With an above average salary base and an optimistic job forecast there’s no better time than now to consider a job in medical office management. The fact is medical offices and healthcare facilities cannot run smoothly without a great manager at the helm. The role of a medical office manager is critical in today’s fast-paced facilities where above board patient care and quality is expected.
Want to get hired as a medical office manager? Great! Knowing you want to pursue this rewarding career is half the battle. The other half is the path to take you there. But it doesn’t have to be a struggle. Getting your foot in the door is the first step. And can be easily attained with a combination of knowledge, hands-on training and having the right skill set. A medical office manager’s job can take several routes but here's some basic guidance to take you down the right road.
Education – Most medical practices will have standard requirements along with their own set of educational standards and employment skills, depending on the size and scope of the practice. Typically, an Associate’s degree with previous experience is needed to get you an interview. However, to move up the ladder you’ll need more, like a bachelor's degree in business administration or a combination of education and hands-on training.
On-the-Job Training and Experience – For most office manager jobs previous hands-on experience in a medical office environment is a necessity. To open up future opportunities hiring guru Indeed recommends learning basic administrative tasks such as updating medical records, bookkeeping, answering phones and scheduling patients. Acquiring knowledge of coding, medical insurance best practices, and billing and collections is invaluable. Working knowledge of medical terminology is also a plus with prospective employers. Beginning as a medical assistant, receptionist, or billing clerk can be a great way to lay the groundwork for better things to come. The downside is that it can take longer to accomplish your goal.
Skills – As the person responsible for the supervision and success of the practice you’ll need to be organized and possess some of the following skills and abilities:
- Be an excellent communicator with above average conflict resolutions skills
- Know how to lead
- Pay close attention to detail
- Working knowledge of financial and analytical tools, best practices and software
- Basic knowledge of accounting principles
- Hands-on positive attitude
- Working knowledge of billing and collections procedures and best practices
- Solid background in office administration
- Motivate, train, supervise, and hire personnel
- Patient-focused mindset
Certifications – Some, but not all jobs in medical office management require candidates to be certified in medical office management. However, in most situations having one is a win-win for both sides. There are many benefits to earning one. First, they are an excellent way to show future employers you are committed to your chosen field. Second, they can be especially important when it comes time to negotiate your salary preferences. Third, earning a certification can give you a clear advantage over candidates that have not earned one. And it’s a great way to demonstrate that you have a desire and willingness to learn.
Get Hired Faster
Continuing education programs like the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) course offered by the Practice Management Institute can help you get hired faster. This five-part curriculum teaches a wide range of practical administrative skills needed to help you better communicate with providers, third-party payers, patients, and business associates. You’ll also learn personnel management procedures, how to protect a practice from cybersecurity fraud, HIPAA compliance and more. Increase your chances to get hired faster—enroll today.