Medical Office Assistant Schools in Tennessee
If you’re interested in becoming a medical administrative assistant, you’ll need to gain the skills of a traditional administrative assistant, as well as industry-specific knowledge commonly used in health care environments. With the growth of the nation’s health care system, medical office assistants have benefited from increased job opportunities.
In addition, if you obtain a diploma or degree in medical office assisting, you’ll have the opportunity to find work in almost any healthcare environment, as well as in businesses that deal with insurance, scientific research, and government services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals the median salary for medical secretaries in Tennessee is $29,310.
If you are interested in entering this profession, contact the Medical Office Assistant programs in Tennessee listed on our site to begin.
Tennessee Medical Admin Assistant Programs
Medical administrative assistant programs vary from certificate and diploma programs that require 9 to 12 months of study to associate’s degree programs that may take up to two years. Medical office assistant programs often feature online classes that you can take from home, which makes getting your degree easier if you already have a full-time job.
The curriculum will include topics that teach you have to handle sensitive correspondence and health records, as well as work with computer systems in a health care environment. You’ll also learn how to perform various administrative duties like answering phones and setting up appointments. Programs may also include classes on working with health insurance companies, handling collection of bills, and maintaining financial data regarding patient care.
When deciding upon which school to attend, you’ll want to investigate the program standards of organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This will ensure the school’s curriculum will prepare you for certification, as well as all standard skills required by the average employer.
Getting Certified as a Medical Office Assistant in Tennessee
Membership in professional organizations is valuable for virtually all types of employment, and medical admin assistants are no exception. The National Healthcareer Association offers valuable continuing education, and they also administer the test for Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (CMAA). It’s not uncommon for employers to require their medical admin assistants to return to class every few years for additional training.
In addition, you may wish to consider becoming fluent in a second language like Spanish to increase the number of different opportunities available to you. Administrative professionals working in the front office routinely work with diverse populations who may or may not be fluent in English. Knowledge of a second language helps improve patient care by boosting essential communication during check-in and treatment.
Career Opportunities and Job Outlook for Medical Administrative Assistants in TN
Most medical admin assistants work in one of six different health care environments that include the offices of physicians, hospitals, dental offices, specialized health practitioners, and outpatient care centers. Further, you may also find work with a health insurance company, a non-profit health organization, or with a government organization.
Recent publications from Tennessee newspapers suggest growth and expansion for work in the healthcare sector. An article in the Nashville Business Journal revealed the arrival of hundreds of healthcare jobs to Donelson, and The Jackson Sun suggests Trenton is getting a new medical center.
A medical admin assistant degree can help you enter the workforce swiftly or gain a basic understanding of the health care industry for a career as a nurse or physician’s assistant. A certificate or associate’s degree in medical admin assisting may also offer a wide selection of available jobs, as well as opportunities for future career advancement.
Contact the medical assisting schools you find listed on our site to learn more about entering a medical office assisting program in Tennessee today.