is a Medical Administrative Assistant essentially just a secretary?
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Best Answer:
Yes, but they work in doctors' offices or hospitals and have to know something about medicine (or at least know the terminology) to be able to excel. I'm a legal secretary, and while I still do typing, filing, answering the phones, etc., I can also tell you the difference between a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, I can read (and comprehend) commercial leases, I know what DIP financing is, and I can go into great detail about utility deregulation, among other things. Medical and legal secretaries generally are paid more than regular secretaries/administrative assistants, because their line of work is considered a specialty. (Much the same as a general practitioner doctor makes less than a cardiologist, for example). I live in Atlanta, and when I first moved here and was scanning the want ads, I noticed the average going rate for a general admin. assistant was roughly $28 - $30K per year, whereas the average yearly salary for legal secretaries was between $45 and $60K per year, depending on what type of firm was hiring.

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Answered by Landlord

Yes, but I wouldn't emphasize the word "just." You would be surprised how much knowledge specialized secretaries have, like another poster said. If you want to work in a hospital or healthcare environment, but are attracted to the office side of things, it really isn't a bad idea.
Answered by hi there!

It's in the area of secretary or clerk. But you make more money with that title.
Answered by liss

The ad assists where I 've worked did more than just secretarial work, they tracked data, organized research data, followed medical licensing requirements, made sure all certificates were up to date, sat in on meetings, etc. They had far more responsibilities & autonomy. They rarely just answered phones and filed. If this is a job you are looking at be sure & get a good job description from the employer.
Answered by Diane A

Administrative assistant = secretary. Many jobs require 2 years of college, and medical secretaries require additional job-specific training such as medical terminology and medical billing.
Answered by tiffany