How Much Does a Medical Administrative Assistant Make?

Discover how much a medical administrative assistant make in different settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices.

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Job Description

Medical Administrative Assistants or medical secretaries, provide support to doctors and other medical staff by handling a variety of administrative tasks. Their duties include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records billing insurance companies and patients, and handling correspondence. They may also transcribe dictation and prepare reports.

Duties

Medical administrative assistants perform a variety of support tasks in healthcare facilities. They maintain and update patient Medical records schedule appointments, answer telephones, take messages, and prepare correspondence. They also may collect patient information and compile statistical reports. Many medical administrative assistants specialize in coding and billing insurance companies for the procedures performed by the physicians in the office.

Qualifications

Medical administrative assistants are in high demand due to the ever-expanding healthcare industry. As the population ages and people live longer, healthier lives, the demand for medical care grows. With this increase in demand comes an increased need for qualified medical administrative assistants.

There are a few qualifications that potential employers will look for when hiring a medical administrative assistant. Firstly, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Secondly, some postsecondary education is preferred, although not always required. Thirdly, experience working in a medical office or healthcare setting is also preferred. And finally, strong computer skills are a must, as medical administrative assistants will be responsible for handling a variety of tasks using computers and various software programs.

Education

An administrative medical assistant performs a variety of duties to keep the offices of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities running smoothly. Medical administrative assistants typically need at least a certificate from an accredited program to enter the field, although some employers may prefer or require applicants to have an associate degree. Some medical administrative assistants may choose to become certified.

Training

Prospective medical administrative assistants generally complete a 1-year certificate or diploma program in medical office administration or a related field. Some community colleges offer 2-year associate’s degree programs in medical office administration, which may provide students with additional training in accounting, human resources, and insurance billing and coding. Certificate and diploma programs typically include coursework in Medical Terminology clerical practices, insurance billing, and accounting. Associate’s degree programs also include general education coursework in English composition and mathematics.

Skills

Becoming a medical administrative assistant (MAA) requires strong interpersonal skills, computer literacy, and the ability to handle sensitive medical information appropriately. In addition, MAAs need to be detail-oriented and organized in order to keep medical offices running smoothly. Some MAAs may have previous experience working in a medical office, but formal training is generally required. Most community colleges offer certificate or associate degree programs in medical administrative assistance. Employers may also require certification from an organization such as the National Healthcare Association’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) program.

Salary

Medical administrative assistants are responsible for providing support to medical staff and patients in a clinical setting. They perform a variety of tasks, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records and billing insurance companies.

Due to the nature of their work, medical administrative assistants must have excellent communication and organizational skills. They should also be able to multitask and work well under pressure.

The median annual salary for medical administrative assistants is $34,800, which means that half of all medical administrative assistants earn less than this amount and half earn more. Salaries vary depending on experience, education, location, and employer.

Outlook

Medical administrative assistants generally have good job prospects. Candidates with certification, related experience, and strong computer skills should have the best job opportunities. Competition for jobs should be strongest in larger medical facilities.

Work Schedule

Most medical administrative assistants work full time. They may work evenings or weekends to meet the needs of their patients or employers. Some medical administrative assistants may be required to work overtime to complete tasks or projects.

Career Path

Medical administrative assistants are in charge of handling the day-to-day administrative tasks in a medical office. They are responsible for answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, and filing insurance forms, among other duties.

Most medical administrative assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, such as an associate’s degree in medical office administration. Many medical administrative assistants also receive on-the-job training.

The median annual salary for medical administrative assistants was $36,594 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% earned more than $51,890, while the bottom 10% earned less than $25,540.