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What is a Medical Executive Assistant?

Medical executive assistant is a professional trained in a variety of administrative support roles to assist executive managers or executive teams in the health care arena.  A medical  executive assistant may also be known as an administrative medical secretary.  They provide clerical, professional, and administrative support across several health care channels. Medical executive assistants can be trained in highly specialized areas of medicine or perform more general administrative duties depending on the employment situation and organization type.

The core roles of an administrative medical secretary will revolve around the management and dissemination of information to and from stakeholders within a healthcare organization.  In real terms, a medical executive assistant can work in a clinic and be client-facing or work in a corporate setting without patient interactions.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Medical Executive Assistant Courses

Founded in 2003, Galaxy Medical College (GMC) is a private medical college that provides a comprehensive approach to learning in the field of healthcare. The college, located in North Hollywood, California, is one of the least expensive medical schools in the country awarding certificates, non-degree diplomas, and associate degrees to its graduates.

With options for day and evening classes, the Medical Office Assistant degree at GMC is a 49-week diploma program that covers both administrative and clinical duties of medical assistants. Throughout the program, students identify and practice the exact roles and responsibilities of medical assistants while improving communication skills and studying the ethical and legal standards to issues in the medical field. Graduates are expected to understand medical terminology, perform administrative office procedures, be proficient in laws on confidentiality and patient privacy, and know the proper handling and processing of patient specimens. To know more about the program curriculum, go to galaxymedicalcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

100

Tuition

$14,700 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

With more than 40 majors and 11 pre-professional programs of study, Dordt University is a private university in Sioux Center, Iowa founded in 1955. With its affiliation with the Christian Reformed Church, the university provides programs designed to give students a comprehensive education from a solid Christian perspective.

The Associate of Arts degree in Medical Administrative Assistance at Dordt is a two-year program that prepares students in professional settings such as legal, medical, and accounting offices. Some courses in the program are core program requirements, Business Administration, Management and Marketing, and a communication course. To get a medical emphasis, students can add Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy and Physiology courses in the curriculum. More information can be seen at dordt.edu.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Established in 1985, Laurel Business Institute (LBI), also known as Laurel Technical Institute, is a private technical college that aims to provide the training needs of individuals entering the workforce. The college has campuses in Uniontown, Meadville, Hermitage, and Sharon, Pennsylvania as well as in Morgantown, West Virginia. LBI also offers online programs in the areas of accounting, business administration, digital media design, and many more.

The Medical Office Administration program at LBI is a fully-online program designed to develop students’ advanced medical and secretarial skills and acquire specialized knowledge of different medical office procedures. Some of the competencies needed for the profession are general office skills, computer skills, knowledge in medical office procedures, processing of medical insurance, coding procedures, scheduling appointments, billing patients, and recording of medical charts, reports, and correspondence. Upon completion of the requirements including an internship, graduates of the program also earn certifications in Microsoft Excel and Word. Read more about the program at laurel.edu.

Acceptance Rate

91.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

With its main campus in State College, Pennsylvania, South Hills School of Business & Technology is a post-secondary career school that prepares individuals for employment and professional advancement through specialized diploma, certificate, and associate degree programs. It was established in 1970 with the goal to meet the demands for more specialized skills training in Central Pennsylvania. With another in Altoona within the same state, the college specializes in healthcare, business, technology, criminal justice, and graphic arts.

Available at both campuses, the Medical Assistant diploma at South Hills is a two-year Associate in Specialized Business (ASB) degree that prepares students in the administrative and clinical skills required to work in a medical environment. Students are trained to perform administrative duties such as records management and billing as well as clinical tasks like collecting specimens and administering medication. Graduates of the program are then qualified to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination through the American Association of Medical Assistants. Inquire about the program curriculum at southhills.edu.

Acceptance Rate

95.61

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

With several campuses in North Carolina, Living Arts College is a private art school that provides education and training in animation, photography, filmmaking, interactive media, and interior design. The School of Medical Arts, located on Raleigh and Winston-Salem campuses, offers complete programs in the health sciences such as medical administration and medical assisting.

With options for day or evening classes, the Medical Office Administration degree at Living Arts College School of Medical Arts provides a complete curriculum that explores the foundations of patient care as well as administrative skills needed in a medical office or clinic. Students of the program are engaged in a hands-on learning environment that prepares them for the certification exam upon completion of the program requirements. In just 42 weeks, students are well-equipped to efficiently manage a medical office through acquired real-world experience and practical application. For more details about the program, visit golivingarts.com.

Acceptance Rate

100

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

For the past 90 years, Penn Commercial Business/Technical School has been providing education for students seeking in-demand careers. The university, located in Washington, Pennsylvania, features accelerated programs, financial assistance for qualified students, in-demand career paths, and connections to local employers that can jumpstart anyone’s career.

The Medical Assistant Program at Penn Commercial accommodates students in Southwest Pennsylvania who aim to become successful medical assistants. Since the job has a broad range of responsibilities, the program curriculum is designed to meet the knowledge and skills required to prepare students of various functions through offering courses like Medical Law and Ethics, Anatomy and Physiology, Human Diseases, Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Medical Office Procedures, Laboratory Procedures, Clinical Assisting, and Communications. In just 18 months, the program leads to an Associate in Specialized Business degree to allow students to work in clinics, physicians' offices, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Access the entire program curriculum at penncommercial.edu.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Northern Michigan University (NMU) is a dynamic four-year public university in Marquette, Michigan accommodating over 8,000 students. Founded in 1899 as the Northern State Normal School, the university offers nationally recognized academic programs, award-winning leadership programs, and cutting-edge technology initiatives that empower students and faculty to contribute to a better and sustainable world.  The array of healthcare related degree and certificate programs at NMU provide choice for students of all abilities.  Qualified students can learn the intricacies of biological science while balancing the compassion needed to interact with a variety patients. The academic programs at NMU can be found here to help you kickstart the ideation of the next chapter in your future. 

Acceptance Rate

65.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

With over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, Youngstown State University (YSU) is a public university in Youngstown, Ohio founded in 1908. The university, with nearly 13,000 students, joined the Ohio System of Higher Education in 1967. Today, YSU offers two-year associate degrees, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as online degree programs.

Offered at Dr. Dominic A. and Helen M. Bitonte College of Health and Human Services at YSU, the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting Technology is a two-year program that unites science, communications, and medical training to train students in becoming medical assistants. Throughout the program, students acquire the necessary technical and professional skills to perform the administrative and clinical functions in a medical office, clinic, or other healthcare settings. These include public relations, receptionist activities, secretarial skills, bookkeeping, \record management, insurance and coding, preparing the patient for examination and procedures, operating and maintaining medical equipment, and performing laboratory tests. To get more information about the program, go to ysu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

67.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church since its founding in 1904, Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a private university based in Takoma Park, Maryland that offers a wide range of liberal arts and professional undergraduate and graduate programs. Through its three schools namely the School of Arts & Social Sciences, School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and School of Health Professions, Science, and Wellness, WAU aims to produce graduates who demonstrate excellence and moral leadership to their communities.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration at WAU introduces students to the theoretical and practical working knowledge in the area of healthcare management. On top of the general education requirements, students are required to finish major-specific courses like Personnel Management, Health Care Organization Theory and Management Practice, Management Skills Assessment, Health Care Information Systems Management, and Health Care Finance. This program is ideal for students with work experience in the field of healthcare. Read more about the program at wau.edu.

Acceptance Rate

58.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

With three campuses in Arkansas namely Arkansas Tech Career Center, Ozark, and Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a public university founded in 1909 offering academic and technical programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels. The university is dedicated to providing access to high-quality education and learning opportunities for excellence and intellectual development of its diverse campus community.

Available at Arkansas Tech Ozark Campus, the Medical Assisting program is a two-year associate degree program that provides a broad foundation in medical assisting as well as an opportunity to gain practical experience in an actual medical facility working under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The curriculum consists of topics and training in anatomy, physiology, infection control, pharmacology, nutrition, coding and insurance, effective communication skills, medical law and ethics, and safety and emergency practices. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the exam for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To inquire about the program, visit atu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

94.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

As a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, Morrisville State College is a public college with two campuses in Morrisville and Norwich, New York. The college provides over 50 associate and bachelor's degree programs to more than 30,000 students interested in business, social sciences, agriculture, technology, and liberal arts.

