Medical Office Administrative Assistant (MOAA)

Medical Office Administrative Assistant is the first point of contact between patient and medical practice, with the key responsibility being to foster a professional and positive patient experience. This program will prepare you to pursue entry-level positions as a medical secretary, receptionist, customer service representative, front office staff, office assistant and more. All the skills needed to perform a variety of clerical and support tasks for healthcare settings, medical clinics, physician practices, hospital-based practices, and in health-related businesses will be taught in this program. This is a perfect career field if you are just out of high school or looking to change your career. This program has something for everyone looking to get started in the healthcare industry.

The healthcare industry offers millions of jobs in many capacities and is growing rapidly due to the country’s aging population and new healthcare laws. Within such a large and growing industry, medical office administrative assistants play a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. Their specific responsibilities vary from location to location but often include:

• Managing the day-to-day operations of a medical facility
• Providing quality customer service to patients
• Scheduling and coordinating appointments
• Verifying patient insurance and referrals
• Completing, submitting and tracking insurance claims
• Preparing, sending and tracking correspondence between medical providers and their patients
• Updating and organizing medical records

Medical administrative assistants can be found working in doctors’ offices, dental offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, and almost every other medical facility. With opportunities nationwide, medical administrative assistants often have a variety of positions to choose from and can earn competitive salaries. 

This is an online 26-credit program with a 40 hour in person internship/capstone.  It is designed to prepare the students for administrative assistant career opportunities in a variety of health care settings, including medical clinics, physician practices, hospital-based practices, or in health-related businesses. This is an interactive training course in administrative procedures and computer usage specific to a medical facility and/or business. It is appropriate for entry-level job candidates, as well as for those wishing to make a career change.

MassBay offers a two-semester online 26-credit program (40 hour in person internship/capstone) that prepares students for entry level employment as a medical administrative assistant. You will learn the theoretical background and skills needed for front office day-to-day task. You will see it, hear it then practice it. Enrollment is limited to 20 students per class, ensuring an intimate student-centered environment. Class sessions are held on MassBay’s brand new Framingham campus.

Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to do the following:

• Describe scope and practice of medical office administrative assistants
• Exemplify professional behavior
• Use interpersonal skills to communicate effectively
• Schedule and manage appointments
• Organize and maintain a patient’s medical record
• Apply managed care procedures and policies
• Perform basic procedural coding
• Perform basic diagnostic coding
• Complete insurance claim forms
• Perform within legal and ethical boundaries
• Use computers effectively for written communication
• Use courteous and appropriate telephone techniques
• Explain medical practice management and customer service
• Perform basic accounting procedures
• Have key HIPAA Security knowledge
• Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology

1. Applications of medical terminology
2. Medical administrative procedures
   • Basic medical clerical functions
   • Bookkeeping
   • Insurance, procedural and diagnostic coding
   • Operational functions
3. Professional components
4. Personal attributes
   • Job readiness
   • Workplace dynamics
5. Perform clerical functions
6. Schedule and manage appointments
   • Organize and maintain patients’ medical records
7. Perform bookkeeping procedures
8. Collect co-payments and deductibles
   • Post entries on a day sheet
   • Prepare a bank deposit
   • Perform accounts receivable procedures
   • Perform billing and collection procedures
   • Post adjustments (includes credits and refunds)
9. Process insurance claims
   • Perform procedural coding
   • Perform diagnostic coding
   • Complete insurance claim forms.
   • Apply managed care policies and procedures
   • Apply third party guidelines

Medical Office Administrative Assistant is a rapidly expanding field with excellent career opportunities. Areas of employment for our graduates:

• Administrative Assistant
• Customer Service Representative
• Data Administrator
• Data Entry Assistant
• Dental Receptionist
• Document/Information Processor
• Specialist Administrative Assistant
• Legal Support Staff
• Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
• Medical Insurance Specialist
• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Medical Office Specialist
• Medical Records and Health Information Technician
• Medical Transcriptionist
• Office Appointment Administrator
• Scheduling Clerk
• Veterinary Receptionist
• Patient Services Representative

Program graduates receive a Certificate of Completion in Medical Office Administrative Assisting — a credential needed for an entry-level job. Additionally, the program prepares you for:

• Post-program success, both in the work force and in any further educational pursuits.
• Processing information using higher order thinking skills and engaging in sound decision-making.
• Meeting the high expectations we have of all MassBay students with the benefits of receiving free, necessary support you need to succeed.
• Our challenging, workforce-relevant curriculum, based on current industry and academic expectations.