California Medical Administrative Office Assistant and Medical Administrative Specialist Careers

Medical administrative office assistants and medical administrative specialists are a type of medical assistant that performs many of the same duties as medical administrative assistants. They answer phones, greet patients, schedule appointments, and handle correspondence, medical billing, and bookkeeping. These professionals are also responsible for updating and filing patients’ medical records, arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services, and filling out insurance forms.

Like medical administrative assistants, medical administrative office assistants and medical administrative specialists work in all cities, towns, and villages across the U.S., with a large number residing in the State of California.  

Medical Administrative Office Assistant and Medical Administrative Specialist  Education and Training Programs

There are no formal training requirements for medical administrative office assistants and medical administrative specialists. Many train on the job, while some might enroll in a certificate or degree program. Some programs last several months, while others (particularly associate degree programs) will last up to 2 years. Although there are no formal training requirements for administrative assistants, most employers prefer candidates with a certificate or degree, plus experience.

A medical administrative office assistant or medical administrative specialist training program will give students the skills they need to excel in a variety of medical environments. Understanding medical terminology, technology, and office protocol are among the top requirements for a position in this field, so an accredited program will require courses with titles such as Medical Terminology Medical Office Microcomputer Management Applications, Medical Office Procedures, and Medical Assisting.

An associate degree program typically requires 60 units of study, while a certificate program requires around 22 units.
 
Medical Administrative Office Assistant and Medical Administrative Specialist Schools and Training Programs in California

The following California colleges offer programs for aspiring medical administrative office assistants:

Coastline Community College, Fountain Valley, CA
Concorde Career College, North Hollywood, Garden Grove, San Bernardino, San Diego, CA
Contra Costa College, San Pablo, CA
De Anza College, Cupertino, CA
Glendale Community College, Glendale, CA
Heald College, Concord, Fresno, Hayward, Modesto, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Salinas, San Francisco, Milpitas, Stockton, CA
ICDC College, Culver City, CA
Kaplan College, Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, North Hollywood,  Palm Springs, Sacramento, CA
Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Mayfield College, Cathedral City, CA
MiraCosta College, Oceanside, CA
Skyline College, San Bruno, CA

Platt College-Los Angeles, Alhambra, CA offers an Associate's Degree for aspiring medical administrative specialists. The program allows students to complete their degree in as little as 15 months.

Employment and Earnings Outlook for California Medical Administrative Office Assistants and Medical Administrative Specialists  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that California is home to the country’s largest population of medical assistants. The state is home to 82,280 medical assistants averaging $33,750 per year. In 2008, the state was home to 73,930 assistants averaging $31,240.

California Metro Areas with the Highest Employment Level for Medical Assistants:

#1: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, 22,670 medical assistants
#9: San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, 7,580
#10: Santa Ana-Anaheim, 7,470

California Metro Areas with the Highest Pay for Medical Assistants:

#1: Vallejo-Fairfield, $47,430 per year
#3: San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, $41,900
#4: Santa Rosa-Petaluma, $39,830 per year
#10: Santa Cruz-Watsonville, $38,500

The U.S. is home to 560,800 medical assistants averaging $29,370 per year, up from 475,950 assistants averaging $29,060 per year. The population of medical assistants is expected to increase by 29% for the 2012-2022 decade, adding a hefty 162,900 assistants to the field.