How Can I Get Training to Be a Medical Administrative Assistant

The Medical Administrative Assistant field has been getting a lot of attention lately when it comes to job opportunities. There’s a very good reason for that: there has been a projected 19% increase in job opportunities for Medical Administrative Assistants through 2029. This growth rate is much higher than the national average, and amounts to a staggering 140,000 new open positions in the job market from this profession alone. 

If you’re here, it probably means that you’ve already decided to pursue a career as a medical administrative assistant, but might not be sure what to do next. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s how you can find the best training for your new job as a medical administrative assistant:

Find the right school

When it comes to getting proper training, it all starts with finding the right place. 

You should look to get your education from an institution that focuses on medical administrative assistant training as one of their core programs. These specialized institutions tend to provide students with the best possible results because having focused training leads to better results. 

You also want to make sure that your school is nationally recognized and accredited. Since there are variations in training needs depending on your location, you want to make sure that your school can adapt to local needs and requirements. 

Check into the school’s programs to make sure you are going to get the proper education to help you excel. Every school will have their specific curriculum layed out for you on their websites, so you be sure to search the site and double check what courses are offered. There is a certification exam you should take as well, so make sure your program includes what’s necessary to prepare you to pass.

Do they offer online classes?

With the state of the world you might want to make sure that your training program of choice is offered online. While there may be some on-site time requirements, making sure most of the education can be completed online is just safer from a flexibility standpoint. On top of being COVID safe, learning online might just be better for you. Instead of juggling everything and struggling to fit classes in, you can just take them online when you are ready. 

Make sure you know the core 3 fundamentals

There are 3 really important skills that need to come from your training to become a medical administrative assistant: computer skills, communication skills, and an understanding of medical terminology.

Computer skills will be an important part of integrating yourself into your job. Most functions of the medical field are done through computers, so you will need to get comfortable using them. From scheduling patients to filing insurance claims, the computer is an essential part of your job.

Communication skills are a non-negotiable part of your medical admin job. Being able to communicate with patients to create a proper schedule and bridging the gap between them and medical experts is what will secure your position.

Medical terminology and understanding it helps you to better communicate with both patients AND medical experts. Understanding basic medical terms will help you bridge that aforementioned gap, process documents properly, and keep your office in line.

Pass your exams

To become a certified medical administrative assistant you can pass an exam called the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam to test and demonstrate your job readiness. 

The test is a 110 question multiple choice and 20 pre test item exam that is designed to test your knowledge on: 

1. Scheduling
2. Patient Intake
3. Office Logistics
4. Compliance 
5. Patient Education 
6. General Office Policies & Procedures 
7. Basic Medical Terminology

Passing this exam certifies you to work in most medical industries as a medical administrative assistant. It is also extra padding for your resume and increases your appeal with potential employers.

Find a job

The last part of your training will be finding a job. This is an important step once you’ve completed your degree. This takes time and patience, but the field is ripe with opportunity and in high demand. Just make sure you look around for a job that is right for you and matches your other criteria. 

You’re getting started in a growing career field

Knowing the demand gen for positions in your field is a great place to start when you’re in pursuit of a new career. A growing market brings more potential, and as demand goes up, the jobs will be waiting for you. Don’t wait.