0679 - Medical Support Assistance

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series covers one-grade interval administrative support positions that supervise, lead, or perform support work in connection with the care and treatment given to patients in wards, clinics, or other such units of a medical facility. The work includes functions such as serving as a receptionist, performing record keeping duties, and providing miscellaneous support to the medical staff of the unit. This series includes work that requires a practical knowledge of computerized data entry and information processing systems, the medical facility’s organization and services, basic rules and regulations governing visitors and patient treatment, and a practical knowledge of the standard procedures, medical records, and medical terminology of the unit supported.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the MEDICAL, HOSPITAL, DENTAL, AND PUBLIC HEALTH GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

  • 0601 - General Health Science Series
  • 0602 - Physician
  • 0603 - Physician Assistant Series
  • 0610 - Nurse Series
  • 0620 - Practical Nurse
  • 0621 - Nursing Assistant Series
  • 0622 - Medical Supply Aide and Technician Series
  • 0625 - Autopsy Assistant Series
  • 0630 - Dietitian and Nutritionist Series
  • 0631 - Occupational Therapist Series
  • 0633 - Physical Therapist Series
  • 0635 - Kinesiotherapy Series
  • 0636 - Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Series
  • 0637 - Manual Arts Therapist Series
  • 0638 - Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist Series
  • 0639 - Educational Therapist Series
  • 0640 - Health Aid and Technician Series
  • 0642 - Nuclear Medicine Technician Series
  • 0644 - Medical Technologist Series
  • 0645 - Medical Technician Series
  • 0646 - Pathology Technician Series
  • 0647 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Series
  • 0648 - Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist Series
  • 0649 - Medical Instrument Technician Series
  • 0650 - Medical Technical Assistant Series
  • 0651 - Respiratory Therapist Series
  • 0660 - Pharmacist Series
  • 0661 - Pharmacy Technician Series
  • 0662 - Optometrist Series
  • 0665 - Speech Pathology and Audiology Series
  • 0667 - Orthotist and Prosthetist Series
  • 0668 - Podiatrist Series
  • 0669 - Medical Records Administration Series
  • 0670 - Health System Administration Series
  • 0671 - Health System Specialist
  • 0672 - Prosthetic Representative Series
  • 0673 - Hospital Housekeeping Management Series
  • 0675 - Medical Records Technician
  • 0680 - Dental Officer Series
  • 0681 - Dental Assistant
  • 0682 - Dental Hygiene Series
  • 0683 - Dental Laboratory Aid and Technician Series
  • 0685 - Public Health Program Specialist Series
  • 0688 - Sanitarian Series
  • 0690 - Industrial Hygiene Series
  • 0696 - Consumer Safety Series
  • 0698 - Environmental Health Technician Series
  • 0699 - Medical and Health Student Trainee Series

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) In DemandIs In Demand American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Is Not In Demand International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Records Manager (CRM) In DemandIs In Demand Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) someSome    
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) In DemandIs In Demand American Medical Technologists (AMT) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) In DemandIs In Demand American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) otherOther GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) In DemandIs In Demand American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) otherOther GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) In DemandIs In Demand American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Project Management Professional (PMP) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) In DemandIs In Demand American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) Is Not In Demand American Medical Technologists (AMT) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) Is Not In Demand National Healthcareer Association (NHA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) Is Not In Demand National Healthcareer Association (NHA) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) Is Not In Demand National Healthcareer Association (NHA) otherOther GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist - Level 1 (RHDS) Is Not In Demand Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) otherOther    
Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) In DemandIs In Demand American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Medical Billing and Coding Professional Is Not In Demand American Education Certification Association (AECA) someSome    
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant /Office Specialist Is Not In Demand American Education Certification Association (AECA) mostMost    
Clinical Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (CMAAC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (BCSC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) otherOther   AccreditationAccreditation
Electronic Health Record Certification (EHRC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) someSome    
Medical Administrative Assistant with Billing and Coding Certification (MAA/BCSC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) mostMost    
Medical Administrative Assistant with Electronic Health Record Certification (MAA/EHRC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) mostMost    
Medical Administrative Assistant with Billing and Coding and Electronic Health Records Certification (MAA/BC/EHRC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) mostMost    
Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) In DemandIs In Demand National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) someSome    
Certified Electronic Health Record Professional Is Not In Demand American Education Certification Association (AECA) someSome    
Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) mostMost    
Home Care Specialist - Compliance (HCS-C) Is Not In Demand Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance (BMSC) someSome    
Certified Records Analyst (CRA) Is Not In Demand Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) someSome    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 0679 - Medical Support Assistance. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Customer Service Representatives mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Data Entry Keyers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
File Clerks mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Medical Assistants mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Medical Secretaries mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Medical Transcriptionists someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Office Clerks, General someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Receptionists and Information Clerks mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) represents a medical assistant who has been certified by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to have ability to work in ambulatory settings, such as physicians' offices, clinics and group practices. Medical assistants have a great amount of variety in their jobs and are cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on office location, size, and specialty. Clinical duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. This is a mid-level certification and requires applicants to be graduates of an accredited medical assisting program and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential is recommended for mid-career level office management and business administrative professionals. Administrative professionals should have basic knowledge of office systems, technology, office administration, and management, and know how to apply the principles of human relations and communications. Candidates must take an pass a written examination based on knowledge acquired by the office professional through education and reading. Candidates must have 4 years of experience of which advanced education may be used in place of some experience.

