

How to Pick the Best Medical Assistant Resume Template

Choosing the right resume template can be overwhelming for many job seekers due to the many options available. In most instances, selecting a straightforward template that avoids flashy graphics and colors is best. It’s important to understand that hiring managers will interview candidates based on their experience and qualifications, so you want to prioritize readability and organization over presentation.

Medical Assistant Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Joseph Corbin   (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Carpenter Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345

Medical Assistant, West Chester Pediatrics, West Chester, PA   October 2022 – Present

Medical Assistant, Medical Offices of Simmons and Cohen, Philadelphia, PA May 2021 – October 2022

• Managed patient appointments and scheduling for a physician’s office with over 120 active patients, which included maintaining electronic medical records
• Collected patient insurance information and authorized services, provided information on co-pays to new patients, and interfaced with insurance agencies to resolve issues
• Certified Medical Assistant, American Association of Medical Assistants, 2021
• Patient Relations
• Calendar Management
• Appointment Scheduling
• Healthcare Support
• Office Management

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Medical Assistance   Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2019 – May 2021

Cameron Malfara (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Pine Brook Dr, Miami, FL 12345

A Certified Medical Assistant with over eight years of experience as a clinician and administrative support staff member. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality care to diverse patient populations, including both geriatric and pediatric patients. Extensive knowledge of EHR and scheduling software.

Medical Assistant, St. Mark’s Medical Center, Miami, FL July 2017 – Present

• Deliver clinical and administrative support to registered nurses and physicians, obtain patient medical history and documentation, and communicate with empathy and compassion, contributing to a 95% patient satisfaction rating
• Maintained exam rooms in accordance with OSHA standards for health and safety, sanitized exam instruments, and ensured compliance with Covid-19 safety protocols
• Collected lab samples of blood and urine and submitted labeled samples for testing

Medical Assistant, West Bay Medical Group, Miami, FL May 2015 – July 2017

• Scheduled 50+ patient appointments per day, managed cancellations, performed data entry, and oversaw calendars for a busy medical office with 20 nurses and ten physicians
• Managed patient appointments and scheduling for a physician’s office with over 5K active patients, which included maintaining electronic medical records
• Oversaw basic billing and coding tasks for standard office procedures, streamlined billing processes, and reduced turnaround on payments by an average of six days
• Certified Medical Assistant, American Association of Medical Assistants, 2015
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), NPA, 2015
• Patient Management
• Office Administration
• Process Improvement
• Medical Support

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Medical Assistance   Miami Dade College, Miami, FL September 2013 – May 2015

Aliya Jackson   (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Bedford Avenue, New York, NY 12345

Certified Medical Assistant, Manhattan Medical, New York, NY November 2015 – Present

• Manage five front office staff for a medical practice with over 8K active patients, assigned responsibilities, evaluated performance, and coordinated scheduling
• Oversee calendars and appointments for four physicians and three nurse practitioners, minimizing patient wait times to less than 30 minutes on average
• Submit billing records to insurance companies for thousands of patients each month, fielded information requests, and resolved billing issues and inaccuracies
• Certified Medical Assistant, American Association of Medical Assistants, 2013
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), NPA, 2013
• Clinical Operations
• Medical Billing and Coding

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Medical Assistance University of Syracuse, New York, NY September 2011 – May 2013

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for medical assistant resumes -.

We know it’s easy to get stuck when writing the professional experience section of a resume. You might find that you start to run out of action verbs to accurately convey your job responsibilities and healthcare achievements accurately. That being said, it’s best to try and differentiate your usage of action verbs to avoid redundancy, as this can negatively impact the reading experience. Below, you’ll find a list of verbs you can use to build out your professional experience section:

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing verticals in the job market. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow by 16% by 2031, adding 123,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Despite the positive outlook, you’ll still need to align your resume with the job description to differentiate yourself from the competition.

As you begin applying for open positions, you should carefully review the job description and incorporate key terms that match the needs of the organization. It’s also important to provide tangible examples of utilizing these skill sets throughout your career to make a positive impression on the hiring manager.

What is the best medical assistant resume format? -

For most job applications, use a reverse chronological format to ensure that your most recent experience is featured towards the top of your document. Conversely, a functional resume approach prioritizes skills and avoids detailed bullet points. This is generally not recommended because the lack of professional achievements won’t help you differentiate yourself from the competition.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Not every organization will ask for a cover letter. It’s good to have one on hand for the applications that require it. In addition to reinforcing accomplishments from your healthcare experience, you should also mention something about the organization’s reputation or work culture. For instance, if a hospital is known for its commitment to patient-centered care, you may want to explain that this is one of the reasons you’re applying for the job. This will show hiring managers that you’ve done your research beforehand, which will increase your chances of landing an interview. For more insights, see our medical assistant cover letter guide .

