What is a Medical Administrative Assistant Diploma?
A medical administrative assistant diploma instructs the student in the skills and tasks specific to administrative support positions in a healthcare facility. Medical administrative assistants need to be versed in medical terminology and coding as well as being able to process medical documents and insurance forms and accurately administer medication to patients. A basic understanding of medical practice, pharmacology, human anatomy and physiology is also part of a medical administrative assistant diploma. Typical coursework for a medical administrative assistant diploma includes:
- Basic Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Coding
- Medical Office Management
- Healthcare Law and Ethics
- Pharmacology
- Interpersonal Communication
Why Get a Medical Administrative Assistant Degree?
A medical administrative assistant degree prepares the graduate for an entry-level position as administrative support staff in a healthcare facility. Duties for this occupation include interacting with patients on the phone and in person, processing forms and bills, clerical office work and other administrative support duties.
Job Outlook for Medical Administrative Assistants
The accelerating growth of the healthcare industry in the coming years will necessitate the need for administrative support staff. Such positions are the number one fastest-growing career in the nation in terms of demand for employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (www.bls.gov), predicts that demand for medical administrative assistants will grow much faster than the national average until at least the year 2014.
Salary and Compensation for Medical Administrative Assistants
According to the BLS, the median income for medical administrative assistants in 2004 was around $25,000.
