Administrative Medical Assisting Programs in Alabama
With an appropriate certificate or degree from an accredited college or university, you can qualify for a rewarding career as a medical administrative assistant. Most types of healthcare facilities, including clinics, private practices, hospitals and nursing homes, benefit from the services of dedicated medical administrative assistants. They may meet and greet arriving patients, process insurance information, schedule appointments, maintain files and provide other vital support services.
Reach out to the schools you see below that offer medical admin/office assisting programs in Alabama to get details about program options today.
Medical assisting is often a rewarding profession for detail-oriented individuals that enjoy helping others. Good communication skills are a plus, although these skills can be further developed as you pursue your diploma from a certificate or degree program. Doctors, physicians assistants and nurses all rely on accurate, detailed work completed by medical administrative assistants to ensure medical offices run smoothly.
Healthcare providers often seek medical administrative assistants that have completed an accredited certificate program, while some employers may demand that job applicants possess an Associate’s Degree.
In some instances, it’s possible to apply for jobs with a high school diploma. On the other hand, some prospective employers will want to hire medical administrative assistants that have passed the certification exam.
O*Net noted results of a survey that determined the educational levels attained by medical administrative assistants. It found that 65 percent of respondents had completed a certificate program, while another 18 percent had their Associates Degree. Those with more education and/or certification may qualify for more pay in some situations.
Medical Office Assisting Programs in Alabama
A high school diploma, or its equivalent, is required to enroll in an accredited certificate program. Additionally, some schools will ask that you pass a background check and/or an English proficiency exam prior to admission. Associate’s Degree programs may have more stringent requirements. Some colleges and universities may require that you met a minimum high school GPA requirement in order to enroll.
Certificate programs may require 12-18 months of full-time study. Such programs will often include specific classes that will provide you with skills required to become a medical administrative assistant. Coursework may address patient coding, medical terminology, medical office procedures and customer service in healthcare settings. Associate’s Degree programs in Medical Assisting often require two years to finish. In addition to specific classes, these programs will offer more general classes in English, math and the sciences.
Working as an Administrative Medical Assistant in Alabama
After graduation, the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam may be taken. Students often study for this important test by reviewing course materials and taking practice exams. A passing grade results in certification that is good for two years.
Alabama’s 2013 median wage for medical assistants stood at $24,700, according to O*Net. However, there is potential for income growth among medical assistants in the state. Ten percent of Alabama medical assistants were earning more than $35,300, according to figure compiled in 2013. Nationwide, the median wage stood at $29,600 in that year.
For those entering the profession, the nationwide job outlook is quite good. O*Net notes that the number of medical assisting positions are expected to grow 22 percent during the decade spanning 2012 and 2022. Some job growth may be due to the fact that more individuals are being insured due to the Affordable Care Act, and this may lead to an increased number of patients that seek routine and preventative health care.
Prospective job applicants may find relatively more positions available near the state’s major population centers like Mobile and Birmingham. However, healthcare facilities in rural, suburban and urban locations almost all require the services of medical administrative assistants.
Imagine a future is which you regularly interact with healthcare professionals in a quality environment. Imagine further a career in which your compassionate and empathetic demeanor can enhance the experiences that patients have when they arrive for their appointments. A future as a medical administrative assistant offers fulfillment on numerous levels. Contact those MA programs in Alabama that interest you to learn more about how you can get started.