Medical Administrative Assistant Programs in Wisconsin
The medical administrative assistant is the healthcare worker in a medical office who manages appointments, handles reception and does the necessary administrative work to keep the facility functioning smoothly. Additional duties include operating computer software and office equipment, preparing and maintaining medical records, transcribing medical dictation, processing insurance claims, performing financial and bookkeeping procedures, and ordering and maintaining supplies.
If you are a detail oriented person who can multitask and at the same time interact in a friendly and supportive way with people, this may be a good career for you. You can find a full listing of all the options for becoming a Medical office assistant in Wisconsin listed below. Contact the schools you want to learn more about for program information.
You will need computer skills and be able to communicate well in person and in writing in a medical office. Working in a health service capacity can be very satisfying. Your relaxed and helpful interaction with patients will make a difference in how they receive the medical help they came for. You will be an important part of a healthcare team that supports the work of the physicians and clinical staff.
Medical Office/Administrative Assisting Programs in Wisconsin
Medical Administrative Assistant, or Medical Administrative Specialist, programs in Wisconsin are offered in a number of public technical colleges and private institutions. The Associate in Applied Science degree programs of about 60 credit hours take 18 to 24 months to complete. The Technical Diploma programs of 30 credit hours can be completed in a year. There are also short certificate programs that can be applied toward the diploma or Associate’s degree in Medical Assisting.
These Wisconsin colleges also offer other specializations in medical office work through programs with the following titles: Medical Office Receptionist, Medical Billing Specialist, Medical Coding Specialist, Medical Office Documentation Specialist, Health Care Business Services, Health Insurance Business and Medical Secretary.
The traditional Medical Assistant program includes training for both administrative functions and clinical procedures. Medical assistants who work in physicians’ offices or other small health facilities are needed to both manage the office as well as to assist with clinical tasks. These clinical duties include taking medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting laboratory specimens, performing diagnostic tests, and administering medications as directed by the physician.
Medical Assistant Associate degree programs are offered by nearly all of the Wisconsin technical colleges as well as a number of private institutions. Contact those you are interested in directly from our website to learn more.
Students who complete the Medical Administrative Assistant/Specialist programs can test for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant credential from the National Healthcareer Association (CMAA-NHA).
Wisconsin public colleges have an open-door admissions policy which admits anyone with a high school diploma or GED. Degree and diploma programs require a placement assessment such as the Accuplacer skills assessment plus an admissions interview and letters of recommendation. Private colleges may require the ACT or SAT in addition.
Typical courses in medical office assisting programs in WI include:
- Introduction to Health Information Management
- Medical Office Procedures
- Computer Keyboarding
- Medical Transcription
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Billing and Insurance
- Electronic Health Records
- Pharmacology
- Healthcare Customer Service
- Psychology of Human Relations
- Microsoft Word Applications
Salary and Career Opportunities For Medical Administrative Assisting in WI
Wisconsin salaries for occupations related to Medical Administrative Assistant are comparable to national averages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Below are the averages given for 2013 annual salaries and hourly wages for occupations related to Medical Administrative Assistants in Wisconsin.
- Medical Assistants: $31,620 annually, $15.20 hourly
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians: $37,830 annually, $18.19 hourly
- Medical Transcriptionists: $37,910 annually, $18.23 hourly
- Medical Secretaries: $33,340 annually, $16.03 hourly
Completing a Medical Administrative Assistant program in Wisconsin prepares you for entry level positions in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, health insurance companies, assisted living facilities, research facilities, and health departments. Colleges report that their graduates have found employment as Medical Administrative Specialist, Administrative Secretary, Medical Transcriptionist, Entry-Level Coder, Medical Records Technician, Receptionist, Insurance Billing Specialist and Medical Clerk/Typist.
With the increased demand for medical services from a large retired population of baby boomers and the newly insured under the Affordable Care Act, we can expect a rise in demand for graduates of these programs. The important knowledge and skills you gain from completing one of the above programs, and the many possibilities of employment, can surely help you to start on a journey to a satisfying career.
Reach out to the schools in Wisconsin offering these programs to learn more about getting started today.