If you’ve been looking into entry-level healthcare roles that don’t require years of training, you may have seen job listings from clinics or hospitals seeking medical administrative assistants, medical receptionists, medical secretaries, or medical office specialists.
Employers often use these terms interchangeably, which means that if you’re qualified for any one of these roles, you can feel confident about applying for all of them. In fact, all of these positions can share the same credential, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, which you can earn to strengthen your shot at landing any one of these jobs.
If you’re still curious about the finer points of distinction between these titles, read on for our guide to the key differences between all the top administrative roles in healthcare.
Differences Between Medical Admin, Medical Receptionist, and Medical Office Assistant
Here’s an at-a-glance comparison of these roles and their most important differences:
Medical Administrative Assistant
- Responsibilities: Scheduling, maintaining records, helping patients
- Average salary: $43,380 (up to $58,340 in some states)
- Job outlook: 5% growth
- Typical hours: Full-time
- Education required: High school diploma or GED
- Certification required: CMAA preferred
Medical Office Assistant
- Responsibilities: Coordinating care, maintaining the office, answering questions
- Average salary: $43,380 (up to $58,340)
- Job outlook: 5% growth
- Typical hours: Full-time
- Education required: High school diploma or GED
- Certification required: Not required, CMAA preferred
Medical Receptionist / Secretary
- Responsibilities: Answering phone calls, stocking supplies, handling billing
- Average salary: $43,380
- Job outlook: 5% growth
- Typical hours: Usually full-time
- Education required: High school diploma or GED
- Certification required: Not required, CMAA preferred
What Do These Roles Have in Common?
Now that you have a better idea of what differentiates these roles, let’s talk about what they do have in common. As you might guess, all of these job titles emphasize administrative duties, which can include:
- Coordinating with insurers
- Greeting patients and answering phone calls
- Maintaining patient health records
- Providing customer service
- Scheduling appointments
Other than that, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED to apply for any of these positions. You can expect to earn anywhere from $43,000 to $58,000 per year, depending on where you’re located, what type of facility you work in, and whether or not you’re certified.
Key Differences Between the Job Titles
A. Medical Administrative Assistant
You’ve probably realized that there are quite a lot of similarities between these roles, but this one may be the most distinct. When you’re working as a medical administrative assistant, you might be expected to handle more significant administrative responsibilities, such as billing insurers and maintaining patients’ electronic health records.
Given the importance of these tasks, it makes sense that many healthcare employers expect their medical administrative assistants to be certified. That’s because certified medical administrative assistants (CMAAs) are required to prove their readiness for the job by passing the National Healthcareer Association’s exam.
Getting certified can also set you up for better advancement opportunities later in your career. If that sounds appealing to you, check out our 3-month, entirely online Medical Administrative Assistant Program.
C. Medical Receptionist
Unlike medical administrative assistants, medical receptionists might be asked to prioritize front-desk responsibilities over data management. That could mean more focus on answering phone calls or emails, greeting patients and walking them through check-in, or managing questions and complaints.
Since this role emphasizes soft skills like communication over hard skills like EHR management, medical receptionist positions are more likely to be entry-level and not require formal certification.
B. Medical Office Assistant
Medical office assistants are a bit like a middle ground between medical administrative assistants and medical receptionists. Depending on your employer, you may be asked to handle a mix of receptionist duties like helping patients and more clinical tasks like contacting insurers.
Due to that expansive job description, you’re more likely to land a medical office assistant job if you take the time to get certified.
Overlap in Job Listings
Keep in mind that the differences we’ve highlighted here aren’t hard-and-fast boundaries. When looking at specific listings, you’ll often find roles that include a mix of administrative responsibilities and any one of these titles.
But if all of these titles are used so loosely, how do you find the right jobs to apply for? Instead of focusing on the title of each listing, be sure to closely read the duties you’ll be expected to fulfill as well as the skills you’ll need to use on the job.
Which Role Is Right for You?
Now that you know all of the finer points of these roles, you’re in a good position to decide which one might be right for you. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind:
- Career goals: If you’re looking to set yourself up for a long career in healthcare administration, you’d be better off seeking a medical administrative assistant or medical office assistant position than a medical receptionist role.
- Work preferences: Prefer working with people? You might be better suited for medical receptionist roles. If you’re more of an introvert, try one of the other titles instead.
- Training requirements: Think about whether you’re willing to take the time and spend the money to earn certification, or if you’d prefer to aim for an entry-level role.
No matter which option you choose, you can improve your job prospects and your earning potential by passing the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam offered by the NHA.
Learn more about how Stepful can help you earn your certification and launch your healthcare career.
