Medical administrative assistants work in fast-paced environments with daily contact with patients. They are responsible for the clerical and administrative duties for smaller offices including filing patient information, scheduling appointments, collecting laboratory specimens, and answering phones. Medical administrative assistants are often cross-trained and specialized in specific areas in larger offices. Medical administrative assistants report directly to the physician, manager or other health practitioners.

The window of opportunity is wide open for medical administrative assistants, as there are many new jobs with the changing industry. Certified medical administrative assistants will find it easier to advance to higher positions.

Job opportunities are available in both public and private hospitals, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and health care practitioner offices.

The median annual salary for medical assistants in 2009 was $28,650 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the salary may vary based on experience, education, and certification.

Medical Administrative Assistant Courses and Training

Medical administrative assistant programs and training are offered by technical schools, community and junior colleges. The programs are usually 1-2 years, concluding with a certificate or diploma. Medical administrative courses and training include medical-related field practices such as laboratory techniques, ethics and physiology alongside administration courses in medical aid, office practices and keyboarding. Internships are often a requirement for accredited programs. Many offices provide on-site training.

Ethics is of high concern for medical administrative assistants as they deal with confidential patient information on a daily basis.

Ashley Dodge is social media and editorial freelancer for Quinstreet Media.

Is Medical Assisting For You? • http://www.aama-ntl.org/index.aspx • http://www.aama-ntl.org/medassisting/right4you.aspx • American Association of Medical Assistants • Medical Assistants • http://bls.gov/ • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm#nature • Bureau of Labor Statistics