Office Assistant Medical Jobs: What You Need to Know

Contents

Job Description
Duties
Qualifications
Salary
Career Outlook
Education
Training
Skills
Work Schedule
Office Assistant Medical Jobs: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for an office assistant medical job, there are a few things you should know. From the necessary skills to the expected salary, here’s what you need to know about this exciting career.

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Job Description

The job description for an office assistant medical professional can vary depending on the employer. However, there are some essential duties that are common to most positions. These include answering phones, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, handling insurance paperwork, and billing patients. Some office assistant medical jobs may also require performing basic medical tasks such as taking vitals or administering injections. The precise duties of an office assistant medical job will be determined by the employer.

Duties

An Office Assistant in a medical setting typically has a wide range of responsibilities, from greeting patients and scheduling appointments to handling billing and insurance paperwork. In larger practices, Office Assistants may be responsible for specific duties, such as handling referrals or maintaining medical records However, in smaller offices they may be expected to perform a variety of tasks. No matter the size of the practice, Office Assistants must be able to work well under pressure, juggle multiple tasks at once, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for an office assistant medical job, you will need at least a high school diploma or GED. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have some postsecondary education, such as a certificate or associate’s degree in medical office administration or a related field. You will also need strong computer, customer service, and administrative skills. Prior experience working in a medical office setting is often helpful but not always required.

Salary

The median annual salary for medical office assistants was $32,850 in May 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries ranged from $22,610 at the low end to $48,790 at the high end. The majority of medical office assistants earned between $26,860 and $40,410.

Career Outlook

If you’re considering a career as an office assistant in the medical field, you’re in luck. The job outlook for this career is quite positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 19% growth in employment for medical secretaries between 2016 and 2026. That’s much faster than the average for all occupations.

There are a number of reasons for this favorable outlook. One is the aging of the population. As baby boomers age, they will need more medical care, and that will require more office support staff to handle the resulting increase in paperwork. Another reason is the growing number of women entering the workforce. Women are more likely than men to work as medical secretaries, and as more women enter the workforce, there will be more demand for this occupation.

If you’re thinking of becoming a medical secretary, you should have good typing and computer skills, as well as experience with office software such as Microsoft Office. You should also be able to handle confidential information discreetly and have good people skills, since you’ll be interacting with patients and other staff members on a daily basis.

Education

Office assistant medical jobs are some of the most versatile in the medical field. They can be found in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices, and no formal education is required beyond a high school diploma. Many office assistants are trained on the job, but there are a growing number of medical administrative assistant programs that can give you a leg up in the job market. These programs usually last between one and two years, and they can be found at community colleges and technical schools.

Training

Working as an office assistant in a medical setting requires a unique skill set that includes both customer service and medical knowledge. If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in this field, you’ll need to undergo specific training to prepare you for the job. Here’s what you need to know about training for office assistant medical jobs.

The first step is to earn your high school diploma or equivalent. While you’re in school, it’s helpful to take classes in Medical Terminology office procedures, and basic computer skills. You can also get training through a vocational program or community college coursework related to the medical field.

Once you have your diploma, the next step is to find an entry-level position in a medical office. Many times, these positions do not require prior experience, but they will require that you complete on-the-job training. This type of training usually lasts for several weeks and will cover topics such as how to use the office’s computer system, scheduling appointments, and Handling patient records.

After you have some experience working as an office assistant in a medical setting, you may want to pursue further education to increase your job prospects and earnings potential. One option is to earn an associate’s degree in medical office administration from a community college or online institution. With this type of degree, you’ll be able to work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, group practices, and clinics.

Another option is to become a certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA). To do this, you’ll need to pass an exam offered by the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA). Once you’ve earned your CMAA credential, you’ll be able show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this growing field.

Skills

In order to work as a medical office assistant you will need to have excellent customer service skills. You will be the first point of contact for patients, so it is important that you are able to greet them with a smile and make them feel welcome. You will also need to be able to answer their questions in a clear and concise manner. In addition to customer service skills, medical office assistants need to be well-organized and detail-oriented. This job requires a lot of multitasking, so being able to prioritize tasks is essential. Medical office assistants must also have basic computer skills and be comfortable using office equipment such as fax machines and photocopiers.

Work Schedule

The work schedule for an office assistant medical job is typically Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some positions may require working evenings or weekends on a rotating basis. The job may also involve occasional travel.