Medical Administrative Assistant Skills Guide
Recommended High School Level Background Courses
- *General Math
- *Psychology
- Bookkeeping
- Business Math
- *Grammar
- Accounting
- *Biology
- *Composition
- Business Law
- *Anatomy
- Speech
- Keyboarding
- *Physiology
- Office Practices
- Computer Literacy
* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center
Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job
Reading
Texts used in first-semester courses are written at the college level. These texts are used as a central part of the coursework. Tests are based on a combination of texts and lectures. In their first-term medical terminology course, students begin to build a medical vocabulary; in various other courses, they are introduced to common medical abbreviations and symbols.
In addition to their texts, students will also use standard office references such as a dictionary, medical references, and the Gregg Reference Manual. On the job they will also use company procedure manuals and computer software manuals.
View more information on reading skills in the Medical Administrative Assistant program.
Language
Communication skills are an essential part of this program. A speech course is required in the fourth term. In-class speaking activities include explanations of procedures, short oral reports, and team projects. Interviewing, telephone techniques, and customer relations are taught in the program and used extensively on the job. Good listening skills are vital to success on the job, since there may be considerable interaction with patients, and much information will be presented via dictation.
Students are expected to possess strong English skills when they enter the program. In their first-term Business English (ADM 157) course, they will review proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. These skills are applied as they compose business letters, memos, and reports in the third-term Business Communication (ADM 154) course and on the job. Depending on their work assignment, they may be asked either to transcribe or to compose material. In either case, accuracy is essential, as medical records are legal documents.
View more information on language skills in the Medical Administrative Assistant program.
Math
Business Math (BUS 112) is scheduled for the third term, although students may choose to take the course earlier. Strong arithmetic skills are essential for success in this course. In their Intro to Computer Business Application (BCA 212) course, students will be working with spreadsheets which will require them to create simple math formulas. In the program and on the job, they will use an office calculator. They may also be required to set up work schedules, handle medical insurance billing, and check documents for mathematical accuracy. Accounting coursework is included in this program.
View more information on math skills in the Medical Administrative Assistant program.
Learning
Students must be able to follow logical sequences as they follow insurance filing procedures, use computer software manuals, and receive instructions from others. They must also be able to organize ideas logically when they explain procedures to coworkers. They must be able to work independently, knowing when to use their own problem-solving skills and when to ask for help.
View more information on learning skills in the Medical Administrative Assistant program.
Computer
In their first-term Intro to Computer Business Application course, students will be introduced to word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, desktop publishing, presentation, and data base programs. In subsequent terms, they will develop proficiency and accuracy in using these applications. All of these applications will be used extensively on the job.
View more information on computer skills in the Medical Administrative Assistant program.
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