An Example of a Cover Letter for a Medical Assistant

by Bronwyn Timmons
Medical assistants often work with patient records.

Medical assistants often work with patient records.

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Physicians and other health care practitioners rely on medical assistants to complete a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. Your work helps medical practices run smoothly and helps ensure patients receive quality care. Whether you are looking to leave your current practice or you are searching for your first job in the industry, a well-written cover letter could help you secure employment. Your cover letter should highlight your relevant skills and experience and convince potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job.

Accurate Contact Information

Your cover letter should begin with a brief section that includes your full name and contact information. Include your address and phone number, as well as your email address. Make sure the contact information on your cover letter matches the information on your resume to avoid confusion.

Strong Introductory Paragraph

The first paragraph of your cover letter should tell the reader who you are and how you found out about the position. For example, if you found out about the job from a job posting or a fellow medical assistant, say so. Tell the reader a little about yourself, including how much medical assisting experience you have. Express your enthusiasm about the opportunity, and tell the reader why you want to work specifically for his practice or health care facility. For example, state that you are passionate about patient care and that you are familiar with the practice's reputation for offering superior services to patients.

Summary of Skills and Qualifications

Cover letters should have one or two body paragraphs. These paragraphs should outline your most notable achievements and relevant qualifications. Tell the reader about past duties you have held as a medical assistant, such as record keeping, taking patient vitals, assisting during examinations or preparing samples for lab testing. Highlight your knowledge of medical procedures and equipment, and list your strongest skills relevant to the field. For example, emphasize your time management, communication and analytic skills. Briefly highlight your achievements, such as reducing patient wait times at your last practice or developing new company protocol for assistants as a team leader.

Concise Concluding Paragraph

The concluding paragraph of your cover letter should be short and simple. Briefly tell the reader why you feel like you would be an asset to her practice, and thank her for her consideration. Invite her to contact you if she has any questions or if she would like more references to back up your credentials.

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