| A | B |
|---|
| AAMA | (American Association of Medical Assistants) National association providing continuing education, professional networking opportunities, and certification examinations to its members. |
| AAMT | (American Association for Medical Transcription) National association promoting professional standards and growth, certification available through the association's examination. |
| accuracy | Correctness, including attention to detail; the trait often ranked most important in assistants to physicians. |
| administrative medical assistant | The title given to medical office professionals who perform administrative tasks in a wide variety of settings. |
| AMT | (American Medical Technologists) National organization that promotes professional standards and growth; certification available through the association's examination. |
| assertiveness | The ability to step forward to make a point in a confident, possitive manner. |
| certification | An essential minimum standard of competence in a particular medical specialty, awarded by the American Board of Specialties; achieved through academic in-hospital training and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. |
| confidentiality | The legal requirement that a patient's medical information be kept secret except in certain clearly defined instances. |
| dependability | The ability to complete work on schedule, do required tasks without complaint, and always communicate willingness to help; closely related to accuracy and thoroughness. |
| efficiency | The ability to use time and other resources to avoid waste and unnecessary effort. |
| empathy | Sensitivity to the feelings and situations of others that allows one to mentally put oneself in the other person's situation. |
| flexibility | Adaptability to new or changing requirements. |
| good judgement | The ability to use knowledge, experience, and logic to assess all aspects of a situation in order to reach a sound decision. |
| honesty | Truth telling, expressed in words and actions; a quality that enables the person to be trusted at all times and in all situations. |
| IAAP | (International Association of Administrative Professionals) Worldwide organization that sponsors continuing education and a certification examination with the successful completion earning the designation of a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS); also works with employers to promote excellence; formerly known as Professional Secetaries International (PSI). |
| initiative | The exercise of one's power to act independently. |
| maturity | Emotional and psychological integrity composed of many qualities and skills. |
| problem-solving | The ability to find solutions through flexibility, seeking advice, information gathering, and using good judgement. |
| professional image | The appearance, manner, and bearing that reflect health, cleanliness, wholeness; shown by evidence of healthful habits, good grooming, appropriate dress. |
| punctuality | The ability to be on time. |
| self-motivation | The quality expressed by willingness to contribute without being asked or required to undertake a task. |
| tact | The ability to speak and act considerately, especially in difficult situations. |
| team player | The phrase used to identify those who are generous with their time, helping other staff members when necessary; who observe both the written and unwritten rules of the office; and who practice professional and personal courtesy. |
| thoroughness | The ability to perform tasks with attention to completeness, correctness, and detail. |
| work ethic | The collective habits and skills that help the worker deal effectively with work tasks and with people. |
