Clinical Administrative Specialist in North Carolina Career Overview

As a Clinical Administrative Specialist, you play an essential role in the healthcare sector, ensuring that operations run smoothly within clinical settings. Your responsibilities often bridge the gap between administrative tasks and patient care coordination.

Key aspects of your job role include:

  • Administrative Support: You manage schedules, coordinate appointments, and maintain patient records, which are vital for the effective functioning of healthcare facilities.

  • Patient Interaction: Serving as a point of contact, you assist patients in navigating healthcare processes, answering queries, and ensuring they receive the necessary information regarding their care.

  • Compliance and Regulation: You are responsible for ensuring that clinical practices align with healthcare laws and regulations, thus fostering a safe and compliant environment for both patients and staff.

  • Data Management: Your organization and maintenance of medical records and databases are crucial. This data supports decision-making and enhances the overall quality of care provided.

  • Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: Working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff, you facilitate communication and streamline processes that aid in patient treatment.

In an evolving healthcare landscape, the role of Clinical Administrative Specialists is indispensable, contributing not only to operational efficiency but also enhancing the overall patient experience. Your work in managing the critical interactions and processes ensures a seamless experience for both patients and practitioners.

Clinical Administrative Specialist Salary in North Carolina

Annual Median: $38,860
Hourly Median: $18.68

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Clinical Administrative Specialist in North Carolina

To become a Clinical Administrative Specialist in North Carolina, you will need specific educational qualifications and training. The following degree programs are relevant to this career path:

  • Health and Medical Administrative Services: This program equips you with the necessary skills in health care management and administrative practices. It covers topics such as health care regulations, medical ethics, and management principles.

  • Healthcare Information Privacy Assurance and Security: This specialized program focuses on the importance of data privacy and security within the healthcare sector. You will learn about compliance, data protection laws, and strategies to safeguard sensitive patient information.

  • Medical Administrative Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary: This curriculum prepares you for administrative roles in medical settings, teaching you about office procedures, medical terminology, and effective communication practices needed for assisting healthcare professionals.

  • Medical Office Administration: This program emphasizes administrative tasks specific to medical offices. Courses may include billing and coding, medical office management, and patient scheduling.

  • Health Care Administration and Management: This degree program provides a broader understanding of health care systems and policies. You will study management techniques, health care finance, and organizational behavior within the context of health care.

Acquiring education through these programs will help you develop a strong foundation necessary to thrive as a Clinical Administrative Specialist.

Best Schools to become a Clinical Administrative Specialist in North Carolina 2024

#1Salt Lake County

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935
#2Pinellas County

Ultimate Medical Academy

Clearwater, FL

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:50%
Total Enrollment:6,368
#3Merrimack County

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091
#4Tippecanoe County

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, IN

In-State Tuition:$10,080
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,356
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:20%
Total Enrollment:45,125
#5Hennepin County

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

In-State Tuition:$14,328
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,328
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:39,727
#6San Diego County

Ashford University

San Diego, CA

In-State Tuition:$12,240
Out-of-State Tuition:$12,240
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:10%
Total Enrollment:34,190
Clinical Administrative Specialist Job Description:
  • Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.
  • Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.

Clinical Administrative Specialist Required Skills and Competencies in North Carolina

  • Attention to Detail: You must possess the ability to notice and address discrepancies in documents, ensuring accuracy in patient records and billing information.

  • Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication is essential for interacting with healthcare professionals, patients, and administrative staff. You should be able to convey information clearly and professionally.

  • Organizational Skills: You will need to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Strong organizational skills help in maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, and coordinating the workflow within a clinical setting.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with healthcare software, electronic health records (EHR), and office productivity tools is important. An understanding of medical coding and billing systems may also be necessary.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You should be capable of identifying issues and developing practical solutions when challenges arise in administrative processes or patient interactions.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining positive relationships with patients, staff, and stakeholders is vital. Empathy and active listening will enhance your interactions within a healthcare setting.

  • Time Management: You must be adept at prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and ensure that administrative responsibilities do not impede clinical operations.

  • Adaptability: The healthcare environment is constantly evolving. Being flexible and open to change allows you to adjust to new technologies, policies, and procedures effectively.

  • Knowledge of Healthcare Policies: Understanding relevant healthcare regulations, compliance issues, and patient privacy laws (such as HIPAA) is necessary to navigate the clinical administrative landscape.

  • Team Collaboration: You should be able to work well in a team-oriented environment. Collaborating with various departments and healthcare professionals is essential for providing comprehensive patient care.

Job Duties for Clinical Administrative Specialists

  • Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.

  • Complete insurance or other claim forms.

  • Schedule and confirm patient diagnostic appointments, surgeries, or medical consultations.

Technologies and Skills Used by Clinical Administrative Specialists

Accounting software

  • Billing software
  • Intuit QuickBooks

Medical software

  • Epic Systems
  • MEDITECH software

Word processing software

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Word

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Clinical Administrative Specialist in North Carolina

The job market for Clinical Administrative Specialists in North Carolina reflects a growing demand within the healthcare sector. This role has become increasingly essential across various settings as healthcare organizations strive to enhance patient care and streamline administrative processes.

  • Demand: The need for Clinical Administrative Specialists is driven by a rise in healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and telehealth services. As patient volumes increase and the complexity of healthcare provision grows, organizations are seeking skilled professionals to manage administrative tasks, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently.

  • Growth Potential: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in healthcare administrative roles, including Clinical Administrative Specialists, as the industry expands. Factors contributing to this growth include:

    • An aging population requiring more healthcare services.
    • The integration of technology in healthcare operations, necessitating professionals who can navigate electronic health records and administrative software.
    • A focus on improving patient experience and operational efficiencies, which relies on effective administrative support.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Several areas in North Carolina show a significant concentration of job opportunities for Clinical Administrative Specialists:

    • Charlotte: As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte has a robust healthcare system, including major hospitals and a variety of healthcare facilities.
    • Raleigh-Durham: Known for its research and technology hubs, this area is home to numerous healthcare organizations, including top-rated hospitals and a variety of medical practices that often require clinical administrative support.
    • Greensboro: This city features a growing number of healthcare providers, expanding