How Long to Become a Med Office Professional

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Medical Office Professional Career

Become a Medical Office Assistant

While nursing or medical assisting often comes to mind when someone considers a job in the medical industry, there are different options available for those who do not want to provide hands on patient care or spend years studying. Becoming a Medical Office Assistant allows you to have a rewarding career in a fast-paced environment. As a matter of fact, it is possible to embark on this career within as little as 6 months by attending a program full time.

What Does a Medical Office Assistant Do?

A Medical Office Assistant will perform or support the administrative functions in a physician’s office or medical facility. This can include assistance with billing and insurance, scheduling appointments, answering phones, maintaining records, and general office tasks to help ensure the office runs smoothly. This type of professional does not provide hands on care to patients but does have frequent interactions with patients as well as physicians, nurses, and other types of health care professionals.

Where Are Medical Office Assistants Employed?

There are several different employment settings that need the services of a Medical Office Assistant. Physician’s offices and hospitals are two of the most common settings. However, you may also find employment with other types of clinics such as dialysis clinics, laboratories, long term care, or skilled nursing facilities, just to name a few. Almost any type of health care setting and agency requires administrative support.

Perks of the Career

The outlook for growth within the health care sector is above average for almost all occupations, medical office assistants included. Demand for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants is projected to grow 10 percent in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means finding gainful employment as a Medical Office Assistant will be attainable for those who have the skills and knowledge. Unlike more traditional roles in health care, most medical office assistants do not work nights, weekends, or holidays. This is not to say that some clinics won’t require administrative support on weekends, but there is typically a greater work/life balance.

Is Formal Training Needed? 

Although some employers may offer on-the-job training, this is becoming rare. Many hospitals, clinics and other settings of employment prefer candidates that either have experience or some type of formal training. Simply put, some employers will not even consider your resume if you do not already possess the skills that the position requires. They may not have the time or resources to dedicate to on-the-job training. Candidates will find it difficult to obtain employment without a diploma.

Benefits of Training

There are several benefits of obtaining professional Medical Office Assistant training. Not only do you have a well-rounded knowledge of your duties as a Medical Office Assistant, but you are educated in anatomy, medical terminology, medical coding, and other medical disciplines that will help you in your career. Receiving Medical Office training allows you to enter your new role with the base knowledge needed. You have already learned the skills and competencies required to act as a professional Medical Office Assistant. Being comfortable with the equipment, duties, and practices of the medical office allows you to have the basic skills and competence needed to be an entry level Medical Office Assistant.

Duration of Medical Office Training

One barrier for many people who wish to start a new career is the time commitment involved. That’s what is so great about medical office assistant training programs. You can become a Medical Office Assistant in as little as 6 months, attending full time. Programs do not require hours of prerequisites and unnecessary courses. Rather, the program focuses on the basic skills that you need to know to be proficient in this role. Training to be a Medical Office Assistant saves you time and money while allowing you to pursue a gainful career.

What Credentials Are Received from Training?

There are different types of Medical Office Assistant training programs; certificate and diploma programs are the most common. Successful completion of a short duration medical office assistant program awards the individual with a diploma. There is an optional certification through the National Center of Competency, NCCT. Those who have completed formal education are eligible to sit for the certification examination. As with the diploma program, it is an optional benefit that can make your resume more attractive to potential employers.

Final Thoughts

There are many rewarding careers within health care. However, many of these require a lot of time and education. Becoming a medical office assistant is a fast track to a fulfilling career. Whether you want to work in health care without being hands on, are seeking career stability, or want to advance within the role, medical office training can help you achieve your goals.

Now that you know how long it takes to become a medical office assistant, want to learn more? The Medical Office Assistant Program is designed to prepare graduates to work as an entry-level medical front office assistant, receptionist, insurance biller, insurance collector, appointment scheduler, medical secretary, or medical records clerk in health care centers, clinics, hospitals, ambulatory care centers and medical billing offices. Contact PCI Health Training Center for more information on how to become a medical office assistant and start a rewarding career today. If you are interested in learning how you can start a new career by attending PCI Health Training Center, contact us for more information on how to start a rewarding career today.

 

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