Medical Office Assistant

Medical Office Assistant: Job Responsibilities 

The job responsibilities of Medical Office Assistants vary, from one employment setting to the next, due to differing employer needs and preferences. However, there are some standard basic duties that most will be responsible for, which include: 

• Greeting and checking-in patients 
• Recording patient histories and personal information 
• Collecting co-pays and other fees from patients 
• Recording and verifying patients’ insurance details 
• Preparing and maintaining electronic and paper health records and other files 
• Scheduling patient appointments 
• Assisting patients with referrals 
• Managing daily phone and electronic communications 
• Assisting in accounting, and billing processes 
• Filling out and managing health insurance forms 
• Discussing insurance and/or billing issues with patients

Common Employment Settings for Medical Office Assistants 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants spend a lot of time standing or walking as they visit patients. Others sit at a computer for much of the day to work on administrative tasks.  

Most medical assistants work full time. Some work evening, weekend, or holiday shifts in medical facilities that are open around the clock.

Medical Office Assistants are employed by physicians’ offices. State, local and private hospitals also commonly employ these workers. Other common employment settings are clinics, outpatient care centers, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, insurance companies and the offices of chiropractors and many other types of health care providers. 

Medical Office Assistant: Career Outlook 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.  

About 114,600 openings for medical assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.  

The large baby-boom population continues to enter older age groups, which typically have more healthcare concerns than younger age groups and will continue to increase demand for medical services. As a result, more medical assistants will be needed to perform routine administrative and clinical duties in physicians’ offices and other primary care settings. 

How to Become a Medical Office Assistant 

To become a Medical Office Assistant, you will need an education in the field. Enrolling in the Medical Office Assistant diploma program at Bryant & Stratton College is a great way to get started. This program has a great deal to offer to those wanting to pursue a career as a Medical Office Assistant. It provides a career-focused, well-rounded education in the clerical, administrative, managerial, technological, interpersonal, and communication skills vital to success in this position. Students will graduate with the ability to help build strong patient/provider relationships, and the skills to apply records management and scheduling skills according to industry standards and perform organizational and clerical duties efficiently. 

Additional Training/Requirements

Training to become familiar with the policies and procedures of their specific workplace. Prospective new hires may be required to undergo criminal background checks and drug testing in order to qualify for employment in some job settings. 

For more insights into pursuing a career as a Medical Office Assistant or in any other role within the healthcare administration field, please visit career services section of the Bryant & Stratton college website. By exploring the blog and our website, you are sure to find a lot of useful information to help you as you plan your path towards a successful, satisfying new career.