Medical Office Assistant Certificate

Whether we’re seeing a doctor for our yearly check-up or help with a sudden injury or illness, the medical office staff is a key stop on our wellness journey.  From scheduling appointments and tests, to billing and coding, to greeting patients and offering emotional support, a well-trained medical office assistant is a healing presence—and a rewarding career. 

You can master the skills needed to be a great medical office assistant in a doctor’s office, hospital or outpatient clinic through our 18-credit certificate. By taking two three-credit courses each term, you can be working and earning money in as little as a year. 

Virtually every major health care provider is searching for these skills, including Penn State Health and UPMC. Whether you are just graduating high school or an adult learner looking for a career refresh, this pathway could lead you to a healthy mind, body and bank account.

Reasons to Become a Medical Office Assistant

• Job Stability & Growth – The healthcare industry is expanding, and administrative roles like Medical Office Assistants are in high demand as medical facilities grow.
• Quick Entry into Healthcare – Unlike clinical roles, you don’t need years of schooling. A Medical Office Assistant program can get you job-ready in 9 months, not years.
• Diverse Work Settings – You can work in hospitals, private practices, urgent care centers, specialty clinics, and more.
• Opportunity for Advancement – This career can be a stepping stone to healthcare management and medical billing and coding.
• Flexible Work Environment – Many positions offer full-time, part-time, or remote work options, depending on the employer.
• Essential Role in Healthcare – Medical offices can’t function without skilled administrative professionals.
• Work-Life Balance – Many positions offer stable hours, making it ideal for those looking for predictable schedules.

Are Medical Office Assistant Jobs In-demand?

Yes! The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady growth for medical administrative roles due to:

• An aging population needing more healthcare services.
• The shift to electronic health records (EHRs) increasing demand for skilled office staff.
• The expansion of telemedicine, requiring more administrative support.

Are Medical Office Assistant Jobs in High Demand?

Absolutely! The need for skilled professionals is on the rise, especially as more healthcare facilities expand. Clinics, hospitals, and private practices all need qualified assistants to keep operations running smoothly.

Who Makes a Good Medical Office Assistant?

A great Medical Office Assistant is:

• Organized – Juggling schedules, paperwork, and patient records requires attention to detail.
•  Friendly & Empathetic – You’ll interact with patients daily, so great customer service skills are a must!
• Tech-Savvy – With the rise of EHRs, familiarity with medical software is a plus.
• A Good Communicator – Clear communication with doctors, nurses, and patients is essential.
• Able to Handle Pressure – Medical offices can be fast-paced, so staying calm under pressure is key.
• A Team Player – Working closely with medical staff and office personnel means collaboration is essential.

If you’re looking for a stable, rewarding, and fast-track career in healthcare, becoming a Medical Office Assistant could be the perfect choice! 🚀  

Program Offered

Online

Courses

Careers you can pursue

• Medical office assistant
• Medical secretary
• Medical receptionist
• Billing and coding assistant

You will succeed if you are...

• Personable
• Detail-oriented
• Patient
• Empathetic
• Organized
• Able to multi-task
• Flexible
• Adaptable
• Problem-solver
• Observant