Remember the last time that you visited a physician’s office? The person at the front desk who checked you in for your appointment was the medical administrative assistant. It is part of their job to make sure that the medical office is running smoothly.
As healthcare professionals get busier, medical administrative assistants take care of the paperwork and keep things running smoothly. Studies on employment trends state that the demand for this position will increase over time.
This career is ideal for persons with good organizational and people skills. The study path for this position is quite short. So, you can be ready to start your career that much sooner. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities associated with this position.
Roles and Responsibilities
Medical administrative assistants are also known as medical secretaries or patient coordinators. This role involves duties, such as answering the phone at the front desk, checking in the patients, and scheduling appointments.
As part of the responsibilities, you might be required to interview the patients for vital health information before they see the doctor. This will involve preparing case histories for the physician’s reference.
Also, you might be needed to compile medical records and charts so that patient information is ready at hand when needed. Your administrative tasks may include handling insurance processing, operating computer software and office equipment.
You would be needed to attend to the processing of samples and lab results. Maintaining office supplies and the general appearance of the front office can also be part of your duties.
Qualifications
To be eligible, you will need knowledge in areas such as medical terminology, healthcare law and medical office procedures.
Many community colleges and vocational institutions offer post-secondary education such as a certificate. You can look up these institutions online and contact their admissions counselors for more information.
Many people join with a high school diploma and then go on to learn on the job. If you want, you can apply for certification to a licensed certification authority, though this is optional.
Skills Required
Technical skills, such as knowledge of database management software, medical terminology, and patient care are required for this position. Besides, certain transferable skills can also add value to the position.
Excellent interpersonal communication, multi-tasking, attention to detail, and ability to work with a team are some of these. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is also often an essential skill.
Medical administrative assistants have a mean annual salary of about $34,800, according to Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) figures for 2019.
How to Apply
The demand for medical administrative assistants is expected to grow much faster than average for the period 2018 - 2028. So, if you have the aptitude and the skills, how can you go about applying for such a position?
You can apply via LinkedIn. Though there are multiple online job search portals, these websites might ask for your personal contact information. If you are wary of sharing your details, it might be better to look up the website of the company directly.
Scroll down to the bottom of the company landing page. Generally, this is where the “Careers” option is placed. Click on this to view the job openings.
This will also help you verify if the job is open still. Apply with a well-worded resume and cover letter. Applying via the company page makes it easier to follow up on your application.
Conclusion
The job outlook for a medical administrative assistant is very bright. So, if you feel that you have the necessary skills and the aptitude, do not hesitate to obtain the qualification.
