Medical Office Assistants need to demonstrate a thorough understanding of medical terminology and comply with the establishment’s standards of health and safety. There is no formal education required to enter this profession, but completing a college degree in Office Administration or a Medical Assistance program is considered an asset. 
   
When considering their post-secondary options, aspiring candidates should always be on the lookout for an accredited vocational school or community college. First-Aid Certification, along with a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, is also beneficial. It allows Medical Office Assistants to stand apart from competing applicants. They should also consider proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.  
   
Employers also consider any other relevant combination of education and experience that yields the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition to a recognized certification, the ideal candidate should have worked between 1 and 3 years in a healthcare setting. Medical Office Assistants who have no educational background in this area are usually required to have 3 to 5 years in the field. 

What can help you become a Medical Office Assistant

• Interpersonal and communication skills:  

Medical Office Assistants should come equipped with strong communication skills when entering this profession. Not only will they need to communicate with patients and relatives, providing answers to their questions and addressing their concerns, but they should also demonstrate a high standard of patient care and safety, treating every patient with dignity and respect. Believe it or not, these qualities stem from elevated customer service skills. They rely on tact, patience, and professionalism when communicating with patients, relatives, and other staff members to maintain collaborative relationships.  
  

• Strong attention to detail:  

Being able to follow detailed instructions accurately and thoroughly is especially critical for Medical Office Assistants. Data entry makes up a large part of their daily responsibilities, entering and reviewing data efficiently and accurately. And accuracy is a must. They should also find resourceful ways to stay focused during highly repetitive tasks.  
  

• Analytical and problem-solving skills:  

This skill set goes together with attention to detail, and each is of equal importance in the world of medical office administration. Medical Office Assistants should come equipped to their positions with practical reading and interpretation skills, which will come in handy when evaluating patient information.