The Medical Administrative Assistant performs routine clerical and organizational tasks. They organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments, transcribe dictation, key electronic health records, and support other staff. Basic knowledge of medical terminology, insurance, billing practices, electronic health records, and hospital or laboratory procedures is preferred. The nation is entering a new era of health care where providers can use electronic health records to improve patients’ health and the way health care is delivered in this country. Medical Administrative Assistants may find employment in hospitals, chiropractors, and medical offices.

Here are some of the key topics and skills the students will learn, as well as be expected to complete in their role as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant:

• Effectively communicate with staff and patients, using both verbal and non-verbal communication
• Assess the impact of OSHA and HIPAA in a medical office
• Describe the different medical specialties and outline the role and duties of other allied health professionals
• Demonstrate professional written and oral communication
• Describe different types of appointment scheduling systems and ways of maintaining a physician’s schedule
• Explain how to create and maintain accurate patient records
• Describe the healthcare claim preparation process
• Describe the various bookkeeping systems and show how to manage a billing cycle efficiently