UNLOCKING SECRET TO SUCCESS IN HEALTHCARE

Any physician or hospital administrator will tell you that a good Medical Secretary, now referred to as Medical Administrative Assistant, is worth their weight in gold. These professionals are the hub of communications at their office or clinic as they convey information to staff and other organizations.

An emphasis on billing and coding has made attention to detail an important factor for Medical Administrative Assistants to succeed in their careers. Additional clerical duties include bookkeeping, insurance verification, filing, answering phones, banking and triaging appointments. Good written skills are essential as Medical Administrative Assistants transcribe dictation, prepare correspondence and assist physicians with reports, articles and conference proceedings. Efficiency and good communication skills are also key attributes as Medical Admins must be tactful in dealing with many differing situations. Discretion, empathy, good judgment, organizational ability and initiative are key. Knowledge of medical terminology and familiarity with hospital and laboratory procedures are also required.

The projected growth for Medical Administrative Assistants in California is expected to increase 30% - twice the average rate of many other occupations in the state. In the next decade more than half of the jobs in this field will be new positions.

Medical Administrative Assistants are employed by clinics or hospitals and may advance to Executive Administrative Assistants, Medical Records Clerk, or into administrative jobs such as administrative or unit managers. The skills developed in this position are also useful in businesses outside the healthcare industry.

Working as a Medical Administrative Assistant is a great springboard for those who want to move up to the role of Medical Assistant. MA’s assist Physicians in examining and treating patients, as well as performing routine office tasks. Duties vary from office to office but generally consist of taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing them for examination, assisting during the examination, drawing blood and giving injections.

According to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, Medical Administrative Assistants and Medical Assistants are listed in the Top 20 for jobs that will be most in demand through 2010. Anticipating this growing need for healthcare practitioners, Pima Medical Institute, 780 Bay Blvd. # 101 in Chula Vista offers short-term certificate training for Medical Administrative Assistants (20 weeks for day classes and 23 weeks for evening classes). Courses include: Financial Management; Medical Coding and Billing; Business Writing; Office Management and Word Processing. The training for Medical Assistants is 35 weeks for day classes and 41 for evening classes.

“Individuals are seeking meaningful employment where they feel they can make a difference in people’s lives while working in a viable and challenging profession,” said Lisa LaTourette, director of marketing for PMI. “We excel at nurturing competent healthcare professionals who can meet the expectations of 21 st century employers by offering short-term programs for positions that are current and in demand.”

This San Diego technical private school is helping to train and advance qualified students into fulfilling careers. Prospective students can call Pima Medical Institute at 888-442-5998 for information and assistance.

PMI is one of the premier medical vocational institutes in the western United States. The privately owned, nationally accredited school provides students with a well-rounded education embracing theoretical classroom studies, as well as on-site training at medical facilities that mirror the working environment they will pursue after graduation.