Interviewing for a medical assistant role can be pretty intimidating and challenging. That’s why you must prepare ahead of time to stand out among other candidates.
One thing you must be ready for is to answer the question, “Why do you want to be a medical assistant?”.
You can answer this question with answers that show the interviewer you want to help others.
More specifically, you want to help patients get better while assisting doctors in performing at their best.
Besides that, you can also answer by sharing how the role will lead to other positions in the healthcare industry, how you love the fast-paced work environment, and how the role relates to your passion.
Read through this guide to learn some of the best answers and how they can help you during your interview.
Why Do You Want to Be a Medical Assistant Answers
You can answer the question, “Why do you want to be a medical assistant?” in several different ways.
However, always remember that there is no right or wrong answer, nor is there a ‘perfect’ answer.
Instead, you should focus on an answer that resonates with you the most.
That way, the interviewer will see that you’re being genuine when you tell them why you want the role.
Here are a few different ways to answer that question:
1. “I like to help others get better”
At the core of it all, medical work is about helping people feel better, regardless of the disease they’re struggling with.
Everyone does their part to help, whether directly or indirectly, in many roles, including that of a medical assistant.
As such, an excellent way to answer the question, “Why do you want to be a medical assistant?” is that you enjoy helping other people feel better.
That answer will help you communicate to your interviewer that you care about others and would like to improve their situation however you can.
See also: Medical Consultant Interview Questions
2. “I want to pursue a lifelong career in healthcare”
Quite often, the role of Medical Assistant can lead to other roles within the healthcare industry.
That’s because it’s an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and build your skills within the overall healthcare field.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that you view the medical assistant role as a starting point that you hope will lead to bigger responsibilities.
Using that as a way to answer the question, “Why do you want to be a medical assistant?” shows your interviewer that you’re someone with ambition and a long-term plan.
On top of that, it also demonstrates your commitment to the medical field overall.
See also: Medical Assistant Supervisor Interview Questions
3. “I enjoy working in a fast-paced healthcare environment”
Some people prefer job roles that are more relaxed and less turbulent. Meanwhile, others prefer working in challenging, fast-paced environments like the world of healthcare.
Suppose you’re the kind of person who loves working in a healthcare environment that’s fast-paced and demanding.
In that case, you should highlight that as your answer to “Why do you want to be a medical assistant?”.
Anyone in the healthcare environment, including your interviewer, knows that the industry is not for everyone.
So, you’ll stand out by highlighting how you genuinely enjoy the pace and demands of the industry.
That answer will help your interviewer understand that you understand the challenges ahead and are enthusiastic about embracing them head-on.
4. “I want to help doctors perform at their best”
The role of the medical assistant support doctors and other healthcare workers. Because of that, they play a critical role in the clinic or hospital by ensuring that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
That’s why you can tell the interviewer that you want to help doctors and other practitioners perform at their best when asked, “Why do you want to be a medical assistant?”.
That answer will demonstrate to the interviewer two essential things.
Firstly, it shows them you understand how the medical assistant role fits into the bigger picture of patient care.
More importantly, it also shows them that you’re a team player who will support others in giving patients the best care possible.
5. “My life experiences have given me a passion for healthcare”
Interviewers also appreciate it when candidates show them the role is personal to them.
They want to know that it’s not just a job and a paycheck to you and that you’ll give the best of yourself to the role.
Because of that, another excellent way to answer the question, “Why do you want to be a medical assistant?” is to tell them you have a passion for healthcare.
But, more importantly, you should explain how that passion results from a personal experience in your life.
For instance, healthcare workers might have helped you or a family member get better in the past.
Perhaps that experience caused you to appreciate healthcare, and that’s why you want to build a career in the field.
Share those experiences with the interviewer so they understand that the role resonates with you on a personal level.
How to Answer Why Do You Want to Be a Medical Assistant?
When you attend an interview to become a medical assistant, always remember that the answers you give are just as important as how you deliver them.
Here are a few ways to answer your interviewer more effectively:
Practice ahead of time:
The best answers are the ones that you practice beforehand.
So, remember to practice the possible questions and answers you’ll experience in the interview.
Answer slowly:
When answering the interviewer, do so slowly and calmly. There is no rush, so take a deep breath and speak clearly.
Think out loud:
Sometimes, it helps when you think out loud. Instead of preparing the answer in your head, start talking.
Doing so will help you process your thoughts better and develop a more compelling answer
Be flexible:
Always remember that there is no ‘perfect’ answer. So, don’t worry if your answer doesn’t come out the way you practiced. As mentioned above, think out loud and answer slowly.
The interviewer will understand you better that way.
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Conclusion: Why Do You Want To Be a Medical Assistant
The role of a medical assistant is vital in the healthcare field. So when an interviewer asks you, “Why do you want to be a medical assistant?” the best answers relate to your strengths, ambition, and passion for the field.
Stick with an answer that resonates strongly with you, and the interviewer will see that you genuinely want to help patients in that role.
Best of luck with your upcoming interview!
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