What is a Medical Administrative Assistant? Job Description & Career for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and supporting healthcare professionals behind the scenes, a career as a medical administrative assistant could be a great fit. This role is perfect for organized, detail-oriented individuals who thrive in a dynamic setting. With about 783,900 medical assistants employed in 2023 and a 15% job outlook increase (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023), the demand for skilled professionals in this field is growing steadily.

As an education researcher, I’ve seen this career's rewarding opportunities, from job stability to the chance to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. In this guide, we’ll explore the educational requirements, salary potential, and career paths for medical administrative assistants, providing you with all the information you need to pursue this in-demand career.

What are the benefits of becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant?

There are plenty of opportunities for medical administrative assistants. The demand for them is projected to grow by 15% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services and the essential administrative support provided by medical assistants (BLS, 2023).
With approximately 783,900 medical assistants employed in the U.S. as of 2023 (BLS, 2023), this field offers strong job security. Healthcare services continue to expand, ensuring a steady demand for professionals in this role.
Medical administrative assistants can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, and even virtual healthcare environments.

What is a medical administrative assistant?
What are the educational requirements for becoming a medical administrative assistant for 2025?
Do I need a license or certification to work as a medical administrative assistant?
Where can medical administrative assistants work?
What skills should medical administrative assistants have?
How much is the salary of medical administrative assistants?
What employers offer the highest salaries for medical administrative assistants?
Are there professional organizations for medical administrative assistants?
How can I choose an affordable online training program for my medical administrative career?
Can additional certifications broaden career opportunities?
What are the common challenges faced by medical administrative assistants?
How can medical administrative assistants advance their careers?
What job growth is expected for medical administrative assistants?
Can additional education enhance career prospects?
What Are the Long-Term Career Paths for Medical Administrative Assistants?
Can Non-Traditional Degrees Support a Career in Medical Administration?
Other Things To Know About Becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant

What is a medical administrative assistant?

A medical administrative assistant, sometimes called a medical secretary, is a professional who provides essential administrative support within healthcare settings. The job responsibilities of a medical assistant involve managing office tasks such as scheduling appointments, organizing patient records, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.

They are a specific type of medical assistant, focusing more on administrative and clerical duties. Other medical assistants include clinical medical assistants, who perform clinical tasks like taking vital signs and assisting with procedures, and medical billing and coding specialists, who focus on coding patient information for insurance purposes.

While they don’t provide direct medical care, they are crucial in keeping the healthcare system running smoothly by supporting doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in the background. Medical administrative assistants may work in various settings, including hospitals, physician offices, outpatient clinics, and medical laboratories.

What are the educational requirements for becoming a medical administrative assistant for 2025?

To become a medical administrative assistant, the typical educational requirements include:

High School Diploma or Equivalent. Most employers require candidates to have at least a high school diploma or GED. High school biology, health sciences, business, and computer science courses can be helpful.

Associate Degrees. While some medical administrative assistants can secure positions with just a high school diploma, many employers prefer candidates who have completed formal education programs accredited by organizations like CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs), which is important for certification eligibility. The best medical assistant programs include Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Science (AS) in Medical Assisting.

Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. While not a standard route for medical assistants, some opt for a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration to pursue roles with more managerial responsibilities. This degree covers broader healthcare management topics and may prepare medical assistants for supervisory or office management positions.

On-the-Job Training. Many medical administrative assistants receive additional training while on the job. This training typically involves learning specific software used for scheduling, billing, and patient record management, as well as familiarizing themselves with the office procedures of their specific employer.

By completing these educational steps, medical administrative assistants gain the knowledge and skills to excel, ensuring efficient office operations and supporting healthcare providers.

But how much is a medical assistant program? Check out a previous article to find out more about the costs.

Do I need a license or certification to work as a medical administrative assistant?

Unlike licensed practical nurses (LPN), medical assistants do not need a state-issued license to practice their professions. Certifications are also not required. This is one difference between LPN and medical assistant. However, while one does not need a license to become a medical administrative assistant, obtaining certification can significantly enhance job prospects and career advancement opportunities.

