What You’ll Learn in a Medical Administrative Assistant Course

A medical administrative assistant course will typically cover a range of topics related to the healthcare industry and office administration. This can include topics like medical billing and coding, scheduling appointments, and handling patient records. By taking a course, you can learn the skills you need to work in a medical office and perform administrative tasks.

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What is a medical administrative assistant?

A medical administrative assistant is a vital part of any healthcare team. They are responsible for coordinating and managing the administrative tasks of a medical office. This may include managing patient records, scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance paperwork, and acting as a liaison between patients and medical staff.

Medical administrative assistants must have excellent organizational skills and be able to multitask effectively. They must also have strong written and verbal communication skills. Many Medical Administrative Assistants have at least some experience in the healthcare field, but formal training is usually required to obtain this position.

A medical administrative assistant course will teach you the essential skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to manage patient records, schedule appointments, handle billing and insurance paperwork, and communicate effectively with patients and medical staff. You will also gain an understanding of the legal aspects of healthcare and learn how to compliance with regulations.

Duties of a medical administrative assistant

A medical administrative assistant is responsible for a variety of clerical and administrative tasks in a physician’s office, clinic, or hospital. They may be responsible for scheduling appointments, handling patient inquiries, preparing and maintaining medical records billing and coding insurance forms, and transcribing medical reports. A medical administrative assistant must be able to multitask and have excellent communication and customer service skills.

In order to become a medical administrative assistant, one must complete a postsecondary certification or associate’s degree program. These programs usually take about one year to complete and include courses in office procedures, medical terminology, accounting, insurance billing and coding, transcription, and computer applications. Many programs also include an externship component in which students gain real-world experience working in a medical setting.

Education and training requirements

Administrative medical assistants perform many important tasks in healthcare offices, clinics and hospitals. They may work behind the scenes in administrative roles or have more direct patient contact performing clinical tasks. In order to work in either capacity, medical administrative assistants must complete a course of study that covers a variety of topics related to the field of medicine.

Education and training requirements for medical administrative assistants vary by state, but most states require completion of an accredited program. Programs typically take one to two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree. Some programs may offer externship opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience before graduation.

During their course of study, medical administrative assistants cover topics such as medical billing and coding, insurance processing, scheduling appointments, maintaining Medical records and transcribing physician orders. In addition to these practical skills, students also learn about basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and office procedures.

Skills required

In a medical administrative assistant program, you’ll learn the skills you need to work in a variety of medical administrative roles. You’ll learn how to maintain medical records, schedule appointments, file insurance claims, manage finances, and provide customer service. You’ll also learn about medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. Upon completing the program, you’ll be prepared to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) examination.

Salary and job outlook

Medical administrative assistants are in high demand, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for medical administrative assistants was $36,540 in 2018. The job outlook for medical administrative assistants is positive, with an expected growth of 29 percent from 2016 to 2026.

There are a number of reasons for this high demand and positive job outlook. Medical administrative assistants perform a variety of administrative tasks in healthcare facilities, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and billing patients. As the baby boomer population ages and the healthcare industry continues to grow, there will be an increasing need for qualified medical administrative assistants.

If you’re interested in a career as a medical administrative assistant, you’ll need to complete a medical administrative assistant course. In this type of course, you’ll learn about topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, billing and coding, and office procedures. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships or externships.

Career paths

An online medical administrative assistant program will typically offer courses in medical office administration, law and ethics, medical insurance billing and coding, and medical terminology.

A career as a medical administrative assistant might involve working in a hospital, doctor’s office, or other clinical setting. Many medical administrative assistants are responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, handling insurance claims, and providing customer service.

With experience, a medical administrative assistant might supervise other staff members or take on additional responsibilities such as handling finances or ordering supplies. Some workers eventually move into other roles such as human resources or marketing. With additional training, a medical administrative assistant can become a certified medical coder or biller.

Certification

When you complete your medical administrative assistant course, you’ll be eligible to receive national certification through the National Healthcare Association (NHA). This is a voluntary credential, but it’s one that potential employers often look for when hiring new medical administrative assistants. To earn your certification, you’ll need to pass an exam that covers topics like medical terminology, billing and coding, and insurance processing.

Job search tips

While there are many qualities that medical administrative assistants need, employers usually look for candidates with certain core competencies. These include strong communication and people skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and the ability to work independently. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical administrative assistant, here are a few tips to help you get started on your job search:

1. Start by identifying your transferrable skills. If you have experience working in a medical office or in customer service, highlight these skills on your resume and in your cover letter.

2. Research the specific requirements of the position you’re interested in. Many employers require medical administrative assistants to have experience with specific software applications or to be proficient in Medical coding Be sure to include any relevant skills or qualifications in your application materials.

3. Leverage your professional networks. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they know of any open positions or if they know someone who works in the medical field who could put you in touch with the hiring manager.

4. Utilize job search engines and job boards. Use keywords such as “medical administrative assistant” or “medical office assistant” to find open positions that match your skills and qualifications.

Resume tips

Resumes for medical administrative assistant positions need to highlight both administrative and healthcare experience. As you create or update your resume, emphasize the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired that are directly related to the medical administrative assistant duties listed in the job posting.

Some of the most important skills employers seek in medical administrative assistants include:
– Strong customer service orientation
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills
– Ability to multitask and prioritize
– Strong attention to detail
– Proficiency with computers and common office software

Interview tips

When interviewing for a position as a medical administrative assistant, you will want to be prepared to discuss your experience in the medical field, your customer service skills, and your ability to handle a variety of administrative duties. You will also want to be familiar with the common software programs used in medical offices, such as electronic health records (EHR) systems and practice management software. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these programs and any other relevant computer skills.