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

Physician Assistant Resume Examples and Templates

Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Examples and Templates

Health Care Support Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How to Build a Resume Learn More
• Basic Resume Examples and Templates Learn More
• How Many Jobs Should You List on a Resume? Learn More
• How to Include Personal and Academic Projects on Your Resume Learn More
• Common Healthcare Interview Questions and Answers Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume Examples
• Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant resume examples & templates

Choosing the right resume format for a medical assistant

Include your contact information, make use of a summary, outline your medical assistant work experience: the pulse of your career, include the relevant key skills that make you a great medical assistant, detail your education & relevant medical assistant certifications, pick the right resume layout and design for a medical assistant resume, what type of salary you can expect as a medical assistant.

A medical assistant resume is the lifeblood of your job search. A clear and compelling message will get you to your goal—a great new job—stat! A low-energy, understated resume could leave you in the waiting room. Take charge of your career with a medical assistant resume that gets recruiters’ hearts pumping.

How can a resume make that much difference? By clearly and dynamically presenting your qualifications and professionalism.

As a healthcare professional, you know that patients, especially ill ones, may make quick judgments on the quality of their care. If that judgment is negative, they may not return. A resume for a medical assistant is like that first visit to a new doctor—the first impression may be the last. Don’t let a great opportunity pass you by. Make the most of every application with a resume that compels HR to take notice.

Resume guide for a medical assistant resume

Fill your prescription for success with Resume.io. Our guides and resume examples cover over 500 professions, and our resume builder makes creating a dynamic resume easier than ever.

This resume guide and corresponding medical assistant resume example will cover the following:

How to write a medical assistant resume

• How to add your professional contact information
• Using summaries to your advantage
• Adding your medical assistant experience
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the medical assistant market looks like and what salary you can expect

Every medical assistant resume sample will be different, as every medical assistant is unique. However, they should all contain certain common elements. Your resume should contain the following sections:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Within each section, you are adding evidence of the value you bring to each clinic, hospital or practice in which you have worked. In other words, you are selling yourself to your prospective employer. Just as each resume is different, each healthcare environment is different. To make the best case that you are the right person for the job, you need to know what the employer needs. Do your due diligence to discover the demographics of patients, their needs, what the exact role of the medical assistant is at that workplace and how your skills will fit in. Armed with that information, you can best showcase your value proposition .

The tips below offer a blueprint for focusing the message of your resume.

• Speak directly to each employer by customizing your document. You may need to reorganize the bullet points in your employment history, switch out a skill or rewrite your summary to aim at the qualities within the job description.
• Emphasize achievements rather than responsibilities. Tell what you did, but also the results of your actions. Did you reduce patient wait time? Specialize in calming nervous patients? Increase efficiency in exam room setup? Be as specific as possible, using data when appropriate.
• Be intentional with the design of your resume to project the image of a professional and organized medical assistant.
• Pay attention to keywords within the job ad to increase your chances of overcoming the ATS.

The Applicant Tracking System hurdle

Whenever you apply online, you are inputting your information into an ATS , an application designed to help HR organize and vet resumes. They use keywords and phrases pegged to the job to choose which resumes get seen by a person.

To help you pass this gatekeeper, review the job ad and insert relevant words into your resume. For example, if the job ad says:

“Must haves:

• 1 year of experience urgent care clinic
• Completion of accredited medical assistant program
• Excellent patient communication”

There are several places you can place this information. Your summary could say:

“Medical assistant with one year of urgent care experience post completion of accredited medical assistant program. Excellent communication skills with patients and colleagues, knowledge of sterilization best practices and ability to triage.”

Also include your experience in your work history section, your program completion in your education section, and your patient communication in your skills section.

Medical assistants must be organized, neat and efficient. Those traits translate into a resume that contains crisp lines, clear section separations and clarity.

To best show off these attributes in a medical assistant resume with experience, use the reverse chronological order format. Below is an example of this format.

If you are beginning your career, or have made a career change, a functional or hybrid format may work better because either provides the flexibility to focus your resume on transferable skills or education.

Our resume builder offers many choices in different styles, all of which can be personalized. Within these styles, we also have options of all three formats available as resume examples .

Because medical assistants must present a professional and efficient image at all times in their healthcare environment, we recommend choosing one of our professional layouts .

A header that clearly states your contact information, without including unnecessary details, serves two purposes: 1. to allow HR to reach out without difficulty and 2. to add a design element to your medical assistant resume.

Here are the details you need to include (and how) plus a few to leave out:

• Full name and title. List your first and last name. Use the title of the role you are pursuing.
• Professional email address. Use a clean format like [email protected] . Don’t use a quirky, unprofessional email address.
• Phone number. List a number where you can be readily contacted, with a professional voicemail greeting.
• Location. List only your city and state . Don’t list street address or zip code. It’s both outdated and unsafe. Note 'Willing to Relocate' here if applicable.
• LinkedIn. If your LinkedIn profile is active, relevant, and shows your sales network, include it here.

