So you wanna become a medical/dental VA?
Why AI Cannot Replace Medical VAs (Even With Perfect AI Voice and Avatars)
- AI has no real heart or life experience
- AI cannot cry with a patient who loses a child
- AI cannot understand thick accents 100% correctly
- AI forgets personal details after each call
- AI sounds too perfect – patients feel it’s fake
- AI makes mistakes with similar-sounding drug names
- AI cannot pray with a scared patient
- Old patients want to see a real caring face, not an avatar
- Doctors prefer humans who truly care
- You are warmer, cheaper, and more trusted than AI
So this career has a great future.
Now lets talk money.
When you start, it’s not going to be as high.
This comes at around $3-$4/hour.
Not very high.
And most of the jobs are graveyard.
Keep those in mind as you start this.
So –if you wanna get started in medical or dental VA:
1. Computer
Fix Your Computer First (Do This Today)
| Minimum Specs | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Processor | Core i5 or Ryzen 5 or better |
| RAM | 8GB minimum, 16GB best |
| Internet | 25 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload |
2. Learn the VA Dental or VA Medical Software Fast and Free
They use specialized apps. Watch yt videos how it’s used.
| Tool | What It Is | Must-Know Parts | Free Video |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentrix | Dental software | Patient chart, appointment book, ledger | Watch dental va app. |
| EHR | Electronic Health Records = digital patient file | SOAP notes, prescriptions | Watch EHR video |
| Medical Scribing | Listening to doctor and typing fast | History, exam, plan | Watch Medical Scribing |
3. Magic Words for Your Resume
A computerized/AI resume filter reads you resume. So you must have the magic words correct. Otherwise, a human may not be able to see your application.
| Magic Word & Full Meaning | 10 HONEST Sentences You Can Use Even as a Beginner – Just use one. |
|---|---|
| HIPAA HIPAA = Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (law to protect patient privacy) | 1. Completed free HIPAA training and understand patient privacy rules. 2. Fully aware of HIPAA rules on patient confidentiality. 3. Studied HIPAA guidelines and ready to follow them strictly. 4. Knowledgeable about HIPAA and importance of keeping patient data safe. 5. Trained in basic HIPAA requirements through online courses. 6. Understand never to share patient information (HIPAA). 7. Committed to following all HIPAA privacy standards. 8. Learned HIPAA rules to protect patient information. 9. Familiar with HIPAA and patient privacy protection. 10. Ready to work 100% HIPAA compliant from day one. |
| EHR EHR = Electronic Health Records | 1. Studied how Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems work. 2. Completed online training on EHR basics. 3. Understand the purpose and flow of EHR systems. 4. Familiar with EHR structure and patient charting. 5. Practiced EHR navigation through tutorial videos. 6. Knowledgeable in EHR patient flow and documentation. 7. Ready to learn any EHR system quickly. 8. Strong understanding of EHR concepts and usage. 9. Trained in EHR best practices through YouTube. 10. Eager to work with EHR daily and learn fast. |
| Medical terminology | 1. Studied common medical terminology for VA work. 2. Memorized top 100 medical terms for beginners. 3. Completed free medical terminology course online. 4. Understand terms like hypertension, diabetes, fever. 5. Practiced spelling and meaning of medical words. 6. Strong foundation in basic medical terminology. 7. Can recognize and understand common medical terms. 8. Daily reviewer of medical terminology flashcards. 9. Knowledgeable in medical abbreviations and terms. 10. Ready to expand medical terminology knowledge on the job. |
| SOAP notes S = Subjective, O = Objective, A = Assessment, P = Plan | 1. Studied SOAP note format and structure. 2. Understand the 4 parts of SOAP notes. 3. Practiced writing sample SOAP notes. 4. Trained in SOAP note documentation style. 5. Familiar with Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan format. 6. Can explain what each part of SOAP means. 7. Learned SOAP notes through medical scribing videos. 8. Ready to write clean SOAP notes with training. 9. Strong knowledge of SOAP note organization. 10. Eager to master SOAP notes on the job. |
| Vital signs | 1. Understand what vital signs are and why they matter. 2. Studied normal ranges for blood pressure, pulse, temperature. 3. Know the 4 main vital signs: BP, pulse, temperature, breathing. 4. Can explain vital signs in simple words. 5. Learned how vital signs are recorded in charts. 6. Familiar with normal and abnormal vital sign values. 7. Practiced reading and understanding vital signs. 8. Ready to record vital signs accurately. 9. Knowledgeable in vital signs documentation. 10. Trained in importance of accurate vital signs. |
| Active listening | 1. Excellent active listening skills developed through practice. 2. Always focus fully when someone is speaking. 3. Repeat back what I hear to confirm understanding. 4. Strong ability to listen without interrupting. 5. Patient and attentive listener in all conversations. 6. Use active listening daily with family and friends. 7. Skilled at understanding tone and emotions in voice. 8. Never rush the speaker – let them finish first. 9. Ask questions to show I am really listening. 10. Proven active listening in school and volunteer work. |
| Empathy | 1. Naturally caring and understanding with patients. 2. Always speak with kindness and warmth. 3. Put myself in the patient’s shoes. 4. Comfortable saying “I understand how you feel.” 5. Known by friends as a good listener and helper. 6. Calm and supportive during difficult moments. 7. Strong empathy skills from family caregiving experience. 8. Make people feel heard and cared for. 9. Patient and gentle with upset or scared people. 10. Use warm tone to help patients feel better. |
Angry Patient Practice Table (10 Examples)
Some roles are Customer Facing. You need to practice TALKING calmly using the Correct Answer. Use the table below to practice. Yes, video yourself and watch it too. Until you have a nice collection in YT. Yes, your mistakes can be content too!
| Patient Says | Correct Answer (Say This) | Wrong Answer (Never Say) |
|---|---|---|
| “You scheduled me wrong!” | “I’m so sorry, ma’am. Let me fix it right now.” | “It’s not my fault.” |
| “This bill is too high!” | “I understand why you’re upset. Let me check everything.” | “That’s the correct price.” |
| “I waited one hour!” | “I’m really sorry for the wait. Let me help you now.” | “Everyone has to wait.” |
| “You keep asking the same question!” | “I apologize. Let me move faster for you.” | “I need to ask again.” |
| “I’m in so much pain!” | “I’m so sorry you’re hurting. I’ll tell the doctor right now.” | “Just wait a little.” |
| “My medicine is wrong!” | “Thank you for telling me. Let me correct it immediately.” | “The doctor ordered that.” |
| “You never call me back!” | “I’m sorry. I will call you in 5 minutes.” | “We are very busy.” |
| “I don’t understand!” | “No problem at all. Let me explain slowly.” | “It’s very simple.” |
| “My insurance should cover this!” | “I understand. Let me check your insurance now.” | “That’s not my job.” |
| “I’m scared about surgery!” | “It’s normal to feel scared. I’m here with you.” | “Don’t worry, it’s fine.” |
Medical / Dental VA Glossary (With Simple English Meaning)
- SOAP → S = What the patient says, O = Measurements and facts, A = Doctor’s opinion, P = Next steps
- EHR → Electronic Health Records = the patient’s digital file
- HIPAA → The law that says “Never share patient secrets”
- Vital signs → Blood pressure, pulse, temperature, breathing rate
- Scribing → Typing what the doctor says in real time
Now go:
- Check your computer
- Watch one video
- Add 5 honest lines to your resume
- Practice 3 angry patient answers
- Apply to 10 jobs today
Your first dollar paycheck is waiting! Go win!
-Jomar Hilario