When most people think of a medical office, they focus on the first part of the name. However, every medical practice, whether a doctor, dentist or lab facility is in fact an office and a business that, despite the nature of the work done there, has all of the functions and needs that any other business has. That is where you, as a medical office administrator, can build a career.
What does a Medical Office Administrator do?
If you choose a career as a medical office administrator, you may be called upon to fill many roles; ranging from answering calls and acting as a receptionist to tracking patient records and filing insurance claims.
Every office has its own organizational arrangement, but here is a short list of roles that you may be asked to fill:- Receptionist
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Medical Clerk
- Book Keeper
- Appointment Setter
- Staff Trainer
- Secretary
- Document Specialist
What education and skills are needed to become a Medical Office Administrator?
Considering the variety of roles that you may be asked to perform it is not surprising that there are many paths into this career field. Generally speaking, you will need to have good organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. The educational paths to this career field can be as varied as the roles involved. A high school diploma or equivalent is mandatory and most medical offices are going to require at least some type of related associates degree.
Some areas of study you might find helpful would be:- Medical Administration
- Computer Information Science
- Book Keeping and Basic Accounting
- Business Administration
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Secretarial Studies
If you are a person who enjoys the idea of working in a closely knit organization, that is in the business of helping people, but doesn't feel comfortable with having to deal with the actual medical side of a doctor's office, then becoming a medical office administrator may be the career path that you have been looking for. It offers excellent chances of advancement and medicine is one of the areas least affected by dips in the economy. This means it can also offer you excellent job security.
Get Your Degree!
Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.
Powered by Campus Explorer
