Medical administrative assistants play a vital role in healthcare settings. They perform front-office duties and help manage the daily workflow in a healthcare facility. They are also known as medical receptionists or medical office assistants.

Where Medical Administrative Assistants Work in Nebraska

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

• Hospitals & Medical Centers: Large healthcare systems such as Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health hire medical administrative assistants to help coordinate patient services in admissions, surgery scheduling, or outpatient services. Larger hospital systems may also offer opportunities for growth into supervisory or specialized administrative positions.
• Specialty Clinics & Outpatient Facilities: Medical administrative assistants are essential in specialty practices, including cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedics, dermatology, and behavioral health. Many of these clinics now offer telehealth services, and administrative assistants help set up virtual appointments, handle patient intake, and manage follow-up communication. 
• Private Practices & Group Offices: From solo-practitioner family medicine offices to group practices with multiple providers, private medical offices across Nebraska rely on administrative assistants to handle front-desk operations, maintain patient charts, process billing, and coordinate appointments.‍
• Community & Rural Health Centers: Many Nebraskans, especially in remote areas, receive care through federally qualified health centers and rural clinics. These centers serve underserved populations and rely heavily on administrative staff to coordinate care, manage referrals, and support outreach programs. Working in these settings allows medical administrative assistants to make a meaningful impact on their communities.

The day-to-day duties of a medical administrative assistant can vary depending on the workplace. Still, most positions include a core set of responsibilities that support both patients and healthcare providers:

• Scheduling appointments: They help manage the appointment calendar by booking, confirming, canceling, or rescheduling visits to keep the office running smoothly.
• Updating patient records: Accurate and up-to-date medical records are essential for quality care. Administrative assistants ensure charts are current and organized.
• Handling phone calls: Often the first point of contact, they answer phones, take messages, and provide information to patients calling with questions.
• Welcoming and directing patients: From check-in to check-out, they help guide patients through the visit and keep the waiting area flowing efficiently.
• Communicating important information: They explain things like billing procedures, appointment details, or insurance policies so patients know what to expect.
• Processing billing and insurance: Medical administrative assistants often handle insurance forms and help patients understand what is or isn’t covered by their plan.
• Managing office supplies and organization: They track inventory, restock essential items, and keep the workspace neat to prevent delays in care.‍
• Assisting with paperwork: If a patient struggles with intake forms or medical history questions, administrative assistants are there to provide support and make the process easier.

Nebraska 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, which makes you a more competitive job applicant and helps you earn a higher starting salary.

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

To qualify for the CMAA exam, you must meet these criteria:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have completed a medical administrative assistant training or education program, like Stepful’s, within the past five years

or

• Have one year of supervised work experience in the field within the last three years, or two years of supervised work experience in the field within the past five years