The AAS degree in Medical Office Administration is a program that provides students the necessary skills to become a part of the healthcare industry. With the courses offered online, students are able to take classes anytime to learn the basics of medical terminology, medical transcription, medical coding and billing, computer software applications, and office management. In the second year of the program, students are required to finish a 90-hour internship in order to gain direct hands-on experience in the field. Upon completion, students may continue their studies into various four-year Morrisville State programs like business administration, technology management, or entrepreneurship and small business management. Explore the program curriculum at morrisville.edu.

Acceptance Rate

74.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) was founded in 1922 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines located in Fairbanks, Alaska. With additional campuses within the state, the public land-grant research university is considered the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system serving more than 8,000 students.

The 60-credit Medical Assistant program at UAF is an associate degree program that prepares students for employment in the healthcare industry. Students in the program receive theoretical coursework and practical skill application in both office work and clinical care. Aside from the courses in general education and associate degree, students must finish field-specific courses like Medical Law and Ethics, Science of Nutrition, Human Diseases, Outpatient Health Care Reimbursement, and Introduction to Pharmacology. The university also offers a certificate in the same field. To know more about the programs, go to uaf.edu.

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Opened in 1984 as the  Educational Services Center, Beckfield College is a career college dedicated to preparing learners in various professional, technical, and business fields through providing a diverse, ethical, and student-centered learning environment. The college, located in Florence, Kentucky, offers a wide range of bachelor’s degree, associate degree, and diploma programs.

In a span of 12 months, students in the Medical Assisting Diploma program at Beckfield College receive a medical assisting education through intensive coursework, hands-on learning, and theory application. Students in the program gain an in-depth understanding of different clinical and office tasks such as taking vital signs, recording patient history and information, performing routine laboratory duties, reading laboratory results, infection control, collecting and processing of specimens, and administering medications and immunizations. More details about the program are available at beckfield.edu.

Acceptance Rate

86.75

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center (CV-TEC) is a primary provider of career and technical education, adult literacy programs, and educational services for secondary and post-secondary adults in Clinton and Essex Counties. The center has campuses in Plattsburgh, New York, and Mineville, Philadelphia.

Available on both campuses, the Allied Health program at CV-TEC introduces students to the lab practices, job shadowing, and clinical experiences essential to become successful healthcare professionals. Students are trained to master the following areas:  Patient Care, First Aid, CPR, Medical Terminology, Measuring Vital Signs, Infection Control, Medical Abbreviations, Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, and Safety in the Healthcare Environment. Upon completion of the 2-year program, graduates are eligible to earn different certifications such as NYS Certified Nurse Assistant, EKG Technician, First Aid/CPR Certification, and Phlebotomy Certification Prep. Go to cves.org to check the program requirements.

Acceptance Rate

27.88

Tuition

$10,607 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

2:1

Carnegie Institute School of Allied Health Technology is a post-secondary education and training institute in Detroit, Michigan known for developing human resources in allied health support services. The institute, established in 1947, is now situated in Troy, Michigan, with program offerings in massage therapy, medical assisting, medical business specialist, cardiovascular technology, and many more.

The Medical Business Specialist degree program at Carnegie Institute integrates administrative duties in a medical environment with the necessary clinical skills related to general and specialty practices, pharmacology, and laboratory medicine. Students in the program also gain a practical understanding of computer software applications as well as medical terminology especially terms related to the processing of insurance claims like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding references. In connection, there are also courses involving concepts of medical insurance billing, managed care, medical finance, appointment scheduling, record keeping, and business communications. Check the entire program curriculum at carnegie-institute.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Uniquely affiliated with the Washburn University, Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) is a public technical institute located in Topeka, Kansas. The institution offers exceptional career and technical education that leads to associate degrees and certificates in various professional and technical areas such as business, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and design.

The Medical Office Assistant course at Washburn Tech is a 24-credit hour certificate program that provides extensive coursework in the knowledge and skills necessary in managing medical offices, clinics, or any other healthcare facilities. The courses are focused on training in medical terminology, medical transcription, computer applications, medical scheduling, and billing software. Graduates of the program earn a certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist in Word, Excel, and Access. Further information is available at washburntech.edu.

