Goal Setting For Medical Assistants

Discoveries prove that goal-oriented employees are more effective and assertive than colleagues with no goals or future objectives. Recognizing the value of goal planning, many employers arrange planning sessions and/or seminars to encourage goal setting as a practical application for coping with stress and the development of career objectives. If this does not happen in your work environment, seek your own seminars for goal setting. Such an activity not only "centers" you in your current employment but helps you clearly picture your future plans and hopes.

What is a goal? The dictionary definition of a goal according to Websters Collegiate Dictionary is, "the result or achievement toward which effort is directed." In order to reach a desired goal, a person must implement planning along with a sincere desire to work hard. Skill in goal setting allows the medical assistant to clarify what must be accomplished and to develop a strategic plan to successfully achieve the goal. A goal must be specific, challenging, realistic, attainable, and measurable. Specific goals are focused and have very precise boundaries. A goal that is challenging creates enthusiasm and interest in achievement. Realistic goals are practical or beneficial for the present and for future self-actualization. An attainable goal refers to the fact that the goal is possible to fulfill. Measurable goals achieve some form of progress or success. By reflecting back on the process, one is encouraged to establish additional goals.

Long-range goals are achievements that may take three to five years to accomplish. Long-range goals give direction and definition to our lives and serve to keep us "on track" so to speak. Much discipline, perseverance, determination, and hard work will be expended in accomplishing long-range goals. Some adjustment and readjustment to your goals may be necessary, however. The rewards of goal achievement include satisfaction, pride, a sense of accomplishment, and a job well done.    

Short-range goals take apart long-range goals and reassemble the required activities into smaller, more manageable time segments. The time segments may be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly periods.    

As a graduate and new employee, one of your long-range goals might be to become the office manager in the ambulatory care setting in which you are currently employed. You may wish to attain this goal within the next three to five years; by breaking it into three longer range goals and a series of short-range goals, you will be able to measure progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. Examples of long- and short-range goals might include:    

Long-range goal #1:    
To become proficient in all back-office clinical skills during the first year of employment!
Short-range goals necessary to achieve this goal # 1:
a) Practice accuracy and proficiency when performing tasks and skills.    
b) Practice efficiency by planning ahead for the equipment and supplies needed for each task performed.    
c) Evaluate your progress on a regular basis and identify areas that need improvement.    

Long-range goal #2:    
To add front-office administrative tasks and skills to your routine during the second year of employment.    
Short-range goals necessary to achieve this:
a) Practice accuracy and proficiency when performing all front-office tasks and skills.
b) Practice efficiency by planning ahead for the equipment and supplies needed for each task performed.    
c) Evaluate your progress on a regular basis and identify areas that need improvement.

Long-range goal #3:
To begin to focus on office management during the third year of employment.    
Short-range goals necessary to achieve this:    
a) Develop a procedures manual for all back- and front-office tasks and skills.    
b) Enroll in office management classes.    
c) Focus on team-building skills.    

By year four, you will be ready to move into the office manager position.    
Long-range and short-range goals work together to help make changes in our lives. Goals keep life interesting and give us something to strive for. We can all reach goals successfully with some planning, hard work, discipline, and dedication.