Thanks to the accelerated pace of technological change, there’s another reason for becoming a medical assistant. It’s a reason that did not — and could not — exist a generation ago.

The reason? The opportunity to become a virtual medical assistant. As a virtual medical assistant, there’s no insurmountable barrier to supporting a practice anywhere in the country.

Virtual Medical Assistant Duties

Virtual medical assistants can handle more responsibilities than you may think, including:

• Reviewing or creating various reports using Microsoft Excel
• Submitting/reporting patient information to health plans via their portals as directed
• Developing and maintaining positive client relationships
• Creating presentations for physician-led seminars or similar events
• Editing, writing, or transcribing notes
• … and more

Getting Started on Becoming a Virtual Medical Assistant

There are several steps you can take immediately to begin laying the groundwork to get clients for your role as a virtual medical assistant. They include:

Networking. This may involve identifying members of the medical community with whom your friends and family — the people within your sphere of influence — can put you in touch. It could also include attending local healthcare events. Focus on the events you can attend without paying an admission fee.

Get “Linked.” If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, now is a good time to create one. Just as you personalize a resume for the job you want, gear your LinkedIn profile toward virtual medical assistant roles. Highlight your most relevant qualifications.

Tout What You Already Know. If you don’t feel you have many relevant qualifications, focus on your computer-based skills, such as Microsoft Office. Make sure you don’t overlook any transferable skills you bring to the table. Those might include previous customer service roles and commendations from former employers.

Expanding Your Online Profile. Consider creating a healthcare or tech-related blog, participating in career-specific online forums, or curating compelling news articles and sharing URLs on LinkedIn. (You HAVE already created a profile there, right?)

Learning New Skills. Many local libraries offer introductory in-person courses for computer-based programs, online training resources, or both. And more often than not, they are either inexpensive or free. For example, library systems offering online Lynda.com training give you access to courses on project management, customer service, and personal branding.

Get Belly-to-Belly. In business parlance, B2B stands for “business to business.” In your case, though, B2B should stand for “belly-to-belly.” Visit local healthcare practices and speak with either a physician or office manager about what are the most important skills a virtual medical assistant should have. This is a great two-fer: you’re getting vital insider information and meeting people at the same time!

One More BIG Step

The more you know, the better you’ll be able to market yourself in the virtual medical assistant realm. Phlebotomy Career Training is a great place to pick up that knowledge, thanks to schedules both in-person and online that fit your schedule.

Courses in, for example, Medical Coding and Billing and Medication Aide may be just the help you need to build out your bona fides and put you on clients’ radars!