Don’t include:

• Date of birth. Not necessary and could potentially lead to age discrimination .
• Personal details. Marital status, social security number, passport number , etc.

Meredith Qualley

Hospital Medical Assistant

[email protected]

(404) 462-0005

Milwaukee, WI

Medical Assistant extraordinaire

Instagram: mmmmmmmmSTAT

Do you greet each patient with a personal message such as “Good morning, Ms. Smith? I see you’re here for a physical. Anything in particular we should pay attention to?” This greeting demonstrates that you know your patients and are attentive to their needs.

The 2-3 sentence summary of your resume serves the same purpose. It demonstrates that you are familiar with the healthcare setting and are attentive to the employer’s needs, but it has the added function of highlighting the achievements and attributes that make you an excellent fit for the opening. 

Use concise phrases and strong action words such as counseled, treated, assisted, sterilized, prepped or monitored to describe your achievements.

A summary is not a repetition of your work history bullet items in sentence form. Instead, it showcases the very best of your career and illustrates your professional personality. This where you can say that you are detail-oriented and precise, but place emphasis on patient relationships or that you excel at calming nervous children. Don’t neglect administrative tasks like your efficient scheduling or data collection.

Rework your summary for each application

The summary is the perfect spot on your resume to speak directly to each employer. Choose a career accomplishment that best meshes with the skills each one seeks. Without crossing the line to misrepresentation, you may also choose to highlight different aspects of your professional personality to fit the culture and needs of the healthcare setting.

Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our related resumes: 

• Lactation Consultant
• Epidemiologist
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Health Care Administration
• Nursing Student
• Endodontist
• Nursing Home
• Occupational Therapist
• Behavioral Therapist
• Psychologist
• Art Therapist
• Audiologist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Child Psychologist
• Medical Support Assistant
• Medical Social Worker
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physician Assistant
• Optometrist
• Physical Therapist
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Sonographer
• Psychotherapist
• Medical Science Liaison
• Dental Assistant

You can find adaptable medical assistant resume examples summary below:

Medical assistant program graduate dedicated to providing quality and comfortable patient care. Proficient in vital sign assessment, specimen collection and assisting with exams. Solid foundation in healthcare best practices and procedures. Excellent communication skills and empathetic nature.

Versatile medical assistant with 5 years of experience in a fast-paced, multi-specialty practice with focus on empathetic treatment of patients. Skilled in clinical procedures such as EKGs, blood draws and injections and administrative tasks. Streamlined patient intake process to reduce appointment times by average of 5 minutes each. 

Skilled medical assistant with 10+ years in hospital and clinic settings. Attentive to patients’ emotional states while providing assistance to physicians and nurses. Led team of 10 assistants and trained new employees to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and protocols. Proficient in EMR management and inventory control.

Using reverse chronological order, list each job, job title, the location and the dates of your tenure in the employment history section of your medical assistant resume. Then, consider what you achieved and your value add to your employer in each position.

Your goal is to build a story of career success through bullet items that show off your successes and how they improved medical care or saved time or money for the practice. Begin each item with a strong action you took and follow it with your results. Get specific and use data and details wherever possible.

Listing job duties will make your resume sound like a generic job description. A resume needs to distinguish you from the crowd. These basic bullet items are a mere list of tasks:

• Collected patient data
• Took vital signs
• Assisted doctors with exams

Can you tell anything about the medical assistant who wrote that job description? A dynamic work history section goes far beyond listing responsibilities to enticing HR by showing how you use your skills to improve the practice and patient satisfaction.

Here are improved versions that still include the tasks performed:

• Developed online patient data and achieved 90% compliance, reducing crowding in waiting room and time before patient saw doctor by average of 6 minutes.
• Collected, recording and evaluated vital signs including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate of average of 40 patients per day.
• Prepared exam rooms, provided necessary equipment and assisted patients in positioning and comfort.

Use the STAR method as a framework

When writing your employment successes, you may start off with the situation you faced, tell what your task was and the action you took. Follow that up with your results. If relevant, you may add a reflection.

Take a look at the medical assistant  employment history resume sample below:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Sunrise Senior Living, Denver  June 2018 - Present 

• Provide compassionate care to elderly residents, assisting with daily living activities and personal hygiene
• Monitor and record residents' vital signs, dietary intake, and changes in health status
• Collaborate with healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans

Medical Assistant Externship at Health Medical Center, Denver  January 2018 - April 2018 

• Assisted physicians and nurses with patient care, including taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and administering medications
• Performed routine laboratory tests and documented results in electronic health records (EHR)
• Educated patients on treatment plans, medication instructions, and preventive care measures

How to write a medical assistant resume with no experience

The keys to developing a resume with no medical assistant experience lie in your transferable skills , or the skills that you have demonstrated in other jobs or positions of responsibility that apply to working in a healthcare setting.

Have you always been interested in helping others? Perhaps you babysat or helped an older neighbor with chores or shopping. That makes you empathetic, caring and communicative. If you worked an afterschool job at a fast food restaurant, you have demonstrated responsibility, ability to follow procedure and health and safety standards and time management.

Use your summary to focus on why you want to begin your career in medical assisting and the skills you learned in your certification program. Include any jobs with transferable skills in your employment history section, but consider using a functional or hybrid format to play up your education. 

At first glance, the skills section seems like an easy one to put together, but it needs to be well thought out because it tells recruiters if you have what they are looking for and what you think are the most important attributes for the job.

The best medical assistant resume skills lists blend hard and soft skills to develop a complete picture of your professional abilities as well as demeanor. Hard skills , the technical proficiencies necessary to perform your duties, may include: CPR, phlebotomy, vital sign assessment, safety and privacy regulations, knowledge of anatomy and electronic medical records systems 

Patients and medical staff may be more concerned with your soft skills . Empathy, communication , customer service, teamwork, adaptability and stress management are the soft skills that will make you a welcome face around any healthcare establishment. 

To guide you in curating this section, our resume builder suggests pre-written key skills to choose from. You may also set the proficiency range for each. This section is also fully customizable.

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our medical assistant resume template. 

Key Skills and Proficiencies

Saying you are an excellent communicator is a start, but provide examples of your skills throughout your resume. For example:

• Active listening by describing a time you helped a patient by paying careful attention to their description of their pain
• Problem-solving by telling how you resolved a scheduling error that caused a doctor to be overbooked
• Attention to safety procedures by detailing how you sterilize and clean an exam room.

The best method of discovering what your prospective employer values is to review the job description with care.

Medical assistants need a high school diploma or its equivalent and completion of  a post-graduate medical assistant program, most of which take six months to a year. The education section of a resume for a medical assistant lists these accomplishments in reverse chronological order.

If you have been on the job for a few years, you may have other accomplishments that may be listed here. They include:

• Training and certification. Certification in any medical procedures, advanced training, courses or workshops.
• Ongoing education. If you are working toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a medical subject, add your program and expected date of graduation.
• Professional development. Any professional organizations or seminars that advance your medical knowledge or administrative abilities.

For entry-level workers, consider giving more weight to your skills and education by moving your employment history section down the page.

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, Community College, Denver  August 2016 - May 2018

Your scrubs are always crisp and clean, your personal appearance neat and you greet patients with a smile. The exam rooms sparkle and every instrument is in its place. You project an image of professionalism, friendliness and organization. 

The design of your resume needs to do the same. Remember that first impression counts, so you want the hiring manager to take notice because your sleek, easy-to-read resume reflects the qualities they seek in a medical assistant.

Unless you are applying to work in a pediatric practice, avoid any images and bright colors. Color is unnecessary, but if you choose to use it, stick with a muted tone.

A medical assistant resume should stick to the basics to avoid any hint of clutter or fuss. Choose a modern, easy-to-read font for your text with an opposing, bold font for section titles. Your name should be the most noticeable text on the page. We suggest one of or many simple layouts from among the field-tested resume templates we offer.

These templates take your focus off formatting and other technical details so you can hone in on your content and get your resume out there faster.

Medical assistant text-only resume example

To obtain a position as a Medical Assistant where I can utilize my clinical skills, patient care experience, and passion for healthcare to provide exceptional support to patients and healthcare professionals. With my strong background in medical assisting and commitment to delivering high-quality care, I am excited to contribute to the success of a healthcare organization.

Employment history

• Communication Skills
• Medical Terminology
• HIPAA regulations and infection control protocols
• Electronic health records
• CPR and First Aid certified

Medical assistant job market and outlook

The aging population continues to fuel rapid growth in the healthcare industry and that includes medical assistants. Healthcare hiring hit a 30-year peak in 2023. That means more new opportunities for trained workers.

• About 105,900 new jobs for medical assistants are projected over the next decade.
• LinkedIn listed more than 17,000 medical assistant jobs in March 2024.
• Physicians are the largest employers of medical assistants.

Medical assistants earn a median salary of $38,270. Those working in outpatient care centers earned $42,820; those in hospitals earned $40,060; physicians’ offices, $37,970; and other health practitioners, $35,070.

Key takeaways for building a medical assistant resume

Medical assistants perform valuable functions in all healthcare settings To make the most of your training, your resume needs to project an image of competence, organization and empathy along with detailing your medical and administrative knowledge. Customize each application to highlight the skills and traits that best suit each job description.

Our online resume builder will help you step into the market faster so you can land your next great job.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates