Exploring a Medical Office Assistant Career
Are you looking for a stable, rewarding career in the healthcare field that doesn’t require a degree? Becoming a medical office assistant might be the perfect choice for you. The demand for medical office assistants is growing in clinics, hospitals, and private practices, including here at PACT.
What Does a Medical Office Assistant Do?
Medical office assistants are a crucial part of any healthcare team. They support patients and clinical staff by handling the essential administrative tasks that keep healthcare facilities running smoothly.
As a medical office assistant, some of your day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- Greet and check in patients.
- Booking, rescheduling, or canceling appointments.
- Maintaining accurate and organized records.
- Confirming patients’ insurance coverage.
- Collecting payments and answering questions about bills.
- Relaying information between patients and providers.
Key Skills and Traits for Success
Successful medical office assistants have a blend of skills and traits. Some of the key qualities that will serve you well in this career include:
- Strong organizational skills: Often juggle various duties, and being organized helps you prioritize tasks and ensure everything gets completed.
- Effective communication skills: Must clearly communicate with patients, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Knowledge of medical terminology: Understanding common abbreviations, diagnoses, and procedures helps you do your job effectively.
- Technical skills: Being comfortable with technology helps you learn to navigate electronic health records (EHRs).
- Professionalism: In healthcare, professional conduct involves compassion for patients and using discretion to protect private information.
Education and Certification Requirements
The typical path to becoming a medical office assistant involves getting your high school diploma (or GED) and then completing a certificate/diploma program. Many community colleges in Connecticut offer training programs that can be completed in as little as six months to one year.
After graduation, you may consider taking a certification exam. Certifications provide proof of your skills and help you stand out during the job search process. The two main options are the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification from the National Healthcareer Association and the Medical Office Assistant certification from the National Center for Competency Testing.
Career Outlook and Job Growth
The outlook for this position is much better than the average for other careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. America’s aging population is increasing the demand for medical services and the administrative roles that keep primary care offices, specialists, and urgent care running smoothly. Each year, an estimated 119,800 medical assistant roles will open nationwide to meet these needs.
With experience, medical office assistants can advance to other roles within healthcare facilities. For example, you could take on a more specialized administrative role as a medical billing specialist or authorization specialist, or move into a supervisory role as an office manager. If you’re interested in working with patients directly, you could even become a clinical medical assistant.
What It’s Like to Work at PACT as a Medical Office Assistant
At PACT, this role is a key part of the healthcare team. They ensure our doctors, nurses, and other providers have the support they need to provide the excellent, patient-centered care PACT is known for.
A day in the life of a medical office assistant can vary depending on where they work within PACT. However, whether your day involves scheduling appointments, verifying patients’ insurance, or updating records, you’ll know that you’re helping people in your community get and stay well.
We strive to create an inclusive, respectful, and professional environment where all our team members feel valued. We pride ourselves on providing stable employment and opportunities for hard-working team members to advance their careers.
Is This the Right Career Path for You?
Becoming a medical office assistant is a good fit for people who want to work in the fulfilling, in-demand world of healthcare, without needing to provide direct patient care or pursue years of schooling. As an administrative position, this career is ideal for those who are organized, detail-oriented, and good at multitasking.
If you think becoming a medical office assistant is the right choice for you, take the next steps to move into your new career.
How to Start Your Medical Office Assistant Journey
To begin a new career as a medical office assistant, research community college programs in your area. Choose a program that suits your needs, and learn as much as possible while in school. After graduating, consider pursuing certifications.
Take advantage of opportunities to gain experience in your new field, like internships or job shadowing programs. Update your resume to reflect your skills and knowledge. When you’re ready, start applying for medical office assistant jobs.
PACT has an ongoing need for administrative professionals, including medical office assistants. Explore open roles with Physicians Alliance of Connecticut today.
