MockQuestions

Medical Assistant Mock Interview

34 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Medical Assistant interview, here are 34 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

34 Medical Assistant Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   How long have you been a medical assistant?

How to Answer

Length of experience will help an interviewer determine what strengths you may have and what area your skills may be most well utilized. Rather than just giving a specific amount of time, also share what your primary responsibilities have been during that time.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"I just recently became a medical assistant. I love caring for others and am really looking forward to learning more and growing in this role."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"I have been a medical assistant for X years. The majority of my experience as a medical assistant has been working in a physician's office."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Experienced

"I have been a medical assistant for X years. I initially began my medical career as a medical secretary. While I did enjoy that work, I really wanted to find something that allowed me to have a more hands-on role with patients. I really enjoy being able to be actively involved with the care of others."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

2.   Can you give me an example of one of the most difficult things you've faced as a medical assistant, and how did you handle it?

How to Answer

Medical assistants often perform a great deal of clinical patient care and, therefore, come across difficult cases. With this question, the interviewer wants to know that you are capable of handling the stress that come with handling difficult situations. It's OK to share a personal experience/example, but remember to only use information that will not risk compromising the integrity of a patient's right to privacy.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Answer Example

"One of the most difficult things for me is when I am caring for someone who has no family or friends to visit or offer emotional support. Seeing patients who are sick and struggling is hard, but when they don't have anyone to visit or offer care and support to them, it often makes the situation so much harder. This is one reason that many patients seem to lose hope and stop fighting to become better. When I have a situation like this, I always try to prioritize my time and duties so that I can spend any extra time with those patients. Being able to offer support and show compassion to someone is a great feeling, and patients do appreciate the effort."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Experienced

"When I first became a medical assistant, I had a patient who came into the clinic thinking he may have pneumonia. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. It was a very stressful time for the patient and his family. With the cancer being so far progressed when he received his diagnosis, his prognosis was not good. He chose not to attempt any treatment. I learned quickly that being a compassionate ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on are very important characteristics for any healthcare professional to possess. I spent as much time with him and his family as I could without neglecting my other patients. It was a very sobering experience for me as a new medical assistant to realize just how quickly a person's life can change with one diagnosis."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

3.   Do you have experience working with electronic health records?

How to Answer

With the advances in medical management, employers like to hire employees who like to stay current with those changes. While you may not be required to have a knowledge of EHRs prior to being hired, showing an interest and willingness to learn is also a plus. If you do have experience with EHRs, be sure to mention some of the types of records you have worked on or training that you may have received.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"During my training to become a medical assistant, we used a simulation EHR software that contains many of the same elements as the commercially-used software. At my internship, the office used eClinicalWorks, so I had some exposure to that program, as well."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"I do have experience working with electronic health records. While different facilities may use different types of EHRs, overall programs are very similar. I have to say that I do like the fact that we can now use EHRs to store patient information. It makes it much easier to retrieve information and transmit it, when needed."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

4.   If you could give advice to someone who is considering a career as a medical assistant, what would you tell them?

How to Answer

The old saying 'Hindsight is 20/20' is something many people say is true. This question gives you an opportunity to show how you have grown and what kind of wisdom you may pass on to someone who is coming into this career after you.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"I would have to say, 'If you feel like you want to specialize in one area and then change your mind, go with it. We all have that special calling in our life. We just have to listen for it.'"

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"If I could give advice to someone considering a career as a medical assistant, I would say, 'Be open to changes and unexpected discoveries.' I started college thinking I may pursue a career in nursing. However, like many other things in life, things took a turn and I have had opportunities to work in many different specialty areas."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Experienced

"I would encourage anyone who is beginning a career as a medical assistant to remember to care for themselves as much as they do their patients. It is very easy to get caught up in day-to-day work and forget that our physical and emotional well-being is just as important. I would tell them that this is a great career path with many opportunities to grow and learn."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

5.   Are you willing to work, nights, weekends, holidays, or overtime if needed?

How to Answer

Being flexible with the schedule you are willing to work is always a plus. However, many people work more than one job or have a one parent home which requires them to have a flexible schedule. Others simply prefer to work one shift rather than another. Being upfront with the interviewer about what schedule suits your preference could help prevent conflict later on. It is easier to plan a schedule you can agree on than it is to fix problems that arise due to fear of being rejected. Be honest and direct.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"While I am not unopposed to working overtime or extended schedules such as holidays, I would like to have the opportunity to spend time with small children, as well."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"I am not married and have no children at this time. So, I am pretty flexible with my schedule. If I had a choice, I would prefer the late shift, as I am a bit of a night owl. However, I am excited about the opportunity to become a part of this team and am willing to work where I'm needed."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Experienced

"Yes, I am prepared to work that type of schedule. My family and I always plan special events around my work schedule. Also, part of us giving back has always been that I like to offer to work some extra time for those who have small children or other responsibilities."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

6.   Being a medical assistant often involves physical exertion, as patients may have to be transferred or lifted, or equipment moved. Are you capable of meeting the physical requirements of this job?

