How to Become a Medical Office Assistant
The Medical office assistant career training program from Blackstone Career Institute (BCI) offers you quality education needed to prepare for a fulfilling career in this flexible and highly popular employment field. BCI’s online training offers a working knowledge in real-world administrative skills, including a simulated practice program using the same software used in most medical offices. Upon course completion, you will have the skill set needed to secure a job working as a medical office assistant.
Job Outlook
The expansion of the health services industry from technological advances in medicine to a growing and aging population creates an increasing need allied health workers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of medical office assistants employed in the United States is expected to increase 29% through 2026.
As with many careers, the earning potential of a medical office assistant varies depending on factors such as experience, skills and geographic location. According to the 2016-2017 Occupational Outlook Handbook, medical office assistants can earn up to $45,310 annually. It lists the middle 50 percent of medical office assistants earning $31,540.
Education
Someone interested in becoming a Medical Office Assistant will need a high school diploma or GED although, there are no formal educational requirements for becoming a medical assistant in most states. Certifying may increase your chances of employment and help your resume stand out among others.
Accredited programs take about 12-18 months to complete and results in a certificate diploma. BCI’s program covers the fundamentals of medical terminology, the duties of the medical office assistant, the role of the medical office assistant in providing patient care, professional development and medical ethics, English usage, and finding a job in healthcare.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Graduates of Blackstone Career Institute’s Medical Office Assistant online training program are qualified to sit for the National Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA) exam administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Certification provides further assurance of skills and knowledge to potential employers.
View from the field
I found out about Blackstone through a military page I follow. I decided to apply for the Medical Assistant program because I’ve been wanting to break into the medical field for a long time now and it seemed like the perfect fit! I am not currently employed as I’m still taking the advice of my last course and getting my resume just the way I want it so that I can get the job that will best meet my needs! I’m very confident in the knowledge I secured through the program and my ability to not only get a job, but be able to perform that job at a competent level!
Ray, Medical Office Assistant Graduate
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Medical office assistants must be able to understand and follow medical charts and diagnoses. They may be required to code a patient’s medical records for billing purposes.
Detail oriented. Medical office assistants need to be precise when taking vital signs or recording patient information. Physicians and insurance companies rely on accurate records.
Interpersonal skills. Medical office assistants need to be able to discuss patient information with other medical personnel, such as physicians. They often interact with patients who may be in pain or in distress, so they need to be able to act in a calm and professional manner.
Technical skills. Medical office assistants should be able to use basic clinical instruments so they can take a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure.
