How to Become a Medical Office Assistant

Working as a medical office assistant is the perfect position for someone who wants to work in the healthcare field, but doesn’t want to do direct patient care. There are several job titles for positions that provide office support in healthcare facilities. A medical office assistant may also be called:

• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Medical Office Specialist 
• Medical Office Administrator 
• Healthcare Administrative Assistant
• Medical Receptionist
• Medical Secretary
• Dental Receptionist
• Patient Resource Representative

Wherever a medical office assistant works, their primary duties are administrative tasks. 

Many medical office assistants work Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 with holidays and weekends off. These positions are great for someone who needs to balance work with their family life. In specialized medical facilities like emergency rooms and urgent care centers, medical receptionists may be required to work evenings and weekends. 

Is A Medical Office Assistant A Good Career?

Yes! Medical office assistants are a valued, essential role in healthcare facilities. In many clinics and doctor’s offices, a patient’s first point of contact is with the assistant, either on the phone or in person. A medical office assistant is the “voice” and “face” of the office where they work. Their smile and friendly demeanor can set the tone for the patient’s visit.   

Individuals in this type of career enjoy assisting patients. They take pride in keeping the office neat and organized. In addition to checking in patients, other duties can include:

• Answering Phone Calls Or Emails
• Scheduling Appointments
• Organizing Paperwork Such As Medical Records Or Intake Forms
• Ordering Office Or Medical Supplies
• Tidying Up The Waiting Room 
• Handling Deliveries

Duties will vary depending on the size and type of facility you are working at. In smaller offices, specialists may also help with billing and other tasks. When job hunting, it’s important to carefully read the medical office assistant job description before you apply.

People working in health administration and assisting careers enjoy the variety of tasks they do each day. Medical receptionists feel good about helping people access healthcare. 

How Do I Become a Medical Office Specialist?

Becoming a medical office specialist is easier than most people think. Successful candidates will complete a medical office specialist program like the one offered by Southern Careers Institute. They will be experienced in Microsoft Office applications and comfortable working on a computer most of the day. 

Do you enjoy working with people? Are you organized and able to multitask? Can you work with a broad range of people and stay calm under pressure? Does a flexible career in the healthcare field sound exciting? 

Requirements to Become a Medical Office Assistant

A medical office assistant should be calm, professional, and organized. They will always have a pleasant attitude when communicating with people, whether that is in person, on the phone, or via email. They must stay focused on their work.

Certified medical administrative assistants need to complete their duties in a timely manner. They take care of all administrative tasks so that doctors and other providers can stay focused on their patients.

These individuals should also be comfortable talking on the phone and taking messages. Patient care can be delayed if an office assistant doesn’t properly handle required paperwork or forgets to deliver a message to a doctor.

Medical office assistants must be able to work with a broad range of people. They will encounter patients who may not feel well or are nervous about being at the doctor. Interacting with doctors, nurses, and other providers on a daily basis is also expected. In large facilities, they may need to correspond with office assistants in other departments or specialties.

Medical Office Assistant Occupation Outlook

As the Baby Boomer population ages, the demand for healthcare services will continue to go up. Medical office assistants have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings:

• Clinics
• Doctor’s Offices
• Dental Offices
• Outpatient Centers
• Urgent Care Centers
• Specialty Medical Clinics/Departments
• Assisted Living Facilities

Both full-time and part-time positions exist for medical office assistants, making this a flexible career choice.  

Become a Medical Office Assistant

Have you been thinking about a career in the healthcare field? Southern Careers Institute’s Medical Office Specialist training program meets the education requirements needed to start your career. After completing our comprehensive medical office training program, you’ll be ready to sit for professional certifications, including:

• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
• Microsoft Certifications
  • Excel 
  • Outlook
  • PowerPoint
  • Word 

We know that cost is always a consideration when attending a trade school or career-focused training. Our Financial Aid team can discuss the medical office specialist program cost, and any aid you may qualify for.

Training for your next career may be more affordable than you think. Are you ready to make the right move for you and your family? Is it time for a career transformation? 

Transformation – Beginning a New You

It’s a new year, so let it be a new beginning when you start a rewarding career as a medical office assistant. For more information about SCI’s medical office specialist training in Texas, please contact us today.