How To Become A Medical Office Assistant Or Medical Administrative Assistant

Medical Office Assistant or Medical Administrative Assistant is one of the fastest growing careers in the medical field industry. If you’re considering a career in the medical field, this could be an excellent choice.

But before you make a final decision, let’s take a look at the specifics. The facts about the education requirements, duties, certification, and salary.

What Are The Responsibilities Of A Medical Office/Administrative Assistant?

This position is for individuals who have strong administrative skills. You should not confuse this position with that of a “Certified Medical Assistant” … which requires a lot more involvement in specific medical procedures.

Your duties will vary but typically will require you to answer phones, maintain patient records, greet patients, assist patients with filling out insurance forms, medical billing, maintain office supplies, schedule appointments for patients, bookkeeping and taking care of office correspondence.

You will also have to do a substantial amount of typing and use a variety of computer software.

Depending on the state you reside you may also be allowed to assist in preparing patients for their examinations by taking vital signs and getting their medical history information.

Who Hires Medical Office/Administrative Assistants?

You may work in a variety of health related industries. Hospitals, private physician’s offices, nursing homes.

Other companies that provide medical billing and coding services for the healthcare industry also employ medical assistants.

What Are The Educational Requirements?

Certification is not required. But depending on where you live, your state may require certification to perform certain duties outside of your regular administrative requirements.

Core coursework can include the following courses (please note that medical assistant programs can vary):

- Medical Office Bookkeeping

- Computer Literacy

- Medical Billing and Coding

- Medical Terminology

- Medical Legal and Ethics

- CPR

- First Aid

- Vital Signs and Patient Charting

- Diagnostic Procedures

- Laboratory Techniques

Where Can You Get Your Training?

There are several accredited programs available online or at your local community college , vocational schools and universities.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Medical Office/Administrative Assistant?

That depends on your goals. If you’re not interested in becoming certified, you can complete your education in about 1 year.

If however you want to become certified, you can expect to complete your education in 2 years and receive an associate degree.

Can You Get Hired Without Certification?

Yes you can. But it should be noted that you are much more valuable to a potential employer if you are certified. Certified individuals make more money and are more likely to be promoted than those without certification.

How Do You Become A Certified Medical Office/Administrative Assistant?

You can become certified by taking and passing a certification exam from the American Association Of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or by the Association Of Medical Technologists (AMT). Visit their websites to learn more.

How Much Can You Expect To Earn?

Your starting salary varies depending on several factors. Those factors include the state where you reside, the place of employment, experience and your skill level.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average salary of a medical office assistant ranges from $20,600 to $25,000. Keep in mind, starting salaries in a large metropolitan city like New York City for example will be different than the starting salary in a smaller city like Champagne , Illinois.