Medical Administrative Assistant vs. Medical Assistant vs. Medical Billing and Coding: Which Path Is Right for You?

Working with a dedicated medical team that supports others’ health needs is a rewarding career, but figuring out where you fit in that environment may leave you with a big question mark. Do you want a career in medical administration, medical billing and coding, or medical assisting? The three options sound similar, but have very different job responsibilities.

Most positions within a medical facility work with patients on some level. No matter which career you choose, you’ll need to be sensitive, aware, and responsive to patients’ needs and feelings as they deal with medical issues. Customer service is never more important than during this interaction. That said, let’s explore the role of a medical administrative assistant vs. a medical assistant vs. medical billing and coding.

What Is the Difference Between a Medical Administrative Assistant and a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant performs a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. In contrast, a medical administrative assistant performs secretarial duties that incorporate knowledge of medical terminology and procedures.

What Does a Clinical Medical Assistant Do?

A clinical medical assistant focuses on the clinical aspects of a health practice, which may include preparing patients for medical examinations, documenting vital signs and medical histories, assisting physicians, performing minor treatments, and providing in-person or over-the-phone home care instructions. (1)

Carrington College’s Medical Assisting program is a certificate program that provides both clinical and administrative training, with an emphasis on hands-on patient care skills.

What Does a Medical Administrative Assistant Do?

Administrative medical assistants perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling medical charts and reports. (2)

Carrington College’s Medical Administrative Assistant and Medical Office Administration programs prepare students for similar administrative roles, with different learning formats and coursework. The Medical Administrative Assistant program offers flexible online learning without an externship requirement. Its coursework includes healthcare office procedures, medical and dental insurance, anatomy, physiology, and terminology. The Medical Office Administration program offers a structured, on-campus classroom experience with hands-on learning. Its coursework includes medical office management, billing principles, ICD coding, insurance claims, and revenue-cycle tasks.

What Does a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Do?

A medical billing and coding specialist offers a third potential healthcare support career. Billing and coding specialists translate patient health records into standardized codes for billing insurance companies, patients, private insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid. (3)

Carrington College’s Medical Billing and Coding program helps students develop skills and knowledge relevant to entry-level positions in healthcare facilities.

Medical Assistant vs. Medical Administrative Assistant vs. Medical Office Administration vs. Medical Billing and Coding: Key Differences

Which Healthcare Career Path Is Right for You?

You can complete medical assisting, medical administrative assistant, and medical billing and coding programs in as little as nine months, but which program is right for you? Each career suits different strengths, goals, and interests:

• Medical Assisting is a good choice for people who enjoy helping others and don’t mind being on their feet for most of their shift. This career suits someone who wants a blend of clinical and administrative work.
• Administrative Medical Assistant: A good choice for well-organized people who prefer structured, desk-based work and interacting with the public.
• Medical Billing and Coding: A good fit for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working independently with data and rules-based systems.

It’s not uncommon for students to pursue multiple credentials to improve their employability. People may also transition between these three roles as their careers develop.

Certification Options for Each Career Path

After training, you may want to pursue credentials before entering the workforce. Not all states require certifications, but employers often expect them. Possible certifications include:

Medical Assistant Certification

• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through NHA (4)

Medical Administrative Assistant Certification

• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) through NHA (5)

Medical Billing and Coding Certification

• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) through NHA (6)

Take the Next Step Toward Your Healthcare Career

Interested in a role in healthcare? Explore Carrington College’s Medical Programs and take the first step toward an exciting and rewarding career.