How to Answer

The medical profession can be physically demanding. Standing and walking for long stretches, assisting in lifting patients and staying awake for long periods of time are some of the physical demands of the job. Being aware of the physical demands required of a medical assistant and knowing how to handle those tasks while protecting yourself is important. Tell the interviewer that you understand the physical demands and don't forget to mention ways that you provide self-care.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"I understand that while working as a medical assistant I will be asked to perform activities that require physical exertion. I always practice good body mechanics to help prevent injury to my patients or myself."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"Through my career, I have spent many long hours on my feet and working shifts at non-traditional times. To be able to do this with ease, I have worked hard to be in the best physical shape that I can be by exercising on a regular basis, eating healthy and getting ample amounts of sleep each night."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Experienced

"I learned early in my career to exercise and take good care of myself. Being in shape is important to me and has helped me when it comes to lifting and transferring patients or equipment."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

7.   Have you ever had a patient be combative toward you? If so, how did you handle the situation?

How to Answer

Unfortunately, there are times when a patient may be more difficult to care for than others. The interviewer wants to know that, when faced with this type of situation, you will be able to maintain your composure and handle the incident professionally.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"I have not had a patient become combative toward me yet. I would like to think that, if/when I am faced with a situation like that, I will remain calm and try to get to the source of the aggression. Many times people act out in fear and if I can be patient enough to find out what is really going on, perhaps I can help my patient overcome that fear and be more at ease, not only with me, but with all of the care team."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"I think any healthcare provider who has worked very long in this profession will tell you that, at one time or another, he/she has had a patient who was not very cooperative. I had a patient throw his food tray at me once. While I was not happy about having oatmeal all over my outfit, I took a minute and talked to the patient to find out what was really going on. I found out that the patient had reported an allergy to oatmeal and had asked the nurse the day before to make sure that dietary knew of the allergy. When he received his breakfast tray, he became upset and threw it at the first person he saw. I cleaned the mess, ordered him a new tray, and noted his chart of the allergy. He was later apologetic."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

8.   Have you ever considered going back to school to further your degree?

How to Answer

One of the great things about working in the medical field is that there are almost no limits to the number of specialties one can work in. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The interviewer may ask this for more than one reason: Some employers offer incentives for employees who qualify to go back to school, others like to know what your education goals are so that they can place you in a position that would benefit you both while giving you an opportunity to pursue your education goals.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"I have always wanted a career in the medical field. I chose to become a medical assistant because it offered me the opportunity to have both administrative and clinical roles within the industry. At this point, I have no plans of changing my career path."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"At different times, I have considered furthering my education and becoming a nurse anesthetist. However, right now, I am content with where I am in my career. I enjoy the hands on care that I am able to give to my patients as a medical assistant. While there may come a time when I decide to go back to school, I don't foresee that in the immediate future."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Experienced

"I never considered going back to school to get a higher degree or to make a change in my career. Many of the people I went to college with went back to school to get different certifications or degrees. For me, though, I enjoy the role of being a medical assistant and caregiver to my patients. It takes all of us to make a good team, and I am happy with the choice I made to become a medical assistant."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

9.   If you could change anything about the role of a medical assistant, what would it be?

How to Answer

We all have ideas about ways to make things better. Whether it's ways to organize a home or office, or things that we can do to make the job easier, your opinion is important. Share your thoughts on things that could make the role of a medical assistant easier, or to help you provide care more efficiently.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"I am a new medical assistant and don't feel like I have enough experience to say what I would like to change for a medical assistant's role. I look forward to learning and growing in this role, and in time, bring some positive things to the healthcare team, as a whole."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"I love being a medical assistant. I'm sure there are days that we all wish things would run a little more smoothly. For me, I would like to see my role as a medical assistant to be more clinical than administrative. While I am comfortable with the administrative responsibilities, like charting and communicating with outside sources, I really enjoy the one on one interaction that the clinical side allows me to have with patients."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

10.   If a patient were to tell you that he does not agree with a doctor's orders, how would you respond?

How to Answer

An interviewer will often ask a question like this to see your response. It is OK to have an opinion. However, it is best to be very careful with how you respond to a patient's complaints. Feeding into a patient's feeling of negativity could cause a bigger problem to result. Remember, always listen to a patient's concerns, and then direct your thoughts/concerns to the appropriate person in a supervisory position. This type of question gives the interviewer a chance to see how you may handle a conflict.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"If a patient were to tell me that she disagrees with a doctor's order, I would ask her what her concerns are and bring that information to my supervisor's attention. While the issue may be a lack of understanding on my patient's part, it is always best to have someone in authority be able to address concerns, especially in the event that the physician should be contacted and the order reviewed."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"Many times patients say that they don't agree with a doctor's orders because they do not understand the order. If a patient were to tell me that he has a concern about an order, I would ask what the concern is first, to make sure he has an understanding of what the order is and why the physician chose it. If I can explain an order/procedure to a patient in a way that he can understand it, I will. If I feel like the patient's concern is not based on lack of knowledge, but that he truly disagrees with an order, I will tell him that I am going to speak to my supervisor so that his concerns can be addressed."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

11.   What would you do if a patient complained to you about a coworker's conduct toward him/her?

How to Answer

This question aims to test your knowledge of internal procedures used within healthcare establishments. While the exact protocol for this may be specific to the place you're applying, there are general rules that should be followed by all healthcare providers, no matter which facility you work in. It is important to explain that all complaints must be handled seriously and be directed to the appropriate member of staff so that appropriate action can be taken. Emphasise that patient concerns should never be ignored.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"I've never had a patient complain to me about one of my coworkers. If I were to be faced with this situation, I would assure the patient that I will talk to my supervisor so that he can help address the situation. I believe it is important to let a patient know that any concerns will be addressed, but to not 'choose sides,' as this can make the situation worse. I believe that leaving the responsibility of investigating the complaint with my supervisor is the most appropriate action to take."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"It is unfortunate that situations like this ever occur. However, when they do, patient safety and concerns should always be acknowledged. If a patient presented a complaint to me, I would notify my immediate supervisor and give him whatever information I have so that he can investigate the validity of any allegations and act accordingly."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

12.   Is there a type of patient or specific diagnosis that you find it more difficult to work with?

How to Answer

Behavioral issues and dual diagnosis, like a bipolar alcoholic, can make treatment extremely difficult. What can make treatment even more difficult are those who don't cooperate or follow through with the plan of care. Tell the interviewer about a particular situation or patient. Be sure to respect patient confidentiality when sharing any examples.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"I believe any medical professional will tell you, no matter what the diagnosis, if a client is not willing to learn about his diagnosis, ways to treat it, and to become active in a treatment plan, providing care is difficult. Clients make a choice daily whether or not to participate in their own plan of wellness."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"When a patient doesn't take responsibility to start making changes that are constructive in their life, I find these cases very difficult. I do my best to empower them, because ultimately they are the ones who have control over their health and wellness. However, if they choose not to do the work, no plan of care will be effective."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Experienced

"I have come across some difficult patients in my career as a medical assistant. I would say the most challenging patients are those who do not follow their treatment plan yet tell me that they are. It's hard to work around dishonesty so I gently remind these patients that the only person they are hurting is themselves."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

13.   Are you comfortable taking vital signs on patients?

How to Answer

The clinical role of a medical assistant often requires taking vital signs and documenting them in the patient chart, as well as reporting any abnormalities to the physician. The interviewer wants to know that you are comfortable with this important skill.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Entry Level

"Yes, I am comfortable with taking vital signs. In fact, I really enjoy working the triage area of the medical clinic where vital signs and patient history is taken. It gives me an opportunity to set the stage for what the patient can expect for the remainder of his visit, which is very important."

Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019

Answer Example

"In the early clinical stage of my education as a medical assistant, I was taught to take vital signs and what the norms should be for different age groups. I am very comfortable with taking vital signs."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

14.   How do you protect the confidentiality of patients?

How to Answer

Tell the interviewer what confidentiality means to you. In your training, you learned that there are many ways you could accidentally breach the confidentiality of your patients, including talking with other coworkers about experiences with patients or sharing stories about patients to others outside of work. Express how you take great care when handling patient records. Explain your awareness of confidentiality laws.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have a deep respect for a patient's privacy and would never think about violating that. It's a special bond that needs to be preserved in the medical field. I just think if that were me, or my family, with a medical issue, I would want absolute privacy and respect from the medical team."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

15.   What are your weaknesses?

How to Answer

Interviewers understand that we have weaknesses, and they want to hear that you understand yourself. Think of an area of your life that you are proactively working to improve, and openly share it. Perhaps your weakness is that you get nervous speaking in front of large groups of people. The key to this question is ensuring that you acknowledge your weakness and that you are taking steps to grow in this area. It shows the interviewer that you have initiative.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

Answer Example

"My biggest weakness is my lack of experience in medical billing. I know that would be a huge bonus if I were better trained in billing to work at your office. I do plan on taking evening classes to become proficient in billing. I hope your office would have a need for that in the future."

Written by Ryan Brown on May 5th, 2021

More Interview Practice

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant

Start Mock Interview

Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular Technologist

Start Mock Interview

Lindt and Sprungli Logo

Lindt and Sprungli

Start Mock Interview

Kaiser Permanente Logo

Kaiser Permanente

Start Mock Interview

Dignity Health Logo

Dignity Health

Start Mock Interview

Novartis Logo

Novartis

Start Mock Interview

UnitedHealth Group Logo

UnitedHealth Group

Start Mock Interview

The J. M. Smucker Company Logo

The J. M. Smucker Company

Start Mock Interview

Mercy Health Logo

Mercy Health

Start Mock Interview

Saputo Logo

Saputo

Start Mock Interview

Aetna Logo

Aetna

Start Mock Interview

Pfizer Logo

Pfizer

Start Mock Interview