Medical administrative assistants play a vital role in healthcare settings, performing front-office duties and managing daily workflows to ensure efficient patient care.

Also commonly referred to as medical receptionists or medical office assistants, they are employed in various settings across California, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and private practices.

Where Medical Administrative Assistants work in California

In California, medical administrative assistants find employment in various settings, including:

• Hospitals and medical centers: Facilities run by Kaiser Permanente, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Stanford Health Care offer roles for administrative assistants to support clinical operations.
• Specialty clinics and outpatient facilities: Clinics focusing on areas such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics often require administrative support to manage specialized patient care services.
• Private practices and group practices: Smaller medical offices rely on administrative assistants to handle front-desk responsibilities and ensure efficient patient flow.
• Healthcare networks and systems: Large healthcare systems in California employ administrative assistants across multiple departments and locations, providing opportunities for career growth and specialization.

These roles are distributed throughout the state, with concentrations in urban areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego reflecting the demand for skilled administrative professionals in diverse healthcare environments.

A medical administrative assistant’s duties may vary depending on the healthcare setting, but typically include:

• Scheduling appointments: Confirming, canceling, and rescheduling patient visits
• Maintaining patient records: Ensuring medical records are accurate and up to date
• Handling phone communications: Serving as the first point of contact for patients calling the office
• Managing the waiting room: Directing patient flow to maintain an organized environment
• Communicating with patients: Providing information on billing, scheduling, and other inquiries
• Processing billing and insurance: Assisting patients in understanding their insurance coverage and handling billing procedures
• Organizing office supplies: Keeping the office well-stocked and orderly
• Assisting with paperwork: Helping patients complete necessary forms during their visits

California does not require certification for medical administrative assistants. However, obtaining the CMAA credential is highly recommended. Certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills needed for the job, which makes you a more competitive applicant and helps you earn a higher starting salary.

According to the NHA, 84% of employers require or encourage certification for medical administrative assistants.

To be eligible for the CMAA exam, you must have a high school diploma or GED and:

• Have completed a medical administrative assistant training or education program, like Stepful’s, within the last 5 years

or

• Have 1 year of supervised work experience in the medical administrative assistant field within the last 3 years, or 2 years of supervised work experience in the medical administrative assistant field within the last 5 years.