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

As a nationally accredited college, Central Coast College (CCC) is a private career college that provides education and training to students in the fields of allied health, veterinary, and business. The college is among the colleges in California under the Legacy Education Institution. CCC, located in Salinas, California, provides in-depth programs and hands-on externships to give students the best training in their fields.

Students in the Medical Administrative Assistant degree at CCC are trained to execute the administrative functions required to work in a medical office. The knowledge and skills necessary to learn in order to fulfill a medical administrative assistant’s duty involve Medical Terminology, Medical Office Procedures, Medical Record Keeping and Electronic Medical Records, Medical Insurance Billing, and Introduction to Medical Coding. In just 12 months, students are able to finish the program to prepare for their new careers. For additional information, visit centralcoastcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,550 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Chipley, Florida is a small town of only 3,592 people. An interesting fact about the town is that it was once known as “Orange”, but it was renamed in the late 1880s for a railroad magnate who lived in the northern Florida area. As a small town in Florida, residents are used to very little distractions and the less than bustling life in their rural home.

The Washington - Holmes Technical Center has an enrollment of 506, and of 2012, the tuition was $3,310. It’s small size plays to its advantage, and many of its students laud the small town atmosphere and the ability to work one on one with instructors and get the kind of first hand advice that they wouldn’t be able to get at a bigger institution or technical center. There a number of quality programs that students who are enrolled can choose from—including the following:

  • Emergency Medical Tech
  • Phlebotomy
  • Practical Nursing
  • Graphic Communications
  • Interior Décor Fabrication
  • Automotive
  • Beauty Services
  • Law Enforcement

Students are admitted into Washington - Holmes Technical Center based on their own academic performance in high school in addition to an admissions interview and an entrance exam. For those living in north Florida looking for a cheap option to go to school, it’s a great choice.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth Technical Institute is a technical career school at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. It aims to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education and support services to individuals in pursuing their educational and professional goals.

The Associate degree in Business Medical Office Assistant program at Commonwealth Technical Institute is a program that develops students’ level of competency in the essential knowledge and skills of medical office assistants. The program puts emphasis on the administrative functions in managing medical offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Some of the courses in the curriculum are Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, Records Management, Medical Office Procedures, Machine Transcription, and Business Communications. To see more of the program curriculum, go to dli.pa.gov.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Since its founding in 1908, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) is a public college in Tifton, Georgia operating under the 26-member University System of Georgia. With approximately 3,500 students from all over the world, the college offers four-year baccalaureate and associate degrees in the fields of arts and sciences, health sciences, business, and agriculture.  The top rated school of nursing and health sciences at ABAC offer the accredited programs medical institutions require and students desire.  Learn more about the exceptional programs at ABAC today.

Acceptance Rate

73.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Manatee Technical College (MTC), founded as Manatee Technical Institute in 1963, is one of the public technical centers/colleges in Bradenton, Florida. The college is dedicated to producing highly skilled individuals and resourceful leaders through its 50 career programs in the areas of health sciences, transportation, business technology, public service, information technology, manufacturing, and culinary arts.

Available in the East Campus of MTC, the Medical Assisting program is a hybrid program that prepares students to become successful medical assistants in a variety of healthcare settings. Students in the program learn several aspects of the profession such as health-illness concepts, anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical responsibilities, emergency procedures, medical terminology, safety and security procedures, as well as communication and interpersonal skills and employability skills. Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the certification exams to earn Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified EKG Technician (CET), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credentials. Access the entire program curriculum at manateetech.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

United Career Institute, formerly called the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology, is a popular healthcare education provider within Pennsylvania, offering academic programs and career training in the fields of medical assisting, medical billing and coding, and practical nursing. With campuses in Irwin and Mt. Braddock within the state, the programs are specifically designed as preparation for employment and student development to become productive citizens of the country.

Students in the Medical Assisting program at United Career Institute receive a comprehensive education in the administrative and clinical functions of medical assistants. Leading to an associate degree, the fast track program trains students to check vital signs, assist healthcare personnel, collect and process specimens, performing lab tests, administer injections, as well as process insurance claims, manage office scheduling, use Electronic Health Records systems, transcribe medical charts, and practice HIPAA Procedures. After completing the program requirements, graduates are eligible to take the certification exams to become National Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician given by the National Healthcareer Association. More details about the program can be seen at unitedcareer.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Great Lakes Institute of Technology, initially established in 1965, is a private academy for career training based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The institution is dedicated to assisting students to reach their career and life goals by creating a student-centered environment for learning and providing quality education and training standards.

Through a hybrid learning format, students in the Medical Assistant program at Great Lakes are well-equipped with the knowledge and hands-on skills required to build a successful career as a medical assistant in as fast as 10 months. The program prepares students to be knowledgeable in both the clinical and administrative areas in a clinic, hospital, and other healthcare facilities. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the certification exams to earn credentials as Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and Certified EKG Technician through the National Healthcareer Association. Request for more information about the program at glit.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$30,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Immokalee Technical College (iTECH) is among the newest technical training centers in the country situated in Immokalee, Florida. Using both traditional and distance learning models, the college provides career and technical education programs and relevant educational experiences in the fields of computer, business, healthcare, industrial, and literacy.

With the Medical Administration Specialist course under iTECH’s Business Technology area, students learn and acquire employment skills necessary to work as healthcare professionals. Some of the skills are office skills like keyboarding, Microsoft applications, QuickBooks, filling, and web design. Other skills include business math, business ethics,  written and oral communication, machine transcription, medical terminology, medical billing and coding, and medical reports. Upon completion, students earn certifications in QuickBooks Pro and Microsoft Office which is essential to land a job as a medical administration specialist. Find out more about the program at itech.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,391 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,335 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

What Does a Medical Executive Assistant Do?

Daily activities of a medical executive assistant will vary by the employer's specific needs. However a general set of duties of an administrative medical secretary may include a combination of the following tasks:

  • Answering the telephone
  • Properly directing patients and clinical staff
  • Interviewing patients and gathering information in advance of an appointment
  • Greeting patients and checking them into the clinic or hospital
  • Utilizing software applications to process insurance payments
  • Scheduling patients for subsequent appointments
  • Organizing the office area and ensuring sufficient supplies are on hand
  • Ensuring lab results are transferred properly
  • Organizing medical data such as charts and data

Educational Requirements for Executive Assistants

In terms of educational requirements, Medical Executive Assistant & Administrative Medical Secretary degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Skills & Abilities Required of Executive Assistants

  1. Computer Literacy & Software Proficiency
  2. Speaking Clearly and Presenting Ideas to Senior Management
  3. Organizational Skills
  4. Reading Comprehension
  5. Critical Thinking Skills
  6. Active Listening and Dictation
  7. Time Management & Project Management Skills
  8. Writing Proficiency and Proper Documentation
  9. Attention to Detail
  10. Speech Clarity
  11. Oral Expression
  12. Oral Comprehension
  13. Speech Recognition
  14. Written Comprehension

Employment Information & Administrative Specializations

Medical executive assistant certificate programs and degrees are available from a number of colleges and vocational schools. Employment outlook for administrative specialists is bright. Surveys performed by the BLS show career options and vocational tracks branching into a variety of medical fields. Specializations after graduation can include roles in medical assisting, medical transcription, nurse aide, physical therapy aid, psychiatric technician, occupational therapy aide, pharmacy technician, bookkeeping, medical transcriptionist, nurse assistant, information clerk, office, receptionist, auditing clerk, and phlebotomist.

Medical Executive Assistant Careers

The job growth for medical secretaries and executive assistants is estimated to be steady in the coming years.  The robust executive assistant job category is estimated to employ over 4 million people in the next decade.  Meanwhile, roles like medical assistants and receptionists will see a 29% growth and 11% growth respectively.  Healthcare jobs can provide career opportunities in small, private clinics along with state agencies and hospitals throughout the country.

Additional Resources for Medical Executive Assistants

A great resource for current and prospective medical executive assistants and administrative medical secretaries is the AAHAM.  The AAHAM is a nationwide association that stands for the American Association of Healthcare Administrative  Management.   Founded in 1968, the AAHAM strives to provide professional development in the form of seminars, conferences, publications, networking, certification, and industry benchmarking.

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