So, you’re interested in becoming a Medical Administrative Professional…

check out your future career!

View your career in motion

Academy College can help you achieve your goals through our Medical Administration Certificate program.

What’s the job all about?

Rather than performing a single specialized task, Medical Administration professionals have responsibilities that often change daily with the needs of the specific job and the employer. Some will spend their days filing or keyboarding. Others enter data at a computer terminal. They also operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread documents; and answer telephones and deliver messages.

The specific duties assigned to Medical Administrative professionals vary significantly, depending on the type of office in which they work. A Medical Administrative professional in a small Chiropractic office may have very different duties than a professional in a large hospital setting. Some Medical Administrative professionals may sort checks, keep payroll records, take inventory, and access information, while others may organize medications and perform a variety of reception duties.

Medical Administrative professional duties also vary by level of experience. Inexperienced employees may make photocopies, stuff envelopes, or record inquiries. Experienced individuals are usually given additional responsibilities. For example, they may maintain financial or other records, set up spreadsheets, verify statistical reports for accuracy and completeness, address patient concerns, work with vendors, make travel arrangements, take inventory of equipment and supplies, answer questions on departmental services and functions, or help prepare invoices or budgetary requests. Senior Medical Administrative professionals may also be expected to monitor and direct the work of others.

What type of skills do I need to be successful in this career?

• Written and oral communication skills
• Computer proficiency
• Technical aptitude
• Keyboarding skills
• Multi-task ability
• Detail oriented
• Knowledge for learning

What’s the job market like?

Medical Administrative professionals who exhibit strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills may be promoted to supervisory positions. Others may move into different, more senior administrative jobs, such as receptionist, secretary, or administrative assistant. After gaining some work experience or specialized skills, many workers transfer to jobs with higher pay or greater advancement potential. Advancement to professional occupations within an organization normally requires additional formal education, such as a college degree.

In addition to many full-time job openings for Medical Administrative professionals, part-time and temporary positions are common. Prospects should be best for those who have knowledge of basic computer applications and office machinery—such as computers, fax machines, telephone systems, and scanners—and good writing and other communication skills. Those with previous business or office experience should also have good job prospects. As general administrative support duties continue to be consolidated, employers will increasingly seek well-rounded individuals with highly developed communication skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks.

What type of earnings should I expect?

Median annual wages of general office clerks were $25,320 in May 2008; the middle 50 percent earned between $19,620 and $31,980 annually. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39,880. Median annual wages in the industries employing administrative in the medical industry in May 2008 were: General medical and surgical hospitals $27,700

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, [accessed November 10, 2011] [http://www.bls.gov/oco/].

Gainful Employment Disclosure

STUDENT CATALOG (PDF)