Study Tips as a Medical Assistant Student
**STUDY TIPS AS A MEDICAL ASSISTANT STUDENT AND FULL TIME CAREGIVER**
I am a medical assistant student taking six classes (overtime credits - 16) and a full time caregiver working 40-50 hours a week. This is how I divide my time through out the day and get everything done without stressing myself out.
💕 I work 6am-2pm so I wake up around 5am. This works because I really start my day at 2pm. I can’t study at all in the morning for some reason. Most of my classes are online (anatomy, psychology, and 3 MA classes) while I only have MA 109 in person. On the days I have that class (Tuesdays and Thursdays) , I have those two days off so I am able to just focus on school those days. Waking up early helps because my boyfriend works 7-4 and we share a car, so I need to be up anyways.
💕At 2PM when I get home I change into comfy clothes and I start my homework and lectures. I usually have a list that I write at the beginning of the week when I go over everything due. This week I have 14 things due plus it’s my bday weekend, so I’m on a bit of a time crunch. Working till 2PM really helps bc I still have the rest of the day to myself and I don’t feel rushed and exhausted!
💕I reach out to others in the class and I form study groups with my classmates! We usually study right after class, collaborate on notes, and share our submissions which really helps cut the workload down by maybe 40%.
💕 I study in two hour intervals. Two hours on, 20 minutes off. Having breaks in between really helps me feel as though I am resting and taking my time.
💕 I usually have music or a show on as I go along. I try to make studying fun! If you feel as though studying is a chore, you will never get it done.
💕 I try to finish my work a few days before the due date. I have most of my stuff due on Saturdays, so through out the week I submit things, ask for feedback from my professors, and resubmit if needed.
💕Taking summer classes really helps to not lose momentum and motivation. I took one summer class to get ahead and it really helped! That way when fall semester came around, I was already warmed up to the work load and not rushing and trying to get used to it all over again.
💕 I do NOT recommend taking more than 2-3 classes if this is your first or second year as a college student. My first year I took 5 classes and I was so stressed out and failed my classes. The last few years of college I have taken 1-2 classes at a time. I’m taking 6 because most of my classes are 1-2 credits and are online. So not a lot of work is due for every single class.
I hope these tips helped and if you need more or want to know anything let me know!
#medicalstudent #medicalstudentlife #medstudent #medicalassistant #goodnotes #unfiltered
Okay, fellow medical assistant students, let's talk about notes! When you're juggling classes and life, effective study notes aren't just helpful – they're absolutely essential. I know firsthand how overwhelming the sheer volume of information can be, especially with subjects like anatomy, medical terminology, and clinical procedures. But I've found that having a solid note-taking system can make all the difference in understanding complex topics and acing those exams. First off, what makes a "good" medical assistant note? For me, it's about clarity, conciseness, and making it visually engaging. Just writing down everything doesn't work. Instead, I focus on capturing key concepts, definitions, and important step-by-step processes. Diagrams are your best friend, especially for anatomy! Whether it's sketching out the human body's systems, illustrating body cavities, or mapping out the heart, visuals help solidify understanding way more than just text. I often find myself drawing quick flowcharts for clinical procedures or physiological processes right alongside my written notes. When it comes to how I take notes, I've experimented a lot. In class, I try to actively listen for main ideas and buzzwords, rather than transcribing everything. I use a combination of digital notes on my tablet (which I can easily organize and search) and handwritten summaries for concepts I really need to drill into my memory. For subjects like anatomy, I often create detailed study notes with labeled diagrams, highlighting important terms like "parietal" and "visceral" or different anatomical planes. It’s like building my own personalized textbook! But taking notes is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you use them effectively. I make it a point to review my notes regularly, not just right before an exam. I'll transform my main notes into flashcards for quick recall, especially for medical terms, abbreviations, and drug classifications. Sometimes, I'll even record myself explaining a concept from my notes and listen back, treating it like a mini-lecture. And those study groups I mentioned? They're perfect for comparing notes, filling in gaps, and quizzing each other. It’s amazing how much you learn when you have to explain something in your own words. When it comes to exam preparation, especially for certifications, my notes become my go-to resource. I specifically make sure my notes cover key areas like CAAHEP accreditation standards, MAERB competencies, and information related to the AAMA certification exam. Breaking down these big topics into manageable, well-organized notes makes revising much less daunting. Knowing that my notes are comprehensive and well-structured gives me so much confidence heading into test day. So, if you're feeling swamped, remember that strong study notes are a powerful tool. They're not just a record of information; they're an active part of your learning process that can really boost your understanding and retention. Keep experimenting with what works for you, and don't be afraid to get creative with your note-taking!