You’re the type of person who likes to help others. You’re organized. And you know how to get things done. Well, that’s good news. The healthcare industry is growing and now is a great time to train to be a medical administrative assistant.
As a UMA medical administrative assistant student online, you’ll learn how to help keep the healthcare system moving forward. You’ll learn how to greet patients and get them checked in, schedule appointments, assist with patient insurance claims, medical coding, and day-to-day office procedures. If a career in a medical office setting and supporting people, processes and procedures sounds good to you, we should talk.
Earning an associate degree from UMA may impact your future by making you stand out to employers and providing you with a strong educational platform to pursue a new career. Let us help you gain the job skills needed to work in healthcare so you are prepared to seek some of the 2.4 million new jobs that are projected through 2026.1
Our programs include 24/7 tech support that helps you become comfortable with computers and in the online classroom. Receive guidance from your instructors and learn what it takes to pursue a career in the fast growing healthcare industry.1 Outside the classroom, our career services team gets you interview ready so you can pursue your new career.
According to independent research published by Georgetown University, associate degree holders on average earn $400,000 more over their lifetimes compared to the earnings for someone with just a high school diploma.2 An associate degree can open doors to lifelong learning and set the groundwork for future promotions. Let UMA help you change your future.
UMA has two tracks for healthcare career training in Medical Administrative Assistant:
Classes at UMA help prepare you to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam. If you meet eligibility requirements and pass this exam, you’ll become certified which can help you stand out as an applicant. This certification is considered an addition to the training you receive at UMA and is not required to graduate. Ultimate Medical Academy has a team in place, ready to help you focus on exam-relevant material and tutor you in areas where you might need extra help.
Medical administrative assistants with a diploma or degree can pursue entry-level positions as a medical secretary, receptionist, customer service representative, front office staff, office assistant and more. Working environments include physician’s offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Employment in this field is projected to grow 22 percent from 2016 to 2026.3
Which program is right for you? Try our fun and informal personality quiz for inspiration.
You probably have questions. We definitely have answers.
Complete this form and we’ll email you info on how to get started at UMA, financial aid, selecting the right program, and connecting with other students. We’ll also give you a call to ensure all your questions are answered so you can make the right choice.
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How long is the degree program? 18 months (may vary according to individual student).
Please see the UMA Catalog for required courses in your state.
| Typical Required Courses: | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Computers | 2.5 Credits |
| Introduction to Healthcare Communication | 3 Credits |
| Introduction to Medical Administrative Assisting | 4 Credits |
| Medical Terminology | 4 Credits |
| Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management | 4 Credits |
| Medical Transcription | 3 Credits |
| Diagnostic Coding for MAA/MOBS | 4 Credits |
| Procedural Coding for MAA/MOBS | 4 Credits |
| Healthcare Reimbursement and Claim Cycle | 2.5 Credits |
| Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology I | 4 Credits |
| Student Success | 1 Credit |
| Career Success | 2 Credits |
| Computer Fundamentals | 3 Credits |
| Interpersonal Professional Communications | 3 Credits |
| Patient Relations | 3 Credits |
| Total | 47 Credits |
| Typical General Education Courses: | |
| English Composition | 3 Credits |
| Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | 3 Credits |
| College Math | 3 Credits |
| General Biology | 3 Credits |
| Sociology | 3 Credits |
| Total | 15 Credits |
| Program Total | 62 Credits |
How long is the diploma program? 11 months (may vary according to individual student).
Please see the UMA Catalog for required courses in your state.
| Typical Required Courses: | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Computers | 2.5 Credits |
| Introduction to Healthcare Communication | 3 Credits |
| Introduction to Medical Administrative Assisting | 4 Credits |
| Medical Terminology | 4 Credits |
| Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management | 4 Credits |
| Medical Transcription | 3 Credits |
| Diagnostic Coding for MAA/MOBS | 4 Credits |
| Procedural Coding for MAA/MOBS | 4 Credits |
| Healthcare Reimbursement and Claim Cycle | 2.5 Credits |
| Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology I | 4 Credits |
| Student Success | 1 Credit |
| Career Success | 2 Credits |
| Program Total | 38 Credits |
What is a medical administrative assistant?
The person who greets you at the front desk of a doctor’s office or other healthcare provider might have an education similar to a medical administrative assistant. This person provides office administrative support for a healthcare provider. One common job title for this career is medical secretary.
What does a medical administrative assistant do?
Medical administrative assistant duties may include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, filing insurance claims, and answering incoming calls. Day-to-day office functions are part of a medical administrative assistant’s tasks.
I want to be a medical office assistant. Can I do that with this program?
Yes. The UMA Medical Administrative Assistant program will prepare you to apply for a position as medical office assistant. You may want to consider our Medical Office and Billing Specialist program too.
Does a medical administrative assistant perform patient care?
No. Medical administrative assistants do not take patient’s blood pressure, give injections or perform any other patient care. Those duties would be performed by a medical assistant, nursing assistant or similar position.
Wondering how to become a medical administrative assistant?
You’ll need medical administrative assistant training which includes teaching you how to perform typical office duties for a doctor’s office or other healthcare provider. In addition to completing career training, you may choose to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam to become certified.
Do I have to become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) to work?
No. You do not have to become certified in order to work as a medical administrative assistant. However, passing the CMAA exam to become certified may help you stand out in the field as an applicant. To learn more, see the above section entitled, “Helping you prepare for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam.”
What’s it like to take medical administrative assistant courses online?
Online courses with UMA are designed to be flexible, so you can train for your career on your own schedule. Complete your classwork in the morning, at lunch, or in the middle of the night. It’s up to you. And UMA is here to help you every step of the way with online tutoring, live learning labs, a student-friendly online library, 24/7 tech support and more. Visit the UMA Online page to learn more.
What kind of medical administrative assistant courses would I take?
UMA medical administrative assistant courses include: Introduction to Medical Administrative Assisting, Medical Terminology and Transcription, Diagnostic Coding, Procedural Coding and more. To see a list of typical courses for medical administrative assistant, see the courses sections above or consult the UMA Catalog.
Is there a difference between medical administrative assistant schools?
Absolutely. While the basic training may be similar between schools that offer medical administrative assistant programs, UMA is pleased to offer a list of student services, all included in our competitively priced tuition.4 UMA is a school that offers medical administrative assistant training programs which include one-on-one tutoring, help with writing your resume, job interview coaching and job search assistance.
How long does it take to become a medical administrative assistant?
Our medical administrative assistant associate degree program may be completed in 18 months and the diploma program in 11 months (both may vary according to individual student).
How much does a medical administrative assistant make?
You can find salary ranges by visiting the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. A medical administrative assistant salary depends on the answers to several questions including where you live and work, your experience, whether you are certified or not, and other related factors.
What’s the best school for your needs?
Of course you’re looking for the best school—for you. So we recommend taking a look at your individual needs. If you’d like to talk, UMA is here to listen and walk you through deciding which program is right for you. The more we understand about your unique situation, the more we can try to help. Call us at 888-213-4473. Let’s talk about you.
What should I look for in top schools for medical administrative assistant training?
Different people have different ideas of what makes a top school. To us, top schools that offer medical administrative assistant programs should provide personal assistance every step of the way with services like one-on-one and group tutoring. Top schools that offer medical administrative assistant training should also provide career services such as job search assistance. To learn about the learner and career services offered by UMA, visit our Ultimate Student Services page.
Where can I find more info about medical administrative assistants?
I decided to become an online student at UMA in 2015 because it fit into my busy work schedule. It's really been fantastic and I love it here at UMA. As a student I would recommend UMA Online. The instructors are awesome and everyone helps with whate...
- Marilyn B.
Medical Administrative Assistant
1http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/projections-occupation.htm 2Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, The College Payoff, 2014,https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/collegepayoff-summary.pdf 3http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Office-and-Administrative-Support/Secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm#tab-6 4According to research conducted by UMA comparing a variety of career schools with similar programs.
