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Medical Assistant Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 17 January 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Medical Assistant interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you make a patient feel comfortable when they are having a procedure? See answer
  2. How do you stay organised within a busy multi-practitioner clinic? See answer
  3. What experience do you have with preparing medical reports and referrals? See answer
  4. What formal education have you completed relevant to being a medical assistant? See answer
  5. What experience do you have using electronic health records software? See answer
  6. In your opinion, what is the most critical skill of a successful medical assistant? See answer
  7. How do you maintain confidentiality when handling patients at the front desk? See answer
  8. Describe a time when you had an angry patient. See answer
  9. How do you contribute to the success of the medical team? See answer
  10. How do you feel about handling front desk duties, such as answering phones and booking appointments? See answer
  11. Describe a time you disagreed with a colleague. See answer
  12. How do you communicate with a patient who has a language barrier? See answer
  13. What is it about our clinic that made you apply for the medical assistant position? See answer
  14. Describe your experience at taking a patient’s vital signs.
  15. Describe the most challenging physician you’ve assisted.
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Hire your next Medical Assistant today.

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Hire your next Medical Assistant today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Medical Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

How do you make a patient feel comfortable when they are having a procedure?

A medical assistant may assist the physician during in-office procedures. The question's goal is to evaluate how the candidate creates a safe and comfortable environment for the patient. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and create a safe environment for the patient
  • Communication skills to provide information to the patient about what to expect
  • Sensitivity to the diversity of patients and appropriate accommodations
Example:

'I start by calling the patient by name and making small talk to build rapport. I put them at ease by explaining what they can expect during the procedure and that I will be there as support.'

How do you stay organised within a busy multi-practitioner clinic?

Medical assistants work in various office settings, such as individual doctors or multi-practitioner clinics. The question's goal is to determine how the candidate maintains organisation and time management within a busy practice. What to look for in an answer:

  • Organisational skills to keep track of patients
  • Time management skills to maintain an efficient schedule
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving to minimise issues as they arise
Example:

'Every morning when I arrive at the clinic, the first thing I do is review the patient appointments for that day. I quickly familiarise myself with who is coming in, which doctor they are seeing, and the reason for their visit. I often carry a notepad with me throughout the day to keep track of which patient is in which room.'

Describe your experience at taking a patient's vital signs.

A medical assistant will update the patient's record with current statistics, such as blood pressure, heart rate and weight. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's experience with taking vital signs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Proficiency with essential medical equipment, such as a heart monitor, blood pressure cuff, and weight scale
  • Attention to detail to record all patient information accurately
  • Interpersonal skills to interact with patients respectfully
Example:

'I have several years of experience taking patient vital signs in a clinical setting. I am comfortable completing blood pressure measurements manually or with an automated pressure cuff, taking heart rate, weight and height. I also am comfortable gathering other basic information, such as diabetic information.'

What experience do you have with preparing medical reports and referrals?

A medical assistant typically completes administrative paperwork on behalf of physicians, such as doctor referrals, insurance records and worker's compensation reports. The question's goal is to determine the candidate's level of experience completing medical reports and paperwork. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to read and write with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Organisational skills to complete reports and records within required timeframes
  • Ability to gather information from a patient's medical records to complete forms
Example:

'In my previous position, I handled all worker's compensation paperwork for the clinic. I am also familiar with completing referral letters and copying patient records for insurance claims.'

What formal education have you completed relevant to being a medical assistant?

Depending on the state or territory, a medical assistant may require specialised post-secondary education. The goal of the question is to determine what formal training the candidate has completed. What to look for in an answer:

  • Medical assistant education or equivalent experience, based on the state or territory of your practice
  • Willingness to continue professional development and training
  • Ability to adapt experiences to the current situation
Example:

'I received my Certificate III in Health Services Assistance from Wavewood TAFE. I have valid certificates in AED, CPR, and first aid.'

What experience do you have using electronic health records software?

Most clinics and medical offices keep electronic health records (EHR) with specific medical software instead of paper files. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's experience with EHR software specific to your organisation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Basic computer knowledge and skills
  • Organisation-specific EHR software experience, as required
  • Ability to adapt experiences to the current situation
Example:

'I have experience using a few different electronic health records software. For example, in my current position, the clinic uses Accuro. Before that, I gained experience using MicroQuest. Many of the software platforms are similar for use as a medical assistant.'

In your opinion, what is the most critical skill of a successful medical assistant?

There are many essential skills and abilities for a successful medical assistant. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's opinion of the position's most critical skill. What to look for in an answer:

  • Solid foundation of a medical assistant's duties and responsibilities
  • Communication skills to express thoughts and ideas effectively
  • Critical thinking and analysis to determine their top skill
Example:

'The most critical skill of a successful medical assistant is flexibility. Being able to adapt to whatever situation presents itself and the flexibility to do whatever needs to be done. For example, one minute you may book a patient's appointment and the next minute you are assisting a doctor with finding medical records.'

Describe the most challenging physician you've assisted.

A medical assistant needs to work professionally with various health care professionals. The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's interpersonal skills when handling a challenging colleague. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain calm and self-regulate emotions
  • Communication skills to ask questions and listen actively to gain understanding
  • Interpersonal skills to interact respectfully with others and remain professional
Example:

'The most challenging physician I've assisted was a young doctor who just completed their residency. They presented themselves as having something to prove. I didn't take personal offence to their conduct and instead offered additional support to them to minimise their stress and workload. Because of my positive attitude, we developed a strong professional relationship built on mutual respect.'

How do you maintain confidentiality when handling patients at the front desk?

A medical assistant handles patients at the front desk, and maintaining confidentiality is essential. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate deals with patients while protecting privacy. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of typical privacy guidelines within a clinical setting
  • Communication skills to discuss private matters confidentially
  • Organisational skills to have space to take patients aside when talking about personal concerns
Example:

'When handling patients at the front desk, I watch the volume of my voice when discussing contact information and other details. If there is a private matter, I will take the patient aside into an examination to speak confidentially with them.'

Describe a time when you had an angry patient.

As with any opportunity for personal interaction, a medical assistant may need to handle angry or upset patients. The goal of the question is to evaluate how the candidate handles an angry or hostile patient. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills to ask questions and listen actively to understand the issue
  • Ability to remain calm and self-regulate emotions
  • Ability to diffuse conflict and hostile situations respectfully
Example:

'The most memorable patient I've had to handle was an elderly person who was very upset. They were angry because of the wait time to see the doctor. To defuse the situation, I took them into an exam room and sat with them. I asked them questions about their life, and once I showed a genuine interest in them, they settled down and became more amiable.'

How do you contribute to the success of the medical team?

A medical assistant is an integral part of the medical team in any clinic or practice. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's perspective on how their role contributes to the team's success. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the medical assistant position
  • Interpersonal skills to develop professional relationships with coworkers
  • Awareness of how all the positions within a medical health care facility work together to provide patient care
Example:

'As a medical assistant, it is my responsibility to assist the doctors and other health care professionals in any legal capacity in benefiting patient care. Whether it is cleaning up a room, booking a follow-up appointment or transcribing notes, it is my job to take care of the details. This is how I contribute to the overall success of the team.'

How do you feel about handling front desk duties, such as answering phones and booking appointments?

A medical assistant needs to be comfortable working at the front desk and completing administrative tasks. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's experience and willingness to complete administrative duties. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience working at the front desk and interacting with patients in person and over the phone
  • Communication skills to express thoughts effectively
  • Organisational skills to manage front desk duties, such as filing, booking appointments, and answering phone calls
Example:

'I am very familiar with front desk duties and enjoy interacting with patients in that capacity. I am used to working with a multiple line phone system and am comfortable booking appointments and referral visits.'

Describe a time you disagreed with a colleague.

The goal of the question is to evaluate how the candidate handles conflict with a coworker. It also allows you to assess their communication and interpersonal skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain calm and self-regulate emotions during difficult situations
  • Communication skills to ask questions and listen actively to understand others
  • Ability to resolve conflict respectfully with no mediation
Example:

'One example I can remember was a coworker who wanted to sign a document on a doctor's behalf. This made me uncomfortable, as I felt they didn't have the authority. The doctor intimidated them, and they didn't want to approach them for their signature. As a result, I expressed my concerns to my coworker, and I offered to ask the doctor to review the document and sign it.'

How do you communicate with a patient who has a language barrier?

There may be times when a patient cannot communicate effectively. The question's goal is to evaluate how the candidate deals with communication barriers, such as loss of speech, medical impairment or hearing disorders. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain patient and compassionate with all patients
  • Communication skills to use other options when needed, such as writing, pictures, and sign language
  • Interpersonal skills to assist patients in communicating and being treated with respect
Example:

'When I'm dealing with a patient who has a communication barrier, I try to find the best option to communicate with them. Sometimes, I have had to write things out for them. Other times, I will use diagrams or pictograms. I also know a small amount of sign language.'

What is it about our clinic that made you apply for the medical assistant position?

The question's goal is to determine what research the candidate completed about the organisation before attending the interview. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills to express thoughts and ideas effectively
  • Interpersonal skills to build rapport with the interviewer
  • Ability and willingness to research as required
Example:

'The reason I applied to your medical clinic is that the wide range of specialities you offer excited me. I find it intriguing to work with a variety of specialised doctors and other health care practitioners in a professional environment.'

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