Essential Information
Medical office administrators are responsible for assisting with the day-to-day and long-term operations of a physician's office, dental office, clinic or hospital. Medical office administrators must have a working knowledge of health care practices and have training in computers and office applications. In most cases, obtaining a certificate can be adequate to begin working as a medical office administrator. Courses students could expect to take include medical transcription, medical claims processing and coding and billing.
Certificate in Medical Office Administration
A medical office administration certificate prepares students to perform operational functions and monitor administrative and clinical equipment. A high school diploma is usually required to get into one of these certificate programs. Knowledge in computers is a plus and an entrance examination may be required. Students are provided with the knowledge and skills to work in a medical office. The administrative focus of the certificate program may include courses in:
- Transcription
- Word processing
- Patient data collection
- Insurance claims processing
- Bookkeeping and medical coding and billing
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Physician's office administrators earned an annual mean salary of $41,040 in May 2019, according to BLS - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported that medical secretaries can expect to see a 16% growth in jobs between 2018 and 2028, and median annual wages for medical secretaries was $36,580 in May 2019.
Continuing Education
Graduates of a certificate program may further their career by studying for an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in medical office administration or medical office management.
Individuals looking to begin a career as a medical office administrator can prepare for this vocation by earning a certificate. For job growth and to stay abreast of trends, earning an associate's or bachelor's degree is ideal.
