17 Oncology Medical Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

An oncology medical assistant helps patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. The job duties of an oncology medical assistant include scheduling appointments, handling insurance paperwork, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

If you’re interested in becoming an oncology medical assistant, you’ll need to know how to answer oncology medical assistant interview questions. An interviewer will ask you questions about your experience in customer service and the medical field, as well as your ability to handle sensitive information. You’ll also need to be able to explain why you’re interested in working with cancer patients.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of oncology medical assistant interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with patients who have cancer and other serious illnesses?

Oncology medical assistants often work with patients who are facing serious illnesses. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the emotional intelligence and compassion to handle these situations. In your answer, share that you understand what it’s like to be a patient in this situation. Explain that you would do everything you can to help them feel comfortable and supported during their treatment.

Example: “I’ve been fortunate enough not to know anyone with cancer or another serious illness. However, I think it’s important to treat everyone as if they were my own family member. I would listen carefully to their concerns and try to put them at ease. If they needed anything, I would do whatever I could to provide it for them.”

What are some of the most important skills for an oncology medical assistant to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to oncology medical assisting.

Example: “The most important skill for an oncology medical assistant is excellent communication. Oncology patients are often going through difficult treatments that make them feel uncomfortable or even scared. It’s our job as medical assistants to provide support and answer any questions they may have. I also think organization is very important because we need to keep track of many different medications and procedures. Finally, compassion is key because we work with people who are often dealing with serious illnesses.”

How would you describe the relationship between an oncologist and an oncology medical assistant?

This question can help an interviewer understand your perspective on the role of an oncology medical assistant and how you might work with a physician. Your answer can also show an employer that you have experience working in this type of environment, which can be beneficial if they are looking to hire someone who is already familiar with their office culture.

Example: “I think it’s important for an oncologist and an oncology medical assistant to have a good relationship because we both play an important role in providing care to patients. I believe that as long as we communicate well with each other, we can work together effectively to provide excellent patient care.”

What is your experience with administering chemotherapy treatments?

Oncology medical assistants often administer chemotherapy treatments to patients. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with administering these medications and can do so safely. Before your interview, read through the job description to see if they list any specific types of chemotherapy that are commonly used in their office. If they don’t mention a type, it’s safe to assume they use all types of chemotherapy. In your answer, try to show that you understand how each type works and what its side effects are.

Example: “I’ve administered many different types of chemotherapy throughout my career as an oncology medical assistant. I know that some types of chemotherapy take longer than others to administer. I am comfortable working independently and making sure each patient receives their treatment within the allotted time.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided emotional support to a patient or their family.

Oncology medical assistants often work with patients and their families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with people who are going through a challenging time and can show empathy and compassion. In your answer, try to describe how you helped someone feel better or comforted them.

Example: “When I was working as an oncology medical assistant at my previous job, one patient’s family came into the office looking very upset. They were worried about their loved one because they hadn’t heard from them in a while. I asked if I could help them find any information about their loved one’s treatment plan or schedule. While we looked for that information together, I tried to distract them by talking about other things like the weather. By doing so, I made them feel more comfortable and less anxious.”

If a patient needed to be transported to a medical facility for a procedure, how would you ensure they arrived safely?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a specific situation in the workplace. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others.

Example: “If I needed to transport a patient, I would first make sure they had all of their belongings before we left the office. Then, I would call ahead to let the medical facility know that we were on our way so staff members could prepare for the patient’s arrival. If there was any confusion about who should be expecting us, I would confirm this information again over the phone.”

What would you do if you noticed a mistake you made in administering a treatment or test?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you respond to mistakes and learn from them. Showcase your ability to take responsibility for errors, apologize and make amends when necessary.

Example: “If I made a mistake administering treatment or testing results, I would immediately inform my supervisor so they could correct it before the patient left the office. If the error affected the patient’s care, I would offer an apology and explain what steps we took to ensure the mistake didn’t happen again. In this situation, I would also ask if there was anything else I could do to make up for the error.”

How well do you perform your duties in a fast-paced environment?

Oncology medical assistants often work in a busy environment, so employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the fast pace. In your answer, explain that you are able to stay organized and focused even when working quickly.

Example: “I have worked in a busy oncology department for three years now, so I am used to the fast-paced nature of the job. I find that it helps me stay more organized because I need to prioritize my tasks as they come in. I also think it’s important to be efficient with my time since there is always something else to do. I try to focus on one task at a time while still being aware of what else needs to get done.”

Do you have experience working with patients who speak a different language?

If the facility you’re interviewing for serves a diverse population, employers may ask this question to make sure you have experience working with patients who speak a different language. In your answer, describe how you’ve worked with patients who don’t speak English in the past and what challenges you faced. Try to emphasize that you are willing to learn new languages if necessary.

Example: “I haven’t had the opportunity to work with many non-English speaking patients yet, but I am very open to learning new languages. When I was applying for my previous position, I learned that one of our patients spoke Spanish as their primary language. I asked my supervisor if I could take an online course to learn some basic Spanish phrases so I could communicate with them more effectively. They were happy to let me do it during my free time.”

When performing diagnostic tests, do you have experience drawing blood?

Oncology medical assistants often perform diagnostic tests, such as drawing blood. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with this task and can do it safely. In your answer, explain that you are comfortable performing this task and provide an example of a time when you did so.

Example: “Yes, I am very comfortable drawing blood. When working in my previous position, I drew blood for many different diagnostic tests. For instance, I once drew blood from patients who were experiencing low platelet counts. Drawing blood is something I feel confident doing, and I always ensure the patient’s safety while doing so.”

We want to improve our patient communication. Describe the steps you would take if a patient came to you with a question.

Interviewers want to know that you can help improve the patient experience. They also want to see how you would use your skills and knowledge to make improvements in their department.

Example: “I would first ask what they were looking for, then I would look up the information on my computer or call a colleague if I didn’t have the answer. If it was something I could find quickly, I would tell them right away. If not, I would let them know I would get back to them as soon as possible with an answer.”

Describe your experience with administering X-rays.

Oncology medical assistants often work with X-rays, so employers ask this question to make sure you have the experience necessary for the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time when you administered an X-ray and how you did it.

Example: “I’ve worked with X-rays before, but I usually only helped my previous employer administer them. However, I do know how to take them myself, as well as develop the film and send it off for processing. In my last position, I was working alone one day and had to take some X-rays of patients. It wasn’t difficult at all because I’d done it many times before.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, it’s important to highlight a skill or two that makes you unique from other applicants. You may also want to mention any skills you have that will help you succeed in the role.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became an oncology medical assistant. In my previous position, I helped patients understand their diagnosis and treatment plan so they could feel comfortable asking questions. I also worked with several doctors who specialized in cancer care, which gave me valuable insight into what it takes to be successful in this field.”

Which medical assistant programs or courses have you completed?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your background and training. They might also use it as a way to determine if you have the skills they’re looking for in an oncology medical assistant. If you haven’t completed any formal courses, consider mentioning any relevant work experience or certifications you’ve earned instead.

Example: “I took a course through my local community college that focused on working with cancer patients. I learned how to help patients manage their pain and other symptoms of treatment, which has been very helpful in my current role. I’m currently enrolled in another class that focuses on helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment plan.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of oncology medical assisting?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and expertise in oncology medical assisting. Your answer should include a specific skill or quality that you feel is important to this role, such as communication skills, attention to detail or time management.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of being an oncology medical assistant is having excellent communication skills with patients and other medical professionals. I always make sure to listen carefully to what my doctor says about treatment plans and instructions for administering medications so I can relay information accurately to patients. This helps ensure they understand their care plan and any questions they have.”

How often do you perform routine checks on medical equipment to ensure it’s working properly?

The interviewer may ask you this question to learn more about your attention to detail and how well you perform routine tasks. Your answer should include an example of a time when you performed equipment checks regularly, as well as the steps you took to ensure that medical equipment was in good working order.

Example: “At my current job, I check all of the equipment at least once per day. This includes checking for any loose cords or wires, making sure all computer systems are functioning properly and ensuring that all instruments are clean and ready for use. If I notice anything out of place or malfunctioning, I report it immediately so we can fix the problem before treating patients.”

There is a shortage of oncology medical assistants in the area. How would you encourage people to pursue this career?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the medical field and how you can help others find their career path. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight why you love working in oncology and what makes it such an interesting field.

Example: “I would encourage people to pursue this career by explaining that I have always been interested in helping others. Oncology is such an interesting field because every patient has different needs and challenges. It’s rewarding to be able to provide support to patients and their families during such a difficult time.”