Successful Medical Assistants need to be able to work in a fast-paced environment that requires simultaneous use of all the skills, abilities and knowledge listed below!

1. What knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed?
   1. The charts to the right show the top five knowledge, skills, and abilities that are important to employers. Students considering employment opportunities as Medical Assistants can determine whether they have the interest and background that make a good fit for this occupation. Medical Assistants are expected to actively help people, and therefore they must be neat and well groomed, courteous, and pleasant. Medical Assistants must be able to put patients at ease, explain physicians’ instructions, and respect the confidential nature of medical information. They are also required to have a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform clinical duties.
2. What if I am considering educational opportunities in this occupation?
   1. Medical Assistants must be knowledgeable and have a good understanding of the English language. Other helpful courses are: mathematics, health, biology, computers, and office skills.

Knowledge

An understanding of facts or principles relating to a particular subject area.

• English Language 75
• Customer and Personal Services 69
• Medicine and Dentistry 64
• Clerical 56
• Therapy & Counseling 47

Numeric scores represent the degree of importance in performing this job. 75-100 = very important 25-49 = somewhat important 50-74 = important 0-24 = not important

Skills

The use of knowledge required to perform a job. Skills are developed through practical experience and training.

• Active Listening 87
• Speaking 79
• Social Perceptiveness 79
• Instructing 78
• Reading Comprehension 75

Abilities

The capacity to perform various tasks related to a job based on skills and knowledge.

• Oral Comprehension 88
• Oral Expression 85
• Speech Clarity 78
• Near Vision 72
• Problem Sensitivity 69