Click here to go to Certified Records Manager (CRM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), Certified Records Manager (CRM) certification requires candidates to meet both educational and work experience certification requirements. A minimum of one year of professional records and information management (RIM) work experience is required, regardless of the level of education a candidate possesses. The minimum acceptable education is graduation from high school (completion of 12 grades) or equivalent (e.g., GED credential or equivalency diploma) in conjunction with five years of professional level RIM experience. The preferred qualifications are a college degree (four-year or bachelor’s degree) and one year of professional RIM experience. CRM candidates must pass a six-part written examination.

Click here to go to Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Medical Assistant (MA) certification validates ability to perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of numerous health professionals running smoothly. Medical Assistant is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office, the examining room and the physician office laboratory. They are also a liaison between the doctor and the patient. Duties for Medical Assistants vary depending on the state in which an MA practices. This is an intermediate skill level certification, and requires applicants to meet experience and/or education requirements.

Click here to go to Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification denotes expertise in ensuring the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. Candidates use computer systems to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs, and often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. Candidates must have at least an associate's degree in an HIM program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Click here to go to Project Management Professional (PMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) is an advanced skill level credential for professionals who lead and direct projects. Project Managers perform their duties under general supervision for the duration of a project and are responsible for all aspects of a project. PMPs lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope. Project Management Professionals seeking certification through PMI demonstrate knowledge and experience to apply a methodology to projects that have well-defined requirements and deliverables. To apply for the PMP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and are required to pass the written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Coding Associate (CCA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exhibits coding competency across all settings, including both hospitals and physician practices. This is an entry level certification and requires candidates to have a high school diploma. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least six months experience in a healthcare organization applying ICD-9-CM and CPT coding conventions and guidelines or should have completed an approved coding training program.

Click here to go to Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) certification validates ability to manage medical records, insurance processing, coding and billing, information processing, and fundamental office management tasks. This is an entry level administrative certification for medical administrative specialists who serve a key role in medical office, clinic and hospital settings. A medical administrative specialist is very familiar with clinical and technical concepts required to coordinate administrative office functions in the healthcare setting. Candidates must meet minimum education, experience, and/or prerequisite requirements.

Click here to go to Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level certification for project practitioners. Designed for those with less project experience, the CAPM demonstrates an understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management. The written exam covers project management areas such as initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, closing, and professional and social responsibility. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 1500 hours professional experience on a project team or 23 hours of project management education.

Click here to go to Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The National Healthcare Association (NHA), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is an entry-level credential for healthcare professionals who provide customer service for patients. CMAAs review and answer practice correspondence, operate computer systems to accomplish office tasks, answer calls, schedule appointments, greet patients, maintain files, update and maintain patient and other practice-specific information, and coordinate operation reports such as time and attendance. Candidates are required to complete a NHA-approved training program.

Click here to go to Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) is an entry-level certification for allied healthcare professionals have work responsibilities that involve securing and assuring complete and accurate patient care data. CEHRSs audit patient records for compliance, abstract clinical information for reports, perform basic coding to submit reimbursement claims, process Release of Information (ROI) requests for medical records, and support a variety of other health record-related activities. Applicants for the CEHRS are required to meet educational and experience-related criteria, and must also pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Medical Billing and Coding Professional COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Medical Administrative Assistant /Office Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant /Office Specialist is an entry-level to mid-level medical assistant certification. Individuals who receive the certification are expected to perform administrative duties under the direction of a physician. Duties may also include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.

Click here to go to Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC) is for individuals who are efficient in front office skills as well as knowledgeable in billing, coding, administrative tasks, medical terminology, and general patient care. To earn the MAAC, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet a training program or experience requirement. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Electronic Health Record Certification (EHRC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), Electronic Health Record Certification (EHRC) is for individuals with entry level knowledge in the use of software to input patient information, the management of electronic patient records, and the management of all aspects of an office through the use of electronic health records software. To earn the EHRC, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet a training program or experience requirement. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Medical Administrative Assistant with Billing and Coding Certification (MAA/BCSC) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Administrative Assistant with Electronic Health Record Certification (MAA/EHRC) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Administrative Assistant with Billing and Coding and Electronic Health Records Certification (MAA/BC/EHRC) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) established the Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) program to promote the highest standards of patient access services through the credentialing of those working at the front lines of patient access. Responsibilities of patient access services include: scheduling, admissions, registration, patient finance, guest relations or other related services. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent plus 30 professional development contact hours earned within the previous two years and one year in healthcare or finance industry.

Click here to go to Certified Electronic Health Record Professional COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) is for individuals who perform a wide variety of functions in a healthcare setting. Medical Assistant duties may include answering phones, scheduling appointments, preparing statements for billing, communicating with patients, charting patient histories, measuring patient vital signs, and helping physicians with patient exams. To earn the MAC, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet a training program or experience requirement. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Home Care Specialist - Compliance (HCS-C) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Records Analyst (CRA) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
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