The most common certifications include:

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), this certification is one of the most recognized in the field. It covers essential areas like healthcare administration, medical terminology, and patient records management.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants or AAMA, CMA is another common certification for medical assistants. It covers both clinical and administrative tasks, including taking patient history, administering medications, performing lab tests, scheduling appointments, and managing patient records. The certification must be renewed every 60 months by either completing continuing education or retaking the certification exam.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC). If you're interested in specializing in medical billing and coding, the CPC certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) can be valuable.

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM). For those looking to take on leadership roles or office management duties, the CMOM certification, available through organizations like the Practice Management Institute (PMI), can be beneficial.

Getting certified is one of the tips to get a medical assistant job with no experience. Your certification can prove that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform administrative tasks effectively.

According to the National Healthcare Industry Outlook (2025), 72% of employers require certification for medical assistants, and 47% of employers require certification specifically for medical administrative assistants. Such demand is often due to the pressures of potential malpractice suits and the certification mandates placed on employers by managed care organizations.

Where can medical administrative assistants work?

Medical administrative assistants have various career opportunities across various healthcare environments, each offering unique responsibilities and working conditions. Here’s a more detailed look at where they can work:

Hospitals. In hospitals, medical administrative assistants play a crucial role in managing a high volume of patient information and appointments. They may work in various departments, such as emergency rooms, radiology, or outpatient services, assisting with patient records, admissions, scheduling, and billing. The environment is typically fast-paced, requiring multitasking and quick decision-making.
Physician’s Offices. In private practices, medical administrative assistants often serve as the first point of contact for patients, managing appointments, answering phones, and maintaining patient records. They may also handle insurance verification, billing, and coding. Working in a smaller setting offers a more personal work environment and closer interaction with the healthcare providers.
Outpatient Clinics. These clinics focus on providing specialized care without requiring overnight stays. Medical Administrative Assistants in outpatient settings manage patient flow, assist with appointments, process paperwork, and ensure smooth communication between patients and healthcare providers. Specialized clinics, such as those for physical therapy or urgent care, may require familiarity with specific procedures and patient management systems.
Dental Offices. Dental practices also rely on medical administrative assistants to handle front-office tasks. This includes scheduling appointments, maintaining dental records, processing insurance claims, and managing patient communications. The role is similar to those in general medical offices but focuses on dental care and terminology. Know more about the difference between a medical assistant vs dental assistant salary in a separate article.
Health Insurance Companies. Medical administrative assistants working for health insurers often manage claims, verify patient insurance information and handle customer inquiries regarding coverage. This role focuses on understanding insurance processes and working with both healthcare providers and patients to resolve billing and coverage issues.
Government Health Agencies. Public health departments and other government organizations provide another setting for medical administrative assistants. Here, they may assist with healthcare policies, process health-related data, manage patient records, and coordinate public health initiatives. This work can involve more administrative oversight and coordination with other governmental departments or non-profit organizations.
Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes. These settings employ medical administrative assistants to handle patient admissions, scheduling, and medical records management for elderly or long-term patients. They may also assist with insurance billing and family communication, ensuring that residents receive appropriate care and attention.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies. Medical administrative assistants can work in pharmaceutical or medical device companies, assisting with administrative tasks related to product distribution, patient trials, or regulatory paperwork. They may help organize research data, manage office operations, and coordinate between departments. You may want to read up more on pharmacy technician vs medical assistant and see how they differ in duties.

According to the chart below, the largest employers of medical assistants are offices of physicians, which account for 56% of employment in this field. Hospitals (state, local, and private) employ 16%, followed by outpatient care centers at 9% and offices of other health practitioners at 8%. This data highlights that physician offices are the dominant employer for medical assistants, with hospitals and outpatient care centers also offering significant job opportunities.

What skills should medical administrative assistants have?

Medical administrative assistants should possess various skills to succeed in their roles and meet employer expectations. According to NHA’s 2025 Industry Outlook, employers seek candidates with the following key skills:

Clinical Experience. Medical administrative assistants should have a strong understanding of clinical procedures and medical terminology to assist healthcare providers effectively in administrative and clinical tasks.
Patient Communication. Effective communication with patients is essential for medical administrative assistants. They must be able to explain procedures, schedule appointments, and address patient inquiries clearly and compassionately.
Critical Thinking. Medical administrative assistants must be able to analyze situations, solve problems, and make informed decisions quickly, especially when managing complex administrative tasks or handling patient issues.
Professionalism or Soft Skills. A high level of professionalism is crucial for medical administrative assistants. They must exhibit empathy, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate strong customer service skills in all interactions with patients and healthcare staff.

