Professionalism is a cornerstone of the healthcare field and a core value of the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA). As students engage in asynchronous coursework, synchronous learning (weekly Seminars and Huddles with instructors), and in-person externships, maintaining a high standard of professional behavior is essential for academic success, workplace readiness, and respectful participation in all learning environments.
Professionalism in the Externship & Skills Lab Setting
Punctuality and Reliability: Arrive on time and be prepared to participate. Notify your site and NIMAA instructor in advance of any absences. In the event of an unplanned absence or emergency, you must notify your instructor and externship site as soon as possible following the absence.
Respecting Site Policies: All site-specific rules, protocols, and standards supersede NIMAA policies. Be proactive in learning and following these.
Engaged Participation: Take initiative, show interest in learning, and be a team player. Ask questions and seek feedback appropriately.
Cultural Professionalism: Respect your colleagues and patients' diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and identities. Demonstrate cultural humility and professionalism in every interaction.
Clothing:
The NIMAA jacket should be worn to externship and Skills Lab.
Students who show up at the clinic in violation of any uniform codes set by the externship site may be sent home.
Uniforms and other clothing worn to the clinic must be freshly laundered and unwrinkled. Fit must be consistent with a professional appearance and sized adequately to allow for all movements necessary for patient care, maintaining proper hygiene and grooming.
Shoes:
Clean shoes that fully enclose the foot should be worn. Open heel clogs are unacceptable.
Undergarments will not be exposed through the uniform.
Hygiene & Makeup:
Good personal hygiene, including a neutral-smelling deodorant, is expected. Perfume or cologne is not allowed in clinical settings.
Fingernails are to be clean, short, and smoothly rounded. Nail polish and/or artificial nails are not allowed in the clinical setting.
Neutral colored makeup is permitted. Makeup must not be excessive.
Hair must be clean, off the collar, neat, and worn away from the face. Hair should not fall on your face or into your field when working with a patient. Long hair must be secured up and off the collar.
Covering tattoos and removing piercings as required by the site.
Repeated failure to meet dress code expectations may be counted as missed attendance and could result in academic warnings or probation due to violation of the Code of Conduct.
Professionalism in Asynchronous & Synchronous Learning Environments
NIMAA’s learning environment includes asynchronous coursework and weekly Zoom Seminars and Huddles. Professional behavior is equally important in these virtual spaces.
Seminar & Huddle Etiquette:
Punctuality: For Seminar students must be logged in on time. If you are 15 minutes late or leave 15 minutes early, you will be marked absent. If you know you will be absent or tardy, communicate with your instructor beforehand. For any unplanned absence or emergency, reach out to your instructor as soon as possible following the absence.
Camera On: Students are expected to have their cameras on unless specific accommodation has been approved.
Appropriate Setting: Attend seminars from a quiet, stationary location. Students should not be in bed, lying down, driving, walking, on the bus, or in other public spaces. Your environment should allow for full engagement and minimize distractions.
Engagement: Be present, ask questions, respond when called upon, and participate actively in discussions.
Online Conduct:
Communicate respectfully with instructors and peers.
Meet deadlines and submit work with academic integrity.
Represent yourself honestly and uphold the expectations of healthcare professionals.
Professional Communication
Clear and respectful communication is essential to your success as a Medical Assistant, both in school and in the clinical environment.
Verbal Communication: Speak clearly and professionally with instructors, preceptors, peers, and patients. Avoid slang, sarcasm, or inappropriate language, and maintain a respectful tone in all interactions.
Written Communication: Use proper grammar, spelling, and structure in all emails, assignments, and messages. Begin emails with a greeting, use full sentences, and close with your name.
Timeliness: Respond to emails or messages from instructors or site staff within 24–48 business hours.
Maintaining professionalism throughout your training prepares you for the expectations of a real-world clinical environment. By embodying integrity, accountability, and respect in person and online, you not only support your success but also uphold the standards of the medical assisting profession.