Become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and Certified Coding Associate
In the healthcare field, there is no shortage of demand for skilled support roles. This 100% online course will prepare you for a career as a medical assistant with a specialty in medical billing and coding. By course completion, you will be ready to pass the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam, offered by National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Job Outlook for Medical Assistants and Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
- Medical administrative assistants combine two valuable skill sets in professions that are growing quickly, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS data indicates job opportunities for medical assistants will grow by 23% overall by 2028.
- According to PayScale.com, certified medical administrative assistants earn around $37,000 per year on average. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $40,350 and work in one of the fastest growing professions.
Medical Assistants and Medical Billing and Coding Specialist FAQs
The healthcare environment operates on the basis of professionalism, precision and dedication to patient welfare. Medical assistant certification may be required for many jobs. Earning a CMAA establishes a medical assistant as a caring, responsible professional who has undergone a study and assessment program to validate their credentials.
Medical assistant commonly work in medical practices, such as physicians' offices, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities, according to the BLS.
Essentially, these are two distinct skill sets used within a healthcare setting. However, the responsibilities of a medical assistant may include medical billing, medical coding or both. Similarly, medical billing and coding specialists may have their own job titles or may have their title combined with a medical assistant or medical administrative professional designation.
The healthcare field offers one of the leading areas of opportunities for career growth today. Within healthcare, specialized medical assistants are among the most in-demand professionals. NHA estimates that job openings for medical assistants are increasing by 9-15% each year. Matching office administration skills with medical billing and coding opens up more opportunities in both general healthcare administration and specialized medical services.
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).