I am thinking about applying at an online college (Penn Foster Career School) for Medical Office Assistant, but I have a few questions...

1. What exactly do Med Office Assistants do?
2. Is it a difficult job?
3. About how much money do they make?
4. Do you HAVE to be certified?
5. When looking for a job, what do you apply for? Med office assistant?
6. Where can you work? Can you work in a hospital?
7. Could I only do coding & billing?
8. Do you have to wear a uniform or scrubs?
9. Do you have to draw blood?
10. Any other tips or advice would be appreciated!

You don't have to be certified, but if your goal is to work in a large regional medical center (often the ambulatory medical offices and specialties affiliated with local hospitals, such as, for example our large BayState Regional Medical Center, or Mercy Hospital, which has satellite offices and laboratories throughout the Western Massachusetts communities) then you should strongly consider getting certified, because that's what they want. You must understand, that while getting certified is not mandated by (most) states, it is the EMPLOYER who sets their standards and decides what qualifications they want (see main website: www.certmedassistant.com). Phlebotomy or limited x-ray training would also be a plus.

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