Medical administrative assistants perform a variety of secretarial and administrative duties in doctors' offices, hospitals, medical clinics and other medical settings.
People in this occupation:
Changes in office technology and the evolving responsibilities of medical administrative assistants mean that adaptability and resourcefulness are also important qualities.
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 1,890
Medical administrative assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
Medical administrative assistants work in the offices of health care professionals (e.g., physicians, dentists or other medical practitioners). Hours are usually set by the employer's clinic hours, which may include evenings or weekends. Those who work as ward secretaries in hospitals may sometimes be required to work on a shift system.
Since medical administrative assistants use computers for the majority of their work, these workers may be susceptible to back and neck injury from sitting at desks for extended periods of time, or to eye strain from viewing computer monitors. Medical administrative assistants are also at risk of contracting illnesses because they are in relatively close contact with patients, so precautions are taken to minimize the risk.
Source: 2016 Census
Completion of secondary school is the minimum education requirement, however, most employers require additional education in a related certificate or diploma program which could include:
Additional beneficial skills for a person in this career include:
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
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British Columbia's population growth and demographic shifts are putting pressure on the health-care system. This will result in the creation of some new jobs, however the majority of new job openings will result from retirements.
Most employers now require the completion of a Medical Office Assistant, Dental Office Assistant or related certificate or diploma program. Inexperienced workers who have not completed post-secondary studies related to this occupation will likely have more difficulty finding work. Individuals who have completed related post-secondary studies, have good knowledge of computers and software applications, and have previous experience working in the occupation will be in high demand.
The increasing use of electronic medical records, which is replacing paper-based record systems in many offices, requires that medical secretaries stay current with technological developments. Workers with specialized skills in computer software and information management technology.
Career paths
Medical administrative assistants often start their career as receptionists for general practice clinics or records clerks for hospitals. With experience, they may find work in a specialist practice or move into supervisory positions, such as office or clinic manager.
Medical administrative assistants have the ability to work in various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, health insurance companies and doctor's and dentist's offices.
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