If you have ever visited a physician’s office, you have had an interaction with a medical administrative assistant. From checking you in for your appointment to managing your medical history and keep the medical office running smoothly, skills for a medical office assistant are crucial in the healthcare system.
Medical administrative assistant plays a crucial role and employment is projected to grow much faster. According to Job Bank Canada, over the period 2019-2028, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 30,000 new jobs.
With a short training education, this is an ideal position for those looking to enter the booming healthcare field. If you’re wondering what does a medical office assistant do and what skills you’ll need to get hired?
What Skills are Required for a Medical Office Assistant?
To help you understand in detail about skills for a medical office assistant, we’ve distributed all top skills in different points. Let’s see what those are…
TOP TECHNICAL SKILLS
Healthcare sector is using technology extensively, and it is imperative that as a student, you attain must-have software skills which include:
- OHIP billing software by MD Billing is widely used software. Same can be used to create patient records, billing, claims and benefit schedule. In Canada, as a medical administrative assistant, you need proficiency in this software.
- Additional software for appointment scheduling, filing and inventory management is an added advantage. DoctorConnect, Reservio, Clinic First and more.
- Familiarity with MS Office is transferable technical skill which can be used in any other industry as well.
Our Medical office administration diploma program focuses on the technical skills required for the job. Apart from in-class training on clinical software, students get real-time experience whilst on the clinical placement.
TOP TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Also known as ‘portable skills’, these skills and abilities are relevant across different areas of life. Apart from technical and subject knowledge, hiring managers also assess you on how well you can demonstrate these set of skills.
Excellent Communication Skills
You’re the face of the organization, and this is the number one requirement for medical administrative assistants. You will be answering calls, emails, booking appointments and greeting patients. A clear verbal and written communication will get you far in this profession.
People Skills
Canada is a culturally diverse country, and you’ll be meeting patients from various ethnicities and backgrounds. As the first point of contact in a doctor’s office, you need to put patients at ease by keeping a friendly, calm and welcoming demeanor. Good people skills will take you ahead in the field.
Organized and Multi-task
Record keeping is part of your job profile and ensuring you have all records readily available upon request is a must-have skill. Organizational skills play a key role in effective information management and keep the clinic running smoothly.
Attention to details whilst multi-tasking is an asset for medical administrative assistants and staying organized will lessen the errors in this high-pressure job.
Calm Under Pressure
Another important attribute, medical office assistants, work in bustling places and deal with patients who need urgent care. Managing the doctor’s schedule and handling impatient patients can be frustrating. A good MOA should know how to de-escalate tense situations and stay calm.
Medical Terminology Familiarity
During training, medical administrative assistants learn about human anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, but why? They often perform minor procedures, such as taking patient vitals and initial assessment over the phone.
They communicate directly with doctors, physicians and other medical staff and have to prepare documentation, thus using correct terminology is a must. The training on ‘medical language’ is an asset for MOAs planning to advance in other healthcare professions.
Bonus Skills for a Medical Office Assistant
Second Language
Canada is a diverse country, especially cities like Toronto. MOAs with who speak in multiple languages are in-demand. Clinics serve people from various who don’t speak much English. Along with language, cultural sensitivity should also be cultivated whilst training.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence, a key skill for medical office assistants, encompasses three crucial aspects. First, it’s about mastering your own emotions, remaining calm under pressure, portraying professionalism, and effectively managing stress. This ensures you can calmly handle challenging situations without affecting patient care or team dynamics. Second, it involves empathically tuning into others’ emotions. Identifying patients’ and colleagues’ feelings, showing genuine empathy, and offering support foster trust and positive interactions. Finally, emotional intelligence empowers you to build and nurture strong relationships.
By communicating effectively, actively listening to concerns, and constructively resolving conflicts, you contribute to a collaborative and supportive work environment, ultimately benefiting both patient care and team morale.
Do you see yourself successful as a Medical Administrative Assistant?
How to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant?
BizTech College offers a 28 weeks Medical Office Administration Diploma Program, which includes a 3-week internship.
The training covers essential such as – standard medical office procedures, human anatomy and physiology and OHIP billing software. Clinical placement during your MOA course helps you for a smooth transition into the workforce.
Interested? Talk with an advisor now, click below.
