Why Should You Become a Medical Office Assistant? 5 Key Reasons

Medical Office Assistants play a very unique and vital role in the health care industry, acting as the link between patients, doctors, and nurses.  

Medical Office Assistants perform administrative tasks and basic medical duties, from appointment scheduling and patient record filing to measuring patients’ vital signs. Medical Office Assistants work in a wide variety of specialized clinics and offices. To learn more about the Medical Office Assistant or Unit Clerk role, check out our article: Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Medical Office Assistant. 

There are many driving factors behind why people are drawn to this career path. Let’s take a closer look: 

1. It Is An In-Demand Career 

For Medical Office Assistants, over the period 2019-2028, new job openings are expected to total 30,000, meaning Medical Office Assistants can expect a good employment outlook over the next 10 years. 

2. Personal Fulfillment 

Although it is a highly important aspect of the role, Medical Office Assistants do a lot more than book appointments and organize patient files. They are the first point of contact for a patient arriving at a hospital or clinic.  

Medical Office Assistants are the ones who greet patients with a friendly smile as they arrive; they answer questions from anxious parents and soothe nervous patients with their warm and reassuring nature. They help determine who needs urgent care and sometimes even assist nurses with minor medical procedures. The best Medical Office Assistants are people who have a desire to help others, and this is a main motivator for those considering this career path.  

3. Dynamic & Diverse Working Environments 

Medical Office Assistants can find work in a variety of medical settings, including private practices, hospitals, dental clinics, and long-term care facilities. This gives them the opportunity to choose employment with scheduling that best suits their lifestyles. For example, many medical practices are open during typical business hours as well as at night and on weekends. This is particularly beneficial to those with children and family responsibilities who might want to work in the evenings and care for their kids in the mornings and afternoons without having to pay for childcare. 

4. A Role With Responsibilities 

Medical Office Assistants are the foundation of communication within the office; planning and scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining documents, and providing information via telephone and email. As a Medical Office Assistant, you need to be familiar with insurance rules, billing practices, and hospital or laboratory procedures. You may also be required to assist physicians or medical staff with reports and conference proceedings.  

5. A Non-Medical Health Care Career 

Perhaps you dream of a career in the health care field but don’t want to spend years earning a degree. Earning your Medical Office Assistant Diploma is a great way to become a trusted health care professional quickly. If you choose to study at Sundance College, you can earn your diploma and begin your new career all in under a year!  

Why Choose Sundance College? 

At Sundance College, we offer an accelerated Medical Office Assistant – Unit Clerk Diploma program that provides both a comprehensive classroom education and a workplace practicum. Practicums are designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as confident professionals with on-the-job experience.  

Industry-experienced instructors guide and support you as you prepare for your new career. Courses focus on the medical, technical, and medical administration skills which are required for you to succeed in this health care profession.  

To learn more about our Medical Office Assistant – Unit Clerk Diploma program, fill out the Request Info form and one of our Admissions Advisors will be in contact to answer your questions.