Medical Administrative Assistant
Manage front-office operations in healthcare facilities, including scheduling, billing, records management, and patient communication.
| Median Salary | $50,250 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +15%Excellent |
| Education | Postsecondary Certificate |
| Time to Start | 4-12 months |
Work Settings
- •Physician offices and private practices
- •Hospitals (outpatient departments)
- •Outpatient care centers and specialty clinics
- •Urgent care facilities
- •Long-term care facilities and nursing homes
- •Dental and chiropractic offices
Primary Duties
- •Schedule, confirm, cancel, and reschedule patient appointments across multiple providers
- •Greet patients, manage check-in processes, and direct patient flow within the facility
- •Verify patient insurance coverage and assist patients in understanding their benefits
- •Create, maintain, and update patient records in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
- •Process insurance claims, handle billing inquiries, and manage accounts receivable follow-up
- •Answer multi-line phone systems, manage emails, and coordinate patient communication
- •Ensure strict compliance with HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality standards
- •Order office supplies, organize files, and maintain front-desk operations
How to Become Medical Administrative Assistant
Complete high school diploma or GED
Minimum educational requirement for entry into any training program
Duration: 48 months
Enroll in certificate or associate degree program
Certificate programs take 4-12 months; associate degrees take approximately 2 years
Duration: 24 months
Complete required externship
Typically 180 hours of hands-on experience in a healthcare facility
Duration: 24 months
Obtain CMAA certification
Study for and pass the 110-question exam; highly recommended by 75% of employers
Duration: 2 months
Complete compliance requirements
Background check, drug screening, immunizations, and HIPAA training
Duration: 24 months
Begin job search and start working
Apply to positions using multiple job titles; tailor resume with relevant keywords
Duration: 3 months
Continuing Education
To maintain your CMAA certification, you'll need to complete 10 continuing education (CE) credits every two years and pay a renewal fee of approximately $185. Other certifications like CMAS require 30 Certification Continuation Program (CCP) points over three years. Many employers also provide ongoing training in new EHR systems, updated billing procedures, and evolving HIPAA regulations to keep your skills current.
Certifications & Licenses
- •Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) - National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- •Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) - American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- •Electronic Health Record Specialist Certification (CEHRS) - NHA
- •Certified Medical Office Assistant (CMOA) - American Allied Health
- •Certified Professional Coder (CPC) - AAPC (for coding specialization)
Citations
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants ↗
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - CMAA Certification ↗
- American Medical Technologists (AMT) - CMAS Certification ↗
- AAPC - Certified Professional Coder ↗
- Practice Management Institute - Medical Office Manager Certification ↗
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