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Medical Office Administration Assistant |
Career OverviewSecretaries are essential to medical offices, as they are to any type of office. Medical office administration assistants are experienced secretaries, largely responsible for the efficient functioning of physician and hospital offices. Medical office administration assistants, sometimes referred to as medical secretaries, are employed by physicians or by institutions where physicians work.
They are employed to type letters, transcribe dictations, set appointments, arrange for hospitalizations, order supplies, and supervise medical secretaries. They operate different types of equipment that facilitate communications and optimize office efficiency.
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Career RequirementsA high school diploma or GED is the prerequisite to secure work as a medical office administration assistant, but college education is preferred by most employers. Job-specific training is offered by many business high schools and, more importantly, by many colleges. A college course typically features programs in English, typing, computer, and business practices. Medical vocabulary courses are often offered as well.
To function in the office, medical office administration assistants must be able to use a range of different office equipments, including computers, fax machines, photocopiers, and multi--line phones. Word processing, data base management, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, and graphics are desirable skills to have.
Secretaries who are highly trained and have extensive experience may pass a series of examinations offered by the National Secretaries’ Association. Those who pass such exams are designated as certified professional secretaries, and carry particular weight with prospective employees.
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Job OutlookThe growth of the health care industry, which is expected to continue for the next decade at least, will continue to create a steady demand for medical office administration assistants. The job outlook is favorable overall.
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Career TrackMedical office administrative assistants may advance to become office managers with appropriate experience and training. Administrative assistants are considered to be advanced above the level of secretary. Promotion to office manager, when it occurs, means increased managerial responsibilities.
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CompensationStandard compensation for medical secretaries calls between $25,000 and $35,000 per year. Administrative assistants can expect to receive between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. Additional benefits, including medical and dental insurance, are generally covered.
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