Essential Gear for Medical Assistant Externships: What You Really Need to Succeed

Author: Aubrey Torres, CMA

What to Bring to Externship

Ahhh, externship... that exciting time in every medical assistant’s life where you get to apply everything you’ve learned in class to real-life clinical settings. The thrill of putting hands-on practice into all those hours of theory and cramming—the true essence of your training! But first, you might be wondering, “What do I need to bring?”

While different specialties may require unique tools, here are a few essentials I recommend every medical assistant should have on their externship.

Start with a Good Stethoscope

Choosing the right stethoscope is like shopping for a car: it depends on your preferences, your budget, and how often you’ll use it. A stethoscope is something you’ll carry every day, so if you’re working in a specialty where it’s essential, invest in a quality one. As an MA of seven years with experience in over eight specialties, I can tell you that a stethoscope is something I carry and use daily with almost every patient.

My go-to is the Littmann CORE electronic stethoscope—an investment but well worth it for those who need noise-canceling and sound amplification features, like me. However, starting out, I used a Littmann Classic III, which cost around $65 and served me well. For those on a budget, this is a great option, especially if you’re still deciding which specialty you’ll pursue.

Some colleagues swear by MDF stethoscopes, so the choice ultimately comes down to what feels right for you. Keep in mind that not all specialties require a stethoscope. For instance, in orthopedic surgery, you may rarely use it, whereas in family medicine or pulmonology, it’s an essential tool.

Don’t Forget a BP Cuff

While not absolutely necessary, having your own blood pressure cuff can be helpful, especially if you’re expected to do manual vitals. I like using my own because it’s familiar, and I find that I get more consistent results. A basic cuff and pulse oximeter from Amazon will cost around $20 and can make your externship run more smoothly.

Speaking of Amazon, if you plan on working in orthopedic surgery, a good pair of trauma shears or bandage scissors is worth considering. They’re handy for cutting through cast padding after using the saw.

Be a Good Student: Bring a Notebook

One of my top recommendations is to bring a notebook. Jotting down important details will save you from having to repeatedly ask your preceptor the same questions. Trust me—having notes will make your externship much smoother, and you’ll impress your preceptor by being prepared

During my time in a float pool at a large health system, I carried my notebook to every clinic. I’d note things like door flag colors, lab procedures, and provider preferences. For example, in an orthopedic clinic, I quickly learned each provider’s preferences for joint injections—a great example of details that help you anticipate the next steps and support the team efficiently.

In medicine, we often say, “See one, do one, teach one.” While not always practical, it’s a reminder that we’re expected to learn quickly and apply new skills. Taking notes will help reinforce what you learn each day.

The Penlight Is Mightier Than the Sword

A penlight can be invaluable, especially in family medicine or urgent care settings, where you might need to examine a patient’s throat or check tonsils for a rapid strep swab. A cheap, reliable penlight is all you need to get the job done.

Don’t Forget Your Backpack

Finally, you’ll need a bag or backpack to carry all these items. Pick something stylish but practical, and you’ll be ready to walk in on day one as the well-prepared, professional medical assistant you’re meant to be!