Are you looking for a fulfilling career in the medical field? Consider becoming a surgical technologist! Surgical techs play a vital role in operating rooms, ensuring surgeries run smoothly and successfully. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a certified surgical tech, including education, certification, salary expectations, and potential workplaces.

What does a Medical Administrative Assistant do?

As a medical administrative assistant, your primary responsibilities include:

• Managing front office operations like greeting patients, answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining medical records.
• Verifying patients' insurance coverage and processing billing/insurance claims.
• Handling correspondence, data entry, and other general administrative duties.
• Assisting doctors and nurses with tasks like completing medical forms and taking inventory of supplies.
• Acting as the liaison between patients, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other third parties.
• Ensuring office procedures comply with laws around privacy and confidentiality of patient information.

Medical administrative assistants require strong communication, organizational, and computer skills to juggle the many aspects of their customer-facing role. Their diligence and attention to detail are key to the efficient day-to-day operations of medical practices.

How to become a Medical Administrative Assistant

To start a career as a medical administrative assistant, you typically need to follow these steps:

Education

Most employers require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. However, many prefer candidates with some postsecondary education such as:

• Certificate or diploma in medical administrative assisting from a vocational school
• Associate's degree in medical office administration or health information technology

These programs teach key skills like medical terminology, coding, recordkeeping, and office procedures.

Training

Many medical administrative assistants learn on the job through formal training by mentors or experienced staff members. This training covers:

• Using practice management and electronic health record (EHR) software
• Following HIPAA laws around privacy and security of patient data
• Insurance verification, coding, and billing processes

Certification

While not always required, earning voluntary certification can boost your credentials. Common certifications include:

• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

Skills

Successful medical administrative assistants have skills like:

• Proficiency with computers and office software
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Understanding of medical terminology

With the right mix of education, training, certification, and skills, you can prepare for an in-demand role in healthcare administration.

Where can I find online Medical Administrative Assistant classes?

Dreambound helps people find education focused on careers. They made a search engine for comparing class options in over 80 career-focused educational programs based on cost, duration, degree level, and more. They also offer an AI-powered career coach. Users can share preferences and background information with the AI, which then creates a personalized plan and provides support throughout their educational journey.

Dreambound makes it simple to find online medical administrative classes near you, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Lets hear what students have to say:

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Top-rated Medical Administrative Assistant classes

CareerStep

• Self-paced, at your own schedule
• Not available for students in AZ, MA, ND, SD, WA
• Cost: $3,799, with flexible payment options available
• Average rating of 4.5 stars on over 5300 reviews

Penn Foster

• Self-paced, at your own schedule
• Payment plans available
• Associates Degree or Diploma options available
• Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Cost: <$2,400 for diploma, <$1,500 for Associate's. As low as $59/mo.

Online Medical Administrative Assistant Program with Financial Aid (for those who qualify)

CCI Training Center

• Not self-paced: 25 weeks with class dates
• Accredited by ACCET, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training

Learn more about becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant

Can online Medical Administrative Assistant classes really be done online?

Yes, many reputable schools and programs offer online medical administrative assistant classes that can be completed entirely through distance learning. This allows students to learn at their own pace from home while still getting quality career training.

Do I need certification to work as a Medical Administrative Assistant?

While certification is not always required, earning a voluntary certification like the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from an organization like the National Healthcareer Association can make you a more competitive job candidate and demonstrate your skills.

What is the salary of a Medical Administrative Assistant?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical secretaries, including medical administrative assistants, was $46,010 as of May 2023. Salaries can vary based on factors like experience, employer, geographic location, and certification.

Where do Medical Administrative Assistants work?

Medical administrative assistants can find employment at various healthcare facilities such as physicians' offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical practices. They play a key role in the day-to-day administrative operations.

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Medical Assistant

A Medical Administrative Assistant works on the administrative/office side while a Medical Assistant is a clinical position that involves direct patient care. CMAs perform duties like taking vitals, giving injections, and assisting physicians during exams.

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant vs Certified Nursing Assistant

While CNAs also work with patient care, their role is more focused on assisting nurses with basic care services like bathing, dressing, and moving patients. The CMAA certification equips individuals for administrative medical office work rather than hands-on nursing assistant duties.

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Final Thoughts

Obtaining a Medical Administrative Assistant certification online is a convenient and flexible way to pursue a career in healthcare administration. Following the steps outlined above, you can gain the necessary education, training, and certification to excel in this rewarding field.

Remember to choose a reputable online program, stay organized and dedicated to completing your coursework, and take advantage of practical experience opportunities such as virtual labs and internships. With the right mindset and commitment, you can achieve your goal of becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant and embark on a successful career in healthcare administration.

Dreambound's extensive guides dig into the specific requirements and challenges that are different for each state in the US. Check out some of our other guides below:

• How to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant in California
• How to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant in Kansas
• How to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant in Minnesota
• How to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant in Pennsylvania
• How to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant in South Dakota

Exploring diverse professional options? Dreambound has comprehensive guides to assist you in making well-informed decisions. Take a look at these resources:

• How to Become a Phlebotomist
• How to Become a Medical Assistant
• How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
• How to Become a Patient Care Technician
• How to Become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)