Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate

WHAT DO MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS DO?

The healthcare industry offers millions of jobs in many capacities and is growing rapidly due to the country’s aging population and new healthcare laws. Within such a large and growing industry, medical office administrative assistants play a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. Their specific responsibilities vary from location to location but often include:

• Managing the day-to-day operations of a medical facility
• Providing quality customer service to patients
• Scheduling and coordinating appointments
• Verifying patient insurance and referrals
• Completing, submitting and tracking insurance claims
• Preparing, sending and tracking correspondence between medical providers and their patients
• Updating and organizing medical records

WHY BECOME A MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT?

Medical administrative assistants can be found working in doctors’ offices, dental offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, and almost every other medical facility. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the demand for medical administrative assistants will grow by 36%, or 189,200 new jobs, before 2022. With opportunities nationwide, medical administrative assistants often have a variety of positions to choose from and can earn competitive salaries. *U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes436013.htm

WHAT IS THE MASSBAY MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PROGRAM?

This 23/24 credit program is designed to prepare the students for administrative assistant career opportunities in a variety of health care settings, including medical clinics, physician practices, hospital-based practices, or in health related businesses. This is an interactive training course in administrative procedures and computer usage specific to a medical facility and/or business. It is appropriate for entry-level job candidates, as well as for those wishing to make a career change.

MassBay offers a two-semester 23/24 credit program that prepares students for entry level employment as a medical administrative assistant. You will learn the theoretical background and skills needed for front office day-to-day task. You will see it, hear it then practice it. Enrollment is limited to 20 students per class, ensuring an intimate student-centered environment. Class sessions are held on Mass Bay’s Framingham campus.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to do the following:

• Describe scope and practice of medical office administrative assistants
• Exemplify professional behavior
• Use interpersonal skills to communicate effectively
• Schedule and manage appointments
• Organize and maintain a patient’s medical record
• Apply managed care procedures and policies
• Perform basic procedural coding
• Perform basic diagnostic coding
• Complete insurance claim forms
• Perform within legal and ethical boundaries
• Use computers effectively for written communication
• Use courteous and appropriate telephone techniques
• Explain medical practice management and customer service
• Perform basic accounting procedures
• Have key HIPAA Security knowledge
• Demonstrate knowledge of Medical Terminology

COMPETENCIES

1. Applications of medical terminology
2. Medical Administrative Procedures
   1. Basic medical clerical functions
   2. Bookkeeping
   3. Insurance, procedural and diagnostic coding
   4. Operational functions
3. Professional Components
   1. Personal attributes
   2. Job readiness
   3. Workplace dynamics
4. Perform Clerical Functions
   1. Schedule and manage appointments
   2. Organize and maintain patients’ medical records
5. Perform Bookkeeping Procedures
   1. Collect co-payments and deductibles
   2. Post entries on a day sheet
   3. Prepare a bank deposit
   4. Perform accounts receivable procedures
   5. Perform billing and collection procedures
   6. Post adjustments (includes credits and refunds)
6. Process Insurance Claims
   1. Perform procedural coding
   2. Perform diagnostic coding
   3. Complete insurance claim forms.
   4. Apply managed care policies and procedures
   5. Apply third party guidelines

EARNINGS POTENTIAL

Skilled medical administrative assistants are in great demand now and many more are projected to be needed in the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for medical office administrative assistants is projected to grow at a rate of 36% through 2020. The median income for medical office administrative assistant nationally is $15.89 an hour, which is $33,040 a year. Earnings are dependent upon a candidate’s experience and work history.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Medical Office Administrative Assistant is a rapidly expanding field with excellent career opportunities. Areas of employment for our graduates:

• Administrative Assistant
• Customer Service Representative
• Data Administrator
• Data Entry Assistant
• Dental Receptionist
• Document/Information Processor
• Specialist Administrative Assistant
• Legal Support Staff
• Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
• Medical Insurance Specialist
• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Medical Office Specialist
• Medical Records and
• Health Information Technician
• Medical Transcriptionist
• Office Appointment Administrator
• Scheduling Clerk
• Veterinary Receptionist
• Patient Services Representative

GRADUATION

Program graduates receive a Certificate of Completion in Medical Office Administrative Assisting — which can get them an entry-level job. Additionally:

• We have prepared students for post-program success, both in the work force and in their educational pursuits.
• We have prepared students to process information using higher order thinking skills and to engage in sound decision-making.
• We have maintained high expectations for all students regardless of educational needs and providing support necessary for achievement.
• We have provided a challenging, worthwhile curriculum based on current industry and academic expectations.

QUESTIONS

Please attend an upcoming information session. Check out MassBay’s MassBay Health Sciences Info Session Schedule and sign up today. Or, contact Admissions at 508-279-4059 or admissions@massbay.edu.