Chapter 57 PRACTICUM AND JOB SEARCH — Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering practicum, job-search preparation, resumes, interviewing, ECG, phlebotomy, and related healthcare concepts from the notes.

Practicum

A supervised field experience to apply classroom skills; typically includes performance objectives and a minimum number of hours (e.g., 160 hours for ABHES/CAAHEP programs).

ABHES

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; sets practicum requirements and program standards.

CAAHEP

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; accredits programs and oversees practicum policy and evaluations.

Minimum practicum hours

The required number of practicum hours for program accreditation (commonly 160 hours for ABHES/CAAHEP).

Practicum evaluation criteria

Elements used to assess performance: Appearance, Attitude, Maturity, Dependability, Initiative, plus Administrative tasks, Clinical tasks, and Interpersonal skills.

Practicum policies and evaluations

School and external agency policies governing practicum, including supervisor roles and on-site expectations.

Self-assessment

Process of identifying personal strengths and weaknesses to guide career entry and development.

Strong points

Personal strengths identified during self-assessment that support career success.

Weak points

Areas for improvement identified during self-assessment or evaluations.

Desirable skills

Valued capabilities for medical assistants, such as communication, computer proficiency, critical thinking, collaboration, time management, professionalism, and planning.

Communication skills

Ability to convey information clearly and effectively in verbal and written form.

Computer proficiency

Competence with computers and software necessary for medical office tasks.

Critical thinking

Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

Collaboration/teamwork

Ability to work well with others to achieve common goals.

Time management

Organizing and prioritizing tasks to use time efficiently.

Professionalism

Demonstrating appropriate behavior, attire, ethics, and communication in the workplace.

Planning/organization

Ability to organize tasks, goals, and resources to complete work effectively.

Positive attitude

Optimistic, cooperative outlook that supports teamwork and productivity.

Strong work ethic

Consistent diligence, reliability, and dedication to duties.

Dependability

Reliability and consistency in fulfilling responsibilities.

Honesty

Truthfulness and integrity in all professional actions.

Integrity

Adherence to moral and ethical principles in professional practice.

Punctuality

Being on time for work, appointments, and deadlines.

Adaptability/flexibility

Ability to adjust to changing tasks, environments, or priorities.

Motivated

Self-driven, enthusiastic about learning and advancing in the field.

Attendance

Regular presence and participation in practicum or job settings.

Resume

A concise document detailing education, experience, and qualifications; typically 1–2 pages and kept current.

e-Resume

An electronic resume designed for online submission and applicant tracking systems; emphasizes keywords.

ASCII resume

Plain-text resume format suitable for basic or ATS compatibility.

HTML resume

Web-format resume created with HyperText Markup Language for online viewing.

Scannable resume

Resume designed to be read by optical scanners used by recruiters.

Keywords

Industry-specific terms used to tailor a resume to a job and improve matching with ATS.

Résumé length

Typically 1–2 pages; length should reflect experience and be kept current.

Components of a resume

Sections: Contact information, Objective, Education, Experience, Certifications, Professional affiliations, Achievements/awards, and Community service.

Objective

A brief statement about career goals and how you fit the position.

Education

Educational background, institutions, degrees, and relevant coursework.

Experience

Work history detailing roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments.

Certifications

Professional credentials relevant to medical assisting.

Professional affiliations

Memberships in professional organizations related to the field.

Achievements and awards

Notable recognitions that demonstrate excellence and impact.

Community service

Volunteer activities showing service and community involvement.

Cover letter

A letter introducing yourself, explaining why you should be hired; employer-focused with introduction, body, and closing; proofread.

Targeted résumé

A resume tailored to highlight experience directly related to the position.

Personal qualities

Key traits such as critical thinking, initiative, dependability, and a positive attitude.

Interview preparation

Steps to prepare for an interview, including attire, punctuality, and bringing references.

Professional appearance

Dress and conduct that convey professionalism during an interview.

Social media presence

Professional online profiles used to enhance a job search while keeping personal profiles appropriate.

Follow-up letter

A thank-you note sent after an interview to reiterate interest and demonstrate persistence.

Firm handshake

A confident, professional handshake used to close an interview.

Legal vs illegal interview questions

Understanding which questions are permissible by law and which are not during interviewing.

Continuing education

Ongoing education and credentials to stay current and advance professionally.

Professional organizations

Groups that provide networking, education, and credentialing opportunities.

ICD vs CPT codes

ICD codes describe diagnoses; CPT codes describe procedures; both used for billing.

X as a placeholder in ICD codes

Using the letter X to fill a space when a code requires seven characters.

Isovolumetric phase

Cardiac phase when all heart valves are closed; associated with unique timing around the QRS complex.

Lead II (ECG)

ECG lead from the right arm to the left leg; left leg is the positive pole.

ECG paper squares timing

On ECG paper, each square represents a fixed time interval (as noted, 0.2 seconds per square in the source material).