Medical administrative assistants are essential to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. They manage tasks like scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, updating electronic health records, and supporting patient communication. These professionals help ensure that hospitals and clinics run efficiently, allowing clinical staff to focus on patient care.

Some job postings may refer to this role as a medical office assistant or medical receptionist, but all serve the same crucial purpose — coordinating the administrative side of healthcare delivery.

Where Medical Administrative Assistants work in South Carolina

Medical Administrative Assistants in South Carolina are employed in a range of healthcare environments:

• Hospitals and medical centers: Large systems such as Prisma Health, MUSC Health, and McLeod Health hire administrative staff to support front desk operations, manage patient intake, and coordinate care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Specialty clinics and outpatient facilities: Across cities like Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, clinics focused on cardiology, pediatrics, oncology, and women’s health rely on medical administrative assistants for scheduling and patient services.
• Private practices and group offices: From family medicine to dental clinics, small and medium-sized practices throughout the state employ administrative assistants to greet patients, manage billing, and maintain office efficiency.
  

From major health systems to community clinics, South Carolina offers a wide range of career opportunities for medical administrative assistants looking to make a difference in patient care.

A medical admin assistant’s duties will depend on what type of office or healthcare setting they work in, but common responsibilities include:

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

According to the NHA, 84% of employers require or encourage certification for medical administrative assistants. Passing the CMAA exam not only gives you leverage to negotiate a higher starting salary, but also proves that you’re ready to take on all of the important responsibilities entrusted to Medical Administrative Assistants.

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

• Have completed a medical administrative assistant training or education program, like Stepful’s, within the last five years.
• Have performed one year of supervised work experience in the medical administrative assistant field within the last three years, or two years of supervised work experience in the medical administrative assistant field within the last five years.