The health sciences sector already employs about in the U.S., and it’s set to grow another 13% by 2032. So what skills will help students succeed in this fast-growing field?
We sat down with Priya Mukundan, Post-Acute Care Network Administrator and long-time healthcare professional, about how to prepare future professionals for careers in health sciences, with a focus on administrative assistant roles.
These roles are the background of any successful medical organization, Mukundan told us. Here’s how you can help students get ready for the fast-paced, always-changing world of healthcare.
The human touch
Ask any doctor: treating patients isn’t an exact science. It’s a balance of expertise and empathy. And people crave that human connection and support in medical professionals. healthcare professionals who are not only competent and thorough, but also compassionate and personable.
And it’s not just doctors who need empathetic interpersonal skills. Everyone in a medical practice shapes the patient experience. Consider this scenario: a patient walks into a doctor’s office feeling scared and frustrated. Maybe they’re dealing with a family crisis. The administrative assistant may be the first person they meet—and the last person they remember.
"When patients come in, they're probably having the worst day of their lives," Mukundan noted. "Exercising patience. Listening. Diffusing tension. These are all crucial skills for successful patient interaction.” And in this field, there isn’t always time to practice them. “There could be an outbreak. There could be a major road accident that floods the emergency department with work. Healthcare often has all-hands-on-deck days,” Mukundan added.
With limited opportunities for on-the-job training, learning and practicing these skills in a classroom setting is essential. Start with role-playing exercises that mirror real situations. For example, navigating an insurance complication while comforting an anxious parent, or practicing de-escalation techniques when systems crash at the worst possible time. These aren't just “soft” skills—they're survival skills in healthcare.
Connecting with technology
Together with soft skills, today’s medical administrative assistants also need technical skills to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. And healthcare technology goes far deeper than basic computer literacy: electronic health records, data analysis systems, scheduling platforms, and more. Learning how to manage these crucial resources helps medical administrative assistants succeed.
But not every organization uses the same systems. And that’s why it’s important to teach technological adaptability rather than mastery of specific platforms. "The expectation is not for medical administrative assistants to master everything," Mukundan commented. "But the goal is to be familiar with key terms and understand healthcare-specific tools."
Teach students to approach new systems with confidence, ask the right questions, and understand the principles that drive medical technology. That way, when an electronic health record system changes, or a new AI tool is introduced, your students will be able to adapt quickly. "The one constant in health sciences is change," Mukundan emphasizes. "What is true today may shift tomorrow."
Adaptability is only one piece of the skills puzzle. Students also need data literacy skills. Medical assistants work with data that drives important decisions. Students should practice with data so they understand what the numbers mean, how to enter it accurately, and how their work affects patient outcomes.
Keep their options open
With people skills and technical know-how, your students can look forward to bright futures in the medical services industry, with a range of opportunities for growth and specialization. Administrative assistant roles are excellent entry points into the field.
"The medical assistant role is a good opening. Encourage students to see what kind of job roles are out there," Mukundan said. They can explore clinical paths by shadowing nurses, therapists, or physicians. Or they may find an interest in technology, such as records management, surgical scheduling, or healthcare data analysis.
Mentorship will also be important to their future growth. Many healthcare organizations offer structured programs open to all employees, regardless of their starting role. These relationships can provide invaluable insights into career progression and help new professionals find their ideal path in the broad medical field.
The certification advantage
Like a good mentor, certifications can open doors to new opportunities. They validate skills and expertise, which is especially useful for young people with limited work experience. "Certifications are a great way to validate skills and experience," Mukundan explained. "They help set a baseline for performance, not to mention opening doors to promotions and other specialized roles as well."
Employers value certified candidates. They often need less training time and oversight and can start contributing on day one. What’s not to love?
Ready to give your students the competitive edge they need in today's medical care industry? Explore how our Health Sciences Careers certification program validates their skills and prepares them for success. Learn more here.