How to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant

Medical Administrative Assistant

Are you looking to break into the booming healthcare field, but don't want to be on the front lines? Consider becoming a medical administrative assistant - the backbone of any medical office. In this post, we will guide you on the steps to launch your career as a medical admin superstar!

What is a Medical Administrative Assistant?

A Medical Administrative Assistant is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of a healthcare facility. They are organized multitaskers who handle front-office tasks, maintain patient records, and support the daily workflow in a medical setting. They wear many hats as they may also work as admissions coordinators, medical receptionists, or physician office specialists. Here are the job duties and responsibilities of a Medical Administrative Assistant:

Scheduling appointments, surgeries, and medical procedures for patients
Greeting patients, checking them in/out, and collecting co-pays
Answering phone calls, responding to emails, and relaying messages
Maintaining organized electronic and paper medical records
Updating and filing patient charts, records, and other documents
Handling billing, coding, and processing of insurance claims
Ordering medical supplies and equipment as needed
Coordinating appointments and authorizations with insurance companies
Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
Transcribing physician's notes and procedural descriptions
Composing correspondence and handling incoming/outgoing mail
Ensuring waiting rooms are tidy and stocked with forms/magazines
Protecting patient confidentiality following HIPAA regulations
Providing excellent customer service to patients and health professionals

What education is required to become a Medical Administrative Assistant?

You typically need to complete an associate degree program that focuses on the business and administrative aspects of the healthcare field. This program should cover essential topics such as healthcare terminology, electronic health records, medical insurance & billing, and medical office procedures. This includes understanding and applying Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards, practicing professional interpersonal relations, performing diverse administrative duties, and utilizing computer and informational skills required in a healthcare setting.

Medical Administrative Assistant courses typically include:

healthcare terminology,
electronic health records,
the survey of anatomy & physiology,
cultural competence in human services,
introduction to medical office support & services,
medical insurance & billing,
medical office procedures,
quality improvement & customer service in medical offices,
workplace mathematics,
research & writing for the workplace,
computing skills, and
office applications - word processing & keyboarding.

How to become a Medical Administrative Assistant?

Becoming a medical administrative assistant is an achievable goal; even if you're just starting. Here's how you can become a Medical Administrative Assistant:

1. Obtain education. You can get started with just a HS diploma or equivalent. There may be on-the-job training available, but getting a formal education is necessary for certification. You can earn your diploma in about 12 months, while an associate's degree will take you about 20 months. You'll dive into medical administration technologies, terminology, ethics, law, and customer service techniques specific to healthcare settings.

2. Gain practical experience. One of the best ways to stand out to potential employers is by gaining hands-on experience through an internship in a medical office setting.

3. Become certified. Although not always required, earning a professional certification as a medical administrative assistant demonstrates your commitment and mastery of essential skills - making you a top candidate that healthcare employers actively seek.

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a recognized credential. This certification can enhance your job prospects and validate your skills and knowledge.

4. Consider getting further education. Continuing your education opens more career opportunities for you. You can take the path toward nursing or transition into office management or leadership roles in a clinic. Never stop learning for whatever path you decide to choose!

FAQs

Where do Medical Administrative Assistants work?

Medical Administrative Assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

private practices
clinics
public health departments
insurance agencies
outpatient services, and
government agencies.

They may hold job titles such as admissions coordinator, medical receptionist, or physician office specialist.

What is the salary and job outlook for Medical Administrative Assistants?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants is $46,010 as of May 2023. The demand for these professionals is high, with many employers recognizing their growing responsibilities in the healthcare sector.

What are the skills needed for Medical Administrative Assistants?

Medical Administrative Assistants need strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a background in medical records and billing. They should also be friendly and approachable individuals who excel at multitasking and serving as liaisons between healthcare professionals and patients.

Where can I find classes?

You can find Medical Administrative Assistant classes on Dreambound. With a simple search by zip code, you can easily find and compare Medical Administrative Assistant programs near you, regardless of your location. Dreambound streamlines the process, empowering you to take the first step towards an exciting future in healthcare administration with ease.

For online learning that bends to your schedule, consult these resources:

Note: These online training programs are not available in all states.

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Medical Administrative Assistant vs other healthcare careers

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Medical Assistant

While both roles are crucial in healthcare settings, a Medical Administrative Assistant focuses more on administrative tasks such as scheduling and billing, while a Medical Assistant may also perform clinical tasks such as taking patient vitals and assisting physicians during examinations.

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Office Assistant

An Office Assistant performs general administrative tasks in various industries, while a Medical Administrative Assistant specializes in administrative tasks within the healthcare sector, requiring knowledge of medical terminology and procedures.

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Healthcare Administrator

A Healthcare Administrator oversees the operations of a healthcare facility, while a Medical Administrative Assistant handles specific administrative tasks within the facility. The role of a Healthcare Administrator requires more advanced education and experience.

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Medical Biller and Coder

Medical Administrative Assistants handle appointments, patients, and administrative tasks to keep things running smoothly. Medical Billers and Coders, on the other hand, are the financial wizards behind the scenes, translating medical services into codes for insurance claims and ensuring accurate billing.

Final Thoughts

The healthcare landscape offers an abundance of rewarding opportunities for aspiring medical administrative assistants. By investing in the right education and training, obtaining professional certification, and actively networking for open positions, you'll be well on your way to launching a fulfilling career supporting medical offices and facilities.

If you're feeling inspired to explore new professional paths, Dreambound has crafted numerous insightful career guides to aid your journey. Whether you're considering a total career shift or simply want to learn about different options, these resources can help illuminate your next steps:

Written by

Harold Roldan

Harold Roldan is a Growth team member at Dreambound. With a background in IT, he works with data and automation to improve team efficiency and workflows. He spends his free time playing musical instruments or studying data, computers, and technology.

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