Medical Administrative Assistant

Do you enjoy working with the public? Are you interested in the healthcare field? Then, the fun and challenging career of a Medical Administrative Assistant could be just what you’ve been looking for. Employment for all types of receptionists will rise over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, but the demand for Medical Administrative Assistant s will be particularly high.

What is a Medical Administrative Assistant?

Much like a receptionist, a Medical Administrative Assistant is the professional who not only performs many clerical functions, also may greet you at the front desk of a medical, dental other healthcare care facility. They are responsible for keeping the front office running smoothly and establishing a calm, friendly atmosphere.

Job Responsibilities of a Medical Administrative Assistant

• Updating patient records
• Scheduling new and follow-up appointments
• Answering telephone calls
• Explaining office procedures
• Collecting and process insurance information
• Corresponding with insurance companies regarding non-payment or claim rejection
• Maintaining inventory of supplies and ordering stock
• Processing bills
• Completing insurance forms
• Checking patients or other visitors in
• Directing or escorting patients to specific destinations
• Hearing and resolving complaints from patients or others
• Taking care of incoming or outgoing mail or email

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Career Outlook for Medical Administrative Assistants

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for all types of administrative assistants is expected to grow 9 percent between 2016 and 2026. That’s a bit faster than the average for all occupations at 7 percent. Still, the demand for Medical Administrative Assistant s is expected to be strong, as the healthcare industry continues to grow. You should find demand highest in doctors, dentists and other healthcare professional’s practices.

While job prospects are good overall, you would do well to distinguish yourself from your competition early. Not only will you need good computer skills, but also a working knowledge of how a medical office is run. A medical office assistant diploma from Bryant & Stratton College could be just what you need to set yourself ahead of the pack.

What can I do with a Medical Office Assistant Diploma?

A medical office assistant diploma from Bryant & Stratton College will prepare you for a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant. Key courses include healthcare terminology, computing skills and electronic health records, also known as EHRs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the use of EHRs has become widespread in the healthcare industry, being used by all types of providers. This knowledge could be vital to you in your career quest.

This diploma program emphasizes front-office and similar administrative occupations within the healthcare field. It will prepare you for positions in private practices, hospitals, nursing homes, and more.

Having obtained a medical office assistant diploma, you will understand the level of customer service required to have professional, interpersonal relations within the patient/client relationship. Your record management and scheduling skills will comply with healthcare industry standards. You will be able to carry out many different types of tasks and responsibilities within a healthcare setting, including organizational and clerical duties. You will be able to assist with billing, records management, transcription and scheduling .

Since these are tasks often asked of Medical Administrative Assistant s, the medical office assistant diploma from Bryant & Stratton College could be just what you need pursue your career goals.

Additional Training/Requirements

The minimum requirement to become a Medical Administrative Assistant is a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some employers may want to employ those who already have good computer skills. Taking courses in word processing can be of great benefit to your hiring chances.

You will likely receive on-the-job training to get you familiar with all aspects of your employer’s reception needs. For instance, in some medical practices, you may be responsible for billing.

As a Medical Administrative Assistant, it is important that you have certain basic skills. The most important of these are strong communication and interpersonal skills. You will be interacting with people throughout the day and will want to do so in a calm and courteous manner, whatever the circumstances. You will also be writing in charts, on calendars and in communications with your employer. It is important that you be clearly understood in both your written and spoken communications. And, of course, you should be organized. You will be asked to keep up with telephone calls, emails, patient charts, patient registrations and more; often simultaneously. Despite all that is asked of you, you must also protect patient privacy, with integrity being an indispensable quality in your role.

There are avenues for advancement as well. With experience and training, you could become a medical secretary. And, if you would like to further your education, your credits can transfer into the medical administrative assistant associate degree program.

Employment Settings for Medical Administrative Assistants

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employer of all receptionists in 2016 was healthcare and social assistance at 45 percent. Medical Administrative Assistants are typically employed in hospitals, doctor’s offices, dental offices, nursing care facilities, as well as clinics and other medical care facilities.

Most are employed full-time, but about 25 percent of all receptionists work part-time. Medical Administrative Assistants are more likely to have to work evenings or weekends if they work for an employer, such as a hospital, that is open around the clock.

While this information may help you in determining the right career path for you, understand that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook is intended to provide insight into occupational opportunities, and is not to be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Bryant & Stratton College cannot guarantee employment in any field.

For insights into a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant, please visit the Career Services section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information on careers in healthcare and the healthcare industry. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Medical Office Assistant Diploma page.