Time Management. Medical administrative assistants need excellent time management skills to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Additionally, employers value skills such as medical scribing, health coaching, being an EHR super user, and experience with phone screening/triage and navigating/translating patient information for advanced responsibilities. These skills are often included in the medical assistant course curriculum, providing students with the practical knowledge needed to excel in a healthcare environment and advance in their careers.

How much is the salary of medical administrative assistants?

According to ZipRecruiter (2025), the average medical administrative assistant salary is approximately $44,460 per year. However, several factors can influence the actual salary, including:

Experience. As with most careers, experience plays a significant role in salary potential. Entry-level medical administrative assistants may earn less than those with several years of experience. Over time, gaining experience in different healthcare settings or taking on more complex administrative responsibilities can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
Certification. Holding certifications, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC), can increase earning potential. Certified professionals often earn more than those without certification due to their demonstrated expertise and specialized knowledge in the field.
Location. Location plays a key role in salary variation. Salaries can differ significantly based on the cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals in a particular region. The top-paying cities for medical administrative assistants, according to ZipRecruiter (2025), are Soledad, CA ($66,508); Nome, AK ($55,153); Berkeley, CA ($54,439); Berlin Corners, VT ($54,340); and Atherton, CA ($53,885). These examples show that locations with higher living costs or greater demand for healthcare professionals tend to offer higher salaries. Urban areas or states with more developed healthcare systems generally offer higher wages than rural areas.

Which employers offer the highest salaries for medical administrative assistants?

The employers that offer the highest salaries for medical administrative assistants—often grouped with medical assistants in salary data—require specialized skills, handle higher patient volumes, or deliver advanced medical services. According to BLS for 2023, the top-paying types of employers for medical assistants (including administrative roles) are as follows:

Outpatient care centers. These centers often provide specialized services such as surgery, rehabilitation, and orthopedics, requiring assistants to have advanced administrative and sometimes clinical skills. The complexity and pace of work in these settings contribute to higher compensation.

Hospitals (State, Local, and Private). Medical assistants in hospitals manage high patient volumes and support complex care needs, which demands strong organizational skills and the ability to handle fast-paced environments. The critical nature of hospital services and the need for experienced staff drive up salaries in this sector.

Offices of physicians. These roles are typically less demanding regarding patient volume and complexity, which is reflected in the lower compensation compared to hospitals and outpatient centers.

Offices of other health practitioners. This includes offices of chiropractors, podiatrists, optometrists, and similar practitioners. These roles are typically less demanding in terms of patient volume and complexity, which is reflected in the lower compensation compared to hospitals and outpatient centers.

The sector an employer belongs is an important factor to consider when choosing a job, as it significantly influences the salary of medical assistants. The data below shows the median average salary of medical assistants across the different types of employers, with the Outpatient Care Centers offering $46,090, followed by hospitals at $44,350, and offices of physicians at $40,670.

Are there professional organizations for medical administrative assistants?

Several professional organizations for medical administrative assistants provide resources, certifications, networking opportunities, and career development support. Here are some key organizations:

National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The NHA is a leading certifying organization for healthcare professionals, including medical administrative assistants. They offer certifications like the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and provide resources such as continuing education, exam preparation, and career advancement tools.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). While primarily focused on medical assistants in general, the AAMA offers valuable resources for medical administrative assistants, including certification programs, professional development, and networking opportunities. They also provide continuing education and industry updates.
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). MGMA supports healthcare administrators, including those in medical office management roles. They offer training, resources, and networking opportunities for medical administrative assistants in medical office management, billing, and coding.
National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). NAHAM focuses on healthcare access professionals, including those who manage patient intake, scheduling, and registration. Medical administrative assistants can benefit from their resources in improving patient access and managing healthcare facilities more effectively.
American Medical Billing Association (AMBA). While primarily focused on medical billing, AMBA is a valuable resource for medical administrative assistants specializing in billing and coding. They provide certification, training, and support for professionals handling insurance claims and medical records.

These professional organizations provide significant benefits for medical administrative assistants, such as certification programs, educational resources, networking, and career development. Joining one or more of these organizations can help professionals stay current with industry trends and advance their careers.

Completing a medical assistant program or being a member of a certifying organization can help aspiring medical secretaries stay ahead of the competition. According to the American Association of Medical Assistants, they have 70,362 CMAs as of October 2024.

How can I choose an affordable online training program for my medical administrative career?

When selecting an online program, closely examine accreditation, curriculum depth, and support services to ensure quality education without excessive costs. Compare program features such as hands-on practice, updated course materials, and flexible scheduling to match career requirements. Evaluating feedback from current and former students can also provide insights into the program’s effectiveness. For example, reviewing the cheapest medical billing and coding program may offer a cost-effective option that integrates essential administrative and coding skills beneficial for career advancement.

Can additional certifications broaden career opportunities?

Integrating supplementary certifications can enhance professional credibility and diversify job functions within healthcare facilities. Targeted programs that complement administrative skills with technical expertise enable assistants to better support clinical teams and adapt to evolving industry demands. For example, obtaining specialized credentials like ultrasound tech certification online can provide valuable insights into allied health procedures, positioning professionals for roles that require a blend of administrative proficiency and technical understanding.

What are the common challenges faced by medical administrative assistants?

In today’s evolving healthcare environment, medical administrative assistants confront several challenges that require targeted strategies. Navigating complex billing procedures, adapting to frequent regulatory updates, and managing high-volume administrative tasks can increase pressure in fast-paced settings. Strengthening proficiency in digital tools and ensuring accuracy in insurance claim processes are critical to maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. Pursuing specialized training, such as the best medical billing and coding online courses, can help professionals effectively address these challenges while advancing their technical and managerial skills.

How can medical administrative assistants advance their careers?

Professional development for a Medical Administrative Assistant is essential for career advancement, skill enhancement, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Here are key ways to foster professional growth in this field:

Continuing Education. Participate in workshops, online courses, and seminars to stay updated on industry trends, medical billing and coding updates, and new healthcare regulations. Many organizations, like the National Healthcare Association (NHA) or the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), offer educational resources for ongoing learning.

Specialization. Specializing in areas like medical billing and coding, health information management, or EHR systems (Electronic Health Records) can lead to higher-paying roles and greater job security. Specialization often requires additional certifications or training, but it opens opportunities in niche healthcare roles.

Leadership and Management Training. As you gain experience, pursue opportunities to enhance leadership and managerial skills. Many medical administrative assistants advance into roles like office manager or healthcare administrator. Training in team management, project management, and organizational skills can prepare you for these responsibilities.

Staying Current with Technology. Healthcare technologies, including EHR systems, practice management software, and telemedicine platforms, constantly evolve. Gaining proficiency in these tools through formal training or hands-on experience is crucial for staying relevant in the field.

Medical Assistants to Licensed Practical Nurse Bridge Program. For those looking to take their careers further, some Medical Assistants (MAs) can transition to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position through MA to LPN bridge program. This path allows medical assistants to leverage their clinical experience and complete the necessary coursework and training to become licensed nurses, opening up new opportunities for clinical care roles and higher salaries.

By pursuing certifications, continuing education, specialization, networking, leadership development, and keeping up with technology, medical administrative assistants can enhance their skills, move up the career ladder, and remain competitive in a dynamic healthcare industry.

What job growth is expected for medical administrative assistants?

The job outlook for medical administrative assistants is exceptionally strong, with a projected 15% growth in employment from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth rate is significantly higher than the average for all occupations. Additionally, there are expected to be about 119,800 job openings per year for medical assistants, driven by factors such as the aging population and the growing demand for healthcare services.

The healthcare support occupational group, which includes medical administrative assistants, ranked 1st in the top 10 fastest-growing occupational groups, with a 15.2% growth rate. As healthcare needs continue to expand, especially with an increasing number of elderly patients requiring medical attention, there will be a need for more administrative staff to manage patient records, appointments, and billing.

The outlook for Medical Administrative Assistants is highly favorable, with substantial job growth anticipated due to demographic shifts and the expanding complexity of healthcare services.

Here’s What Medical Administrative Assistants Say About Their Career

"Becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant was one of the best decisions I made for my career. After completing my certification, I was able to secure a position at a local physician's office right away. The job is fast-paced, but every day feels rewarding. I love being able to contribute to patient care behind the scenes, managing appointments, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It's a fulfilling career where I can make a real impact in the healthcare field." - Arthur
"When I completed my CMAA certification, I felt much more confident in my abilities to handle the responsibilities of the job. It opened up new opportunities for me, including a promotion within the healthcare facility I was working for. The certification gave me the credibility to take on more complex tasks, like managing patient records and dealing with billing. I now have a greater sense of purpose in my role and enjoy the variety of challenges it brings." - Pablo
"Getting certified as a Medical Administrative Assistant has been a game-changer for me. Not only did it help me land a job with a higher salary, but it also provided a sense of professional growth. The certification gave me specialized medical billing, coding, and patient management knowledge, making me more valuable to my employer. The benefits of certification go beyond just the job offer—it's about building a career with opportunities for advancement." - Carina

Key Insights

The average annual salary for Medical Administrative Assistants is approximately $44,460, offering a stable and rewarding income for those entering the field.
While there are 783,900 medical assistants employed across the U.S. in 2023, only 70,362 hold the prestigious Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential in 2024, highlighting the competitive advantage certification provides in the job market.
A significant 47% of employers specifically require certification for medical administrative assistants, underlining its importance in securing desirable positions.
The highest-paying cities for Medical Administrative Assistants are located in areas with a high cost of living or a demand for healthcare professionals, such as Soledad, CA, Nome, AK, Berkeley, CA, Berlin Corners, VT, and Atherton, CA.
With an estimated 119,800 job openings per year for medical assistants, this field offers abundant opportunities for those looking to join the healthcare workforce.

Can additional education enhance career prospects?

By pursuing targeted academic qualifications, professionals can refine leadership skills and gain strategic insights into healthcare management. Advanced education programs, such as a public health degree online, provide expertise in areas like epidemiology, policy formulation, and operational efficiency. This specialized knowledge not only strengthens professional credibility but also qualifies medical administrative assistants for managerial roles and positions demanding cross-functional expertise.

What Are the Long-Term Career Paths for Medical Administrative Assistants?

Exploring advanced career trajectories can open doors to leadership and specialized roles within healthcare administration. Medical administrative assistants with significant experience may transition into office management, practice coordination, or roles that involve strategic planning and regulatory compliance. Demonstrating proficiency in financial management, technological integration, and operational oversight positions professionals for supervisory or managerial responsibilities. For insights into roles that lead to higher compensation and expanded responsibilities, review the highest paid careers in healthcare administration.

Can Non-Traditional Degrees Support a Career in Medical Administration?

Candidates with diverse academic backgrounds can leverage transferable skills to excel in healthcare administration. For instance, degrees in business or even cheap sports management programs online emphasize strategic planning, operational management, and teamwork, all of which are valuable in medical settings. These alternative pathways foster analytical and communication skills that enhance problem-solving, streamline office operations, and support effective collaboration with clinical teams, paving the way for career advancement.

Other Things To Know About Becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant

What is the difference between a medical office assistant and an administrative assistant?

A Medical Office Assistant typically works in a healthcare setting, handling both administrative and basic clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and taking vital signs. In contrast, a Medical Administrative Assistant focuses mainly on the administrative side, including office management, billing, coding, and patient communication, without performing direct clinical tasks.

What is the difference between a medical office assistant and a clinical medical assistant?

A Medical Office Assistant handles administrative duties such as patient intake, appointment scheduling, and managing records, while a Clinical Medical Assistant is responsible for clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs, assisting with exams, drawing blood, and preparing lab tests. The clinical assistant works more directly with patients in a clinical environment, whereas the office assistant focuses on the operational aspects of a medical practice.

What is the work environment like for a Medical Administrative Assistant?

Medical Administrative Assistants typically work in medical offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or healthcare facilities. Their environment is often fast-paced, requiring them to manage multiple tasks like scheduling, billing, and patient interaction. The work environment can be both collaborative with healthcare teams and independent as they handle important administrative responsibilities.

Are there opportunities for remote work in this field?

Yes, there are remote work opportunities for Medical Administrative Assistants, especially in roles that focus on medical billing, coding, and patient scheduling. With advancements in healthcare technologies like electronic health records (EHR) and telemedicine, some administrative tasks can be done remotely. However, clinical roles requiring direct patient interaction are typically not available remotely.

References:

American Association of Medical Assistants. (n.d.). Certification. Retrieved from https://www.aama-ntl.org/certification

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Medical assistants. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm