Retrieving, storing and articulating information for staff and patrons is quickly becoming a task that is no longer reserved for medical office managerial staff, instead, Medical Administrative Assistants are overtaking many of the office duties that supervisors once completed. Increasing levels of technology used within a medical office setting have transformed administrative duties into progressively more automated tasks.
Top Medical Administrative Assistant Schools
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has locations nationwide, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal and sooner than you might think.
Programs:
- A.A. in Health Care Administration
- A.A. in Health Care Administration/Electronic Health Records
- A.A. in Health Care Administration-Medical Records
- And more...
Programs:
- Medical Assistant - Administrative & Clinical
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Electronic Health Records
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers industry-relevant knowledge and training for in demand careers in healthcare.
Jobs in healthcare and social assistance are projected to have the fastest job growth between 2010-2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.* In order to address the rapidly growing need for career-ready professionals in many exciting fields, UMA offers associate degrees that can be earned in as few as 15 months.
Programs:
- Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
- Diploma - Medical Office Billing Specialist
- A.S. - Medical Billing & Coding
- And more...
Programs:
- Medical Office Assistant
- Medical Reimbursement Technology
- Office Assistant
Programs:
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Programs:
- Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
Programs:
- Administrative Medical Assistant
Programs:
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
- Business Office Administration
Programs:
- Diploma: Medical Office Specialist
You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.
Programs:
- AS - Medical Office Administration: Concentration in Medical Assistant
- Certificate - Computerized Office Specialist
Job Details and Description
Computer databases, spreadsheets, email, fax machines and photocopiers are just some of the items that Medical Administrative Assistants will become familiar with if they are not already, using them in everyday duties and activities. Depending on the size of a medical office in which one is employed, a Medical Administrative Assistant may have additional jobs to perform.
A large portion of the jobs performed by a Medical Administrative Assistant may include correspondence with clients and fellow staff, making communication a vital part of the career choice. Comprehension of medical records and history are also an important aspect of working within a medical field, as administrative assistants will often work closely with numerous records. Knowledge of insurance bill practices as well as lab and location procedures are tasks that assistants will become increasingly familiar with, completing on a regular basis.
Experience and Educational Requirements
Medical Administrative Assistant positions vary from entry-level to higher level positions depending on the size of a medical office and the number of employees and clients there. A busier office with more employees and, therefore, more patrons, will have a larger work load than a smaller office with less records, phones calls and other tasks. Though in most medical settings it may not be required to for Medical Administrative Assistant candidates to obtain a higher level of education than a high school diploma, there are certifications that can be completed for those seeking job advancement.
While attending higher levels of education are not necessarily required, there are some skill sets and proficiencies that are imminent. Communication, computer proficiency, accurate and efficient typing and customer service are just some of the many skills that employers of Medical Administrative Assistants look for among candidates.
Work Environment
Most Medical Administrative Assistants work within a medical setting such as a doctor’s office or hospital, spending a lot of time with records, on the phone and in front of the computer. A 40 hour week is a very standard period in which most Medical Administrative Assistants work regularly since they are most often regular employees. Although most positions available are full time, there are some part time opportunities available within various medical settings.
Most Medical Administrative Assistant will work closely with other employees and staff as well as work independently quite often. Working well within a group and with people and clients and well as laboring efficiently and accurately in a private setting are vital aspects of a successful career as a Medical Administrative Assistant.
Salary and Compensation
Though compensation for positions like Medical Administrative Assistant vary depending on the location within the United States, type of office setting and level of position, salaries for the opportunities are competitive, offering advancement opportunities, raises and, often, benefits. Similarly to other administrative assistant positions in various other fields other than medical, those seeking such a career can expect to earn a salary ranging from $29,000 to $42,000 or more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the U.S. Department of Labor. Entry-level positions can, obviously, expect to earn less than more seasoned counter-parts working within the field.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Job Outlook
Though Medical Administrative Assistants are highly desired within the medical community and office settings, the growth of such positions is average. Job growth within the field is estimated to be around 11 percent, which provides candidates with great chances for employment, advancement and occupation options. With high numbers of advancement opportunities once a prospective employee is within the career, there is a high level of entry-level positions that will continue to provide opportunities for those candidates just delving into the career and what it has to offer.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Training and Career Process
Those seeking a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant have many options for training within a vocational or career college as well as community colleges. Medical transcription, terminology, billing, insurance, forms and communication skills necessary are often skills that are addressed when attending a school specializing in Medical Administration Assistance. With high-tech advances endured within the medical industry, learning automated medical billing systems that are used throughout the profession can provide a clear advantage for job seekers looking for a reliable career and accompanying advancement.
Curriculum for classes in which those gaining valuable skills and lessons that can aid introduction into the career of Medical Administrative Assistance include basic classes that create a balanced and well rounded background accompanied by courses such as Medical Forms and and Billing, Medical Office Systems and Medical Terminology.
Programs specializing in helping prospective job seekers attain certification as well as training, general range from one to two year long programs depending on the school and type of certification sought after. New technologies are often learned within the actual profession or taught through extra courses that are offered by employees or chosen by those within current positions. Though technologies often transform, employers are usually responsible for continual training of employees regarding changes and advancements.
