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Medical Assistant, Administrative and Clinical

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Job Description

Administrative Medical Assistants are responsible for the administrative and clerical work in medical offices, hospitals, other medical facilities, or private physician offices. They keep records, answer phone calls, order supplies, handle correspondence, bill patients, complete insurance forms and transcribe dictation. They may keep financial records, handle credits and collections, and other bookkeeping duties. They greet patients, schedule appointments, and obtain medical histories, arrange hospital admissions, and schedule surgeries.

Medical Assistant Clinical

Clinical Medical Assistants work in offices of doctors, dentists, optometrists, and all types of medical clinics and facilities. Medical Assistants perform a variety of tasks such as assisting physicians in treating patients, taking patient medical histories, preparing patients for examinations, arranging and caring for instruments and equipment in examination rooms. They also complete and maintain patient records, schedule appointments, and arrange for hospital admissions.

Educational Programs/Qualifications

Most employers require Administrative Medical Assistants to have a high school diploma or equivalent and type between 60 and 90 words per minute. Administrative Medical Assistants need to know medical terms and office procedures. Computer literacy and the ability to use medical software programs are now basic requirements. These workers also need to have good written and verbal communication skills and basic math skills. The ability to complete and explain medical insurance forms is important to some employers.

For the Clinical Medical Assistant, completion of medical assistant training and high school or equivalent is required. Certification by American Association of Medical Assistants is desirable.

Links to Additional Career Information

Offered at the following colleges