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

Where Medical Administrative Assistants Work in New Hampshire

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

• Hospitals and Medical Centers: Major employers include Dartmouth Health and Elliott Health System depend on medical admin assistants for admissions, outpatient coordination, emergency scheduling, and surgical support. These roles often lead to specialized or supervisory paths over time.
• Specialty Clinics & Outpatient Facilities: Medical admin assistants are vital in practices focused on pediatrics, orthopedics, dermatology, behavioral health, and women’s health. They handle scheduling, insurance verification, and patient intake. Telehealth roles are growing as assistants manage virtual visits and communication.
• Private Practices & Group Offices: From urban to suburban clinics, medical admin assistants manage front desks, file systems, billing, and scheduling. In multi-provider offices, assistants coordinate complex calendars and manage communications across departments. In small offices, medical admin assistants often take on wide-ranging responsibilities.‍
• Community & Rural Health Centers: Federally qualified health centers and rural clinics serve underserved populations across New Hampshire. Medical admin assistants help with referrals, public health outreach, and clinic operations. These roles offer broad administrative experience and the chance to make a community impact.

The job duties of a medical administrative assistant can vary depending on the setting, but typically include:

• Scheduling, confirming, and rescheduling patient appointments
• Organizing and updating medical records
• Answering phones and directing calls
• Helping patients check in and move through the office
• Explaining billing and insurance coverage
• Submitting and tracking claims
• Maintaining office supplies and organizing the workspace
• Assisting patients with filling out forms and paperwork

New Hampshire 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 the 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