Administrative Medical Assistant Programs in Indiana

At various Indiana healthcare facilities like medical clinics, hospitals and nursing homes, administrative medical assistants provide vital support services. These assistants are often responsible for greeting patients, processing patient insurance information, scheduling follow up appointments and compiling patient data.

If you can combine people skills with an attention to detail you may be an excellent candidate for this type of medical career. If you enjoy interacting with people in a caring and compassionate manner, this may be a career path worth considering. Many administrative medical assistants also find it rewarding to work alongside healthcare professionals like nurses, physicians and physicians’ assistants. Contact the schools listed below to learn more about your options for becoming an administrative medical assistant in Indiana.

Many prospective employers will look at job applicants that have completed a certificate program, while others may require the acquisition of an Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting. Some clinics and healthcare organizations will look more favorably at applicants who are professionally certified.

A high school diploma is typically the only prerequisite for acceptance into a certificate program. Acceptance is also contingent upon passing English proficiency exams at certain schools. In general, admission requirements for associate’s degree programs are more stringent. Schools will often establish minimum high school GPA levels that must be met in order to be admitted.

Your medical assisting education may be financed through various federal loan programs. Also, information about possible scholarships may be obtained from the Indiana Association for Health Care or the American Association of Medical Assistants.

A certificate program in medical assisting in Indiana will often require a year to a year and a half of study. If you attend classes full-time with no summer break you can often complete your studies more quickly. The curriculum of a certificate program will largely focus on specific classes that will prepare you for your career. Some examples of areas of study include patient coding, medical documentation and record keeping, medical transcription, customer service in a healthcare setting, medical office procedures and principles of public health.

A student enrolled in a two-year associates degree program will find that general classes in English, biology, math, anatomy and psychology may also be a part of the curriculum, resulting in a more well-rounded educational experience. Regardless of which type of medical assistant program you choose, make sure you consider whether your school is accredited or not, as this can affect your certification.

After a diploma is granted from either a certificate or Associates Degree program, you may be required to take a certification exam. A certified administrative medical assistant may qualify for more positions and higher pay. The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam is administered by the National Health Careers Association. Preparation for this important test often includes the review of course materials and the use of practice exams.

Career Outlook for Medical Administrative and Office Assistants in Indiana

The United States median wage for medical assistants is $29,600, according to information compiled in 2013 by O*Net. In Indiana, the median wage is $27,800, which may reflect the lower cost of living in Indiana when compared to the country as a whole. O*Net projects a “bright outlook” for medical assisting jobs. For the period spanning 2012 to 2012, it projects a 22 percent increase in the number of positions nationwide. Some of this demand may be stimulated by the impact of the Affordable Care Act, which is increasing the number of people covered by health insurance.

Experience in the profession may lead you to eventually seek a management or supervisory position, or even continue on to another medical specialty. The need for administrative medical assistants is present at most private practices and medical clinics, so positions may be found anywhere from Gary and Fort Wayne to Indianapolis and Evansville. Medical assistants can enjoy careers that combine professional interaction with caring for patients in a friendly and empathetic way. If this sounds like a program that interests you, contact the Indiana Medical Office Assistant programs listed on this page.