The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy, and with it comes a high demand for skilled professionals to manage the administrative side of medical facilities. Medical Office Administrators (MOAs) ensure practices run smoothly. Their duties often include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, billing and more traditional office manager responsibilities.
If you would like to enter the healthcare field but aren’t sure you want a caregiving role, consider studying to become a medical office administrator.
Growing Demand in the Healthcare Sector
The healthcare industry continues to expand rapidly due to an aging population, advances in medical technology and an increasing emphasis on outpatient care. As the demand for healthcare services grows, so does the need for efficient administrative support.
Medical Office Administrators are vital in making sure that healthcare providers can focus on patient care without being bogged down by administrative tasks. This growing demand is reflected in the job outlook for MOAs, which is expected to remain strong in the coming years.
Employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 29% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth rate suggests a robust job market for MOAs, with well over a hundred thousand new positions expected to open across the country in the coming decade.
Factors Driving Job Growth of Medical Office Administrators
- Aging Population: Healthcare spending is far higher for people aged 65 and up. Longer lifespans, especially among baby boomers, as well as increased spending on healthcare across all age groups, are leading to drastically increased demand for medical facilities and skilled workers to fill positions, including MOAs.
- Expansion of Healthcare Facilities: This expansion requires additional administrative staff to manage patient records, schedule appointments and handle billing, contributing to the growing demand for MOAs.
- Advances in Medical Technology: The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and other medical technologies has increased the need for skilled administrators who can manage these systems. MOAs with expertise in EHRs and other healthcare software are in high demand.
- Shift Toward Outpatient Care: The healthcare industry is seeing a shift from inpatient to outpatient care, with more procedures being performed in outpatient settings. This shift increases the need for administrative staff in outpatient care centers, where MOAs play a critical role in managing day-to-day operations.
Employment Opportunities Across Various Settings
- Hospitals: Hospitals are among the largest employers of Medical Office Administrators. In these settings, MOAs may be responsible for managing patient records, coordinating appointments and handling billing. The fast-paced environment of a hospital requires strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
- Outpatient Care Centers: As more medical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, the demand for MOAs in these facilities has increased. Outpatient care centers offer a more predictable work schedule compared to hospitals, making them an attractive option for many MOAs.
- Private Medical Practices: Many MOAs find employment in private medical practices, where they may take on a wide range of responsibilities, from managing patient flow to handling insurance claims. Working in a private practice often allows for closer interaction with patients and healthcare providers.
- Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities: With the aging population, there is a growing demand for healthcare services in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. MOAs in these settings play a crucial role in managing the administrative side of patient care.
- Government Agencies and Public Health Organizations: Some MOAs work for government agencies or public health organizations, where they may be involved in managing public health programs or handling administrative tasks related to healthcare policy.
Enhancing Your Career Prospects
While the job outlook for Medical Office Administrators is strong, there are several steps you can take to enhance your career prospects and increase your earning potential:
- Pursue Further Education: Earning a degree in healthcare administration, business administration or a related field can open up more advanced roles with higher salaries.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can make you more competitive in the job market and increase your earning potential.
- Gain Experience: The more experience you gain, the more likely you are to advance in your career. Seek out opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, lead projects or manage teams to build your experience and demonstrate your value to employers.
- Stay Updated on Industry Trends: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations, technologies and best practices emerging regularly. Staying informed about industry trends and continuing your education can help you remain competitive in the job market.
- Network with Professionals: Building a network of contacts within the healthcare industry can provide valuable insights into job opportunities and career advancement. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations and connect with colleagues to expand your network.
Get the Education You Need to Pursue Certifications and a Career as a Medical Office Administrator in St. Louis, MO
The job outlook for Medical Office Administrators is promising, with strong growth expected in the coming years. If you’re ready to start your career as a Medical Office Administrator, explore the educational opportunities at St. Louis College of Health Careers.
Contact us online to learn how you can enroll or give us a call at 866-529-2070.