Question 1

What certifications should be on a medical assistant resume?

Accepted Answer

Include your primary medical assistant certification (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) prominently, along with BLS/CPR certification, which most employers require. Add any specialty certifications relevant to your target role, such as phlebotomy certification, EKG technician certification, or specialized training in areas like dermatology or ophthalmology procedures.

Question 2

How long should a medical assistant resume be?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level to mid-career medical assistants (0-10 years experience), keep your resume to one page. Experienced medical assistants with 10+ years or extensive specialized experience may extend to two pages, but ensure every line adds value. Healthcare recruiters typically spend only seconds on initial resume review, so conciseness matters.

Question 3

Should I include my medical assistant externship on my resume?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially for entry-level candidates. List your externship under "Clinical Experience" or "Relevant Experience" and treat it like a job entry with bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements. Include the number of hours completed, types of procedures performed, and any specific accomplishments during your externship.

Question 4

What's the difference between a resume objective and professional summary for medical assistants?

Accepted Answer

A resume objective focuses on your career goals and is best for entry-level candidates or career changers: "Recent CMA graduate seeking to apply clinical skills in a family practice setting." A professional summary highlights your experience and achievements, suited for experienced candidates: "Certified Medical Assistant with 7+ years in urgent care, expert in high-volume patient management and emergency procedures."

Question 5

How do I make my medical assistant resume stand out?

Accepted Answer

Quantify your achievements with specific metrics (number of patients, accuracy rates, efficiency improvements), include relevant certifications and specialized training, tailor your resume to match each job description's specific requirements, and use achievement-focused bullet points rather than generic responsibility lists. Demonstrating impact on patient care or clinic operations makes you memorable.

Question 6

What EHR systems should I list on my medical assistant resume?

Accepted Answer

List specific EHR systems you've used (Epic, Cerner, Meditech, Athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, NextGen) rather than just "EHR experience." Include your proficiency level if you're particularly skilled with a system. Many job descriptions specifically require experience with certain EHR platforms, and ATS systems scan for these keywords.

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