Hi Juliet,

True it's really frustrating, but don't give up keep going.

Yes I know it can be frustrating, but still keep pushing forward! Do not give up. Odetta, is some classmates have received a job in the medical field. Ask them if there any open position at their hospital or clinic.

Dear Miss Odetta: I myself, haven't had any luck finding a Medical Assistant position either.

Out of the numerous applications I have submitted on line, I have had 5 rejections, 2 interviews and still no response on the others. Everyone is looking for a minimum of actual one year office experience as an MA.

It would be nice , if a well established practice or hospital would see the upside of hiring new Medical Assistant graduates. As we are not set in our ways or performing less than adequate clinical procedures. A greater majority of us would love to be trained by the Best professionals in the field. This way they could brag about how their Medical Assistants are the best and brightest, because they're the ones who helped to polish us. Reflection can be a Wonderful thing, to bad they can not see it.

Try to be strong, I Do Know How Difficult and Frustrating it is. In the mean time I will continue to persevere and pray for both of us. Eventually, God will answer our prayers.

Hey Odetta, Making a breakthrough into a new career is, without a doubt, a challenging, but attainable task. So, let's review what you’ve done and identify some other alternatives that will help to get your “foot in the door”. Completed your certification and externship this summer - (Congratulations!!). Signed up for career assistance with the career services department - (I suggest you don’t give up on the career services option yet. Their typically tasked with matching a high volume of recent graduates with a limited job pool. Ensure you have a direct contact in the career office and make it a habit to follow-up weekly with a call or personal visit; if you’re in the area. The goal it to keep refreshing your presence with the counselors so they will remember you when immediate opportunities presents itself. Registered with employment agencies - (Remember that some agencies have better placement success rates than others. Identify at least 3-5 hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or medical offices you would like to work for and call each one to identify what employment agencies they partner with and make sure you’re registered. Take and pass any required assessments and find out if the employment agencies offer any free online training courses related to your field, customer service, or software knowledge. The goal is to let your ambition, energy, and drive separate you from the other applicants. Establish a contact and set up a follow-up schedule similar to the career services suggestion above. Look for Volunteer Opportunities - (Now, I understand that volunteering opportunities may not be as abundant and may require extended grace periods in-between registration periods. I also understand that volunteering may not be an economically feasible option for many job seekers but the goal is to get exposure to the field by any and all means necessary!! Whether it involves waiting for the next window to open or contributing a minimum 5-10 hrs per/week as a volunteer....... you’ll get your opportunity to “shine”!! Network - (Reach out to your direct primary care provider, doctor’s office, family, friends, and/or new acquaintances and talk, talk, talk about your career goals and interest). Temporary Opportunity - I’m not sure what you’re current situation or responsibilities are but, if you're not employed right now, you may have to take on temporary employment until you can secure a permanent F/T opportunity within your career. It’s a difficult decision to make especially after you’ve put in so much time, effort, and money into training but remember the key word is Temporary. Pursue your career on a P/T basis for now employing all of the best job search practices, tools, and feedback from reliable sources. There are plenty of seasonal job opportunities you can take advantage of right now if you prefer not to make a long term commitment. I’ll reach out to you if I see any career related opportunities within your area. Just stay connected to the community so we can continue to support each other!! Talk soon.

Hi Odetta,

I am actually a certified medical assistant. I notice on your profile you finish your externship back in June. Have you tried to go back to the career services at your school for help? If not, this could be an option that can help you. Another resource would be your externship, if you still keep in contact with your supervisor you can reach out to them for a help regarding resources. Lastly, temp agencies, really help in a big way. True, it is temporary but it's the biggest way to get your foot in the door.