Whether in clinics, hospitals, or even private practices, Medical Office Administrators, also sometimes called Medical Office Assistants (MOAs), are in high demand. The need for trained Medical Office Administrators is as high as the need for healthcare – especially in these uncertain times. In fact, the demand for them is so high that some cities and towns in British Columbia face a shortage of them.
About Medical Office Administrators
In this high opportunity occupation, Medical Office Administrators perform a variety of administrative and secretarial duties in doctor’s offices, medical clinics, and other medical settings. The role that they have is important as they contribute to the productivity and efficiency of the healthcare environment that they work in.
In their day-to-day work life, Medical Office Administrators perform a number of general and specialized tasks that are invaluable to the medical setting they work in. Some of the general tasks include entering and formatting electronically-based medical reports and correspondence and preparing spreadsheets and documents for the doctor to review. However, this isn’t all there is to their role. MOAs also perform a number of specialized tasks too including:
- Scheduling and confirming medical appointments for patients
- Delivering messages between doctors and patients
- Interviewing patients to complete forms and case histories
- Filling out insurance and other claim forms
- Managing billing procedures
- Ordering medical and regular office supplies
How to Become a Medical Office Administrator
If becoming a Medical Office Administrator sounds like something that interests you, here is how you can become one. In order to pursue a career as an MOA, you first need to complete secondary school. Once you complete secondary school, you can take a specialized program like a medical office administration program that will equip you with the skills you need to stand out to your future employers and do well in the field.
Some employers may also be looking for additional requirements like:
- A typing speed of 50-65 words per minute and knowledge of spreadsheet and database software
- Ability to use and understand electronic medical records (EMR)
- Level 1 First Aid, CPR Level C and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information (WHMIS) certification
Where to Get Your Medical Office Administrator Training
At Sprott Shaw College, we have a Medical Office Administrator Program that prepares you with the skills you need to perform well in medical settings. The 33-week program includes training in medical terminology, assistant office procedures, MSP billing procedures, bookkeeping fundamentals, accounting principles, medical transcriptions, and practical applications.
We also have a variety of other programs that include additional training and/or practicum placements. Our Executive Medical Office Administrator Program with Practicum Program includes a practicum placement and expanded training in digital marketing, social media, human resources, and travel/event planning. Our Medical Office Administrator Health Unit Clerk Program includes supplementary training as a health unit clerk, which allows you to perform non-clinical tasks under the supervision of nursing staff and serve as the link between patients, physicians, nursing staff, and other departments.
You can see more of our other Medical Office Administrator Programs here.
To learn more about the field or program, contact one of our advisors below.
