Medical Administrative Assistant: What are the Roles You Take On?

There are thousands of people who crave a career with a purpose, but don’t know where to start. A medical administrative assistant may be a perfect role for those who desire to do work that helps others. 

The medical field may seem daunting, especially for people who don’t have the resources for 8-10 years of schooling. However, there is a way to get involved in the medical industry without any extensive education. 

Administrative work spans multiple fields and industries, and there are many ways to build a successful administrative career. For those who want to learn more and help others, here are the roles of a medical administrative assistant.

What is an Administrative Medical Assistant?

Put simply, an administrative medical assistant works in an administrative role in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities. Administrative medical assistants have a basic understanding of medical terminology, procedures, and processes. Medical administrative assistants are sometimes referred to as medical secretaries, too.

Depending on the unique circumstances of the industry, employer, and job title, their responsibilities may vary. Administrative medical assistants have multiple responsibilities, and their job situates them in a unique role in a hospital setting.

What Do Medical Administrative Assistants Do?

What exactly do medical administrative assistants do? As mentioned previously, job duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the setting. However, the job description of a medical administrative assistant is relatively universal. Generally speaking, here are the roles of a medical administrative assistant.

Keep the Hospital or Facility Running Efficiently

One of the major goals of a medical administrative assistant role is to keep the facility running efficiently. Daily responsibilities may change, but their role is to be the organizational pillar of the entire organization. This includes: 

• Checking patients in for appointments. Being the first face a patient sees when entering the facility.
• Answering phones, maintaining records of appointments, and answering relevant questions.
• Managing databases and keeping track of charts, records, and patient histories.
• Transferring lab results to technicians or other doctors.
• Ordering necessary supplies and keeping stock of inventory.
• Completing necessary paperwork.
• Making patients feel safe, comfortable, and at ease.
• Interacting with physicians, nurses, surgeons, and other medical personnel.

Necessary Skills for Career Success

In any administrative role, diligence, organization, emotional intelligence, and attention to detail are crucial. Whether these skills come naturally, or they’ve been developed as a result of training, it’s important to cultivate them for career success. The specific skills needed for a medical administrative assistant role are:

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Great verbal and written communication skills
• Adapts easily and is flexible in a fast-changing environment
• Can make decisions quickly and on-their-feet
• Pristine organizational skills

The nature of a medical administrative assistant role is sometimes fast-paced, ever-evolving, and demanding. It can also be exciting, dynamic, and deeply rewarding. With the right training and skillset, anyone can pave the path to success.

Learn More About Certified Medical Administrative Assistants

What does it take to become a certified medical admin assistant? If you already have your admin assistant certification, you’re one step closer to becoming certified in the medical field. Although certification isn’t required to become a medical admin assistant, it can help increase your job prospects. Certification can also help you learn about specific medical terminology, medical systems, and medical technologies. You don’t need to go through years of schooling to become certified, either. Having literacy in your field of choice is a surefire way to expand your opportunities and widen your job horizon.

Find Training Resources at ASAP

ASAP is dedicated to providing resources and tools to administrative professionals for optimal career success. If you’d like to learn more about a career in administration, check out our resource library or become a member today!