If you’re considering a career as a medical office assistant, you will enjoy excellent job prospects. Employment in this field is expected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026 — with demand for such positions increasing as the baby-boomer generation continues to age. Before you start the path required to earn this position, however, follow this guide.

3 Must-Know Facts About Medical Office Assistants

1. You Need to Have Excellent People Skills

Medical office assistants are often the first people patients meet in a health care setting. The assistant sees the patient to the exam room and conducts an initial interview to determine their case history. Depending on the purpose of the patient’s appointment, the assistant may also check their blood pressure and temperature, take blood samples, or administer an EKG. All of this must be done while putting the patient at ease.

2. The Job Also Involves a Lot of Paperwork

Medical office assistants handle a lot of administrative duties, providing secretarial and technical support to the hospitals, medical clinics, and doctors’ offices they work in. Tasks could include managing appointments, handling correspondence, entering electronic medical reports, completing insurance forms, and maintaining patient files. They may also have to prepare financial statements and handle billing.

3. A Postsecondary Education Is Essential

Employers prefer to hire medical office assistants who have completed a postsecondary certification. This can be obtained at a vocational or technical school, community college, or private career training center. Most programs take one year to finish and cover everything from human anatomy and lab work to how to draw a blood sample.

Westchester School for Dental Assistants provides the education you need to gain entry-level employment as a medical office assistant. They offer flexible scheduling and affordable payment plans, following the belief that anybody who wants an education should be able to have one. Medical assistant training takes place both in the classroom and in a medical facility in the form of an externship, giving you the hands-on experience you need. Learn more about this exciting program online. If you have questions, you can call them directly at (914) 682-9001.