Imagine sitting down to work with your a.m. cup of coffee. As a medical office assistant, you begin your day by making sure current patients have the right insurance information on file. Later, you help them complete paperwork as they arrive for their appointments. You wrap up your day reviewing medical records, filing insurance claims, and getting things ready for business in the morning. There’s enough variety in your workday that it never gets boring, and your skills are highly valued by your employer. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the medical field, a medical administrative assistant certification may be just what the doctor ordered.
The Backbone of the Office
Medical office assistants work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They usually report to an office manager or sometimes directly to a physician. As an assistant, your job is to maintain the office process, keeping things running smoothly at all times. Your duties may range from scheduling appointments to ordering medical and office supplies and even balancing the books. You may have a hand in claims-processing too. Your tasks will vary based on the size of the office and the clinic’s specialty, but essentially, you’ll be responsible for any and all things on the administrative side of a healthcare practice.
Healthy Job Outlook
With large segments of the population reaching their golden years, the demand for medical services is higher than ever, so medical office support staff are highly sought-after by employers. According to the US Department of Labor, the employment prognosis for medical office assistants looks good; the department predicts that by 2026, this field will see a 29% job growth, which is more than four times the growth rate forecast for many other employment sectors. In 2015, medical office assistants earned, on average, $32,480 per year.
When you begin your employment search, having a medical administrative assistant certification will put you ahead of candidates who don’t have one, as it shows employers that you already have the skills and commitment necessary to excel on the job. With experience, you may eventually be promoted to a managerial or supervisory position. Plus, having a certification can be a gateway to additional training and other opportunities in the field.
If becoming a medical office assistant sounds like a prescription for success, contact us for more info or enroll today.