Key Points:

• Medical Administrative Assistants handle office tasks, while Medical Assistants provide clinical support.
• Medical Administrative Assistants generally earn slightly less than Medical Assistants.
• Both roles are in high demand, but Medical Assistants may have more job openings.
• Medical Administrative Assistants can often complete their training online, while Medical Assistants require in-person clinical training.
• Medical Administrative Assistant training is typically less expensive and shorter than Medical Assistant training.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry? If so, you may have come across the terms "Medical Administrative Assistant" and "Medical Assistant." While these two professions may sound similar, they have distinct roles and responsibilities. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between a Medical Administrative Assistant and a Medical Assistant, including their job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlook.

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Medical Assistant: Education and Training

The education and training requirements for Medical Administrative Assistants and Medical Assistants differ slightly:

Medical Administrative Assistant:

• Many Medical Administrative Assistant positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Some employers may prefer candidates with post-secondary training in medical office administration or a related field.
• Training programs for Medical Administrative Assistants typically include coursework in medical terminology, medical billing and coding, office procedures, and computer skills.

Medical Assistant:

• Medical Assistants typically complete a post-secondary training program, which may result in a certificate or diploma.
• These programs can be completed in as little as nine months to a year.
• Coursework for Medical Assistants covers both administrative and clinical topics, such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical skills.
• Some states may also require Medical Assistants to be certified, which involves passing an exam administered by a recognized certifying organization.

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Medical Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

When considering a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant or a Medical Assistant, it is important to also consider the career outlook and salary potential:

Medical Administrative Assistant:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of Medical Secretaries, which includes Medical Administrative Assistants, is projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for Medical Secretaries was $37,090 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Medical Assistant:

• The employment of Medical Assistants is also projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, also much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS.
• The median annual wage for Medical Assistants was $35,850 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Both Medical Administrative Assistants and Medical Assistants play vital roles in the healthcare industry. While Medical Administrative Assistants focus primarily on administrative tasks, Medical Assistants have a broader scope of practice that includes both administrative and clinical responsibilities. When considering a career in either of these professions, it is important to weigh the differences in job responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlook. Ultimately, the choice between becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant or a Medical Assistant will depend on your interests, skills, and career goals.

Dreambound has strategically placed its educational programs in various locations, making it easy for aspiring individuals to access valuable opportunities. For a thorough insight into the dynamic realms of these two vocations, we encourage you to delve into more detailed information by visiting:

• Medical Assistant in New Mexico
• Medical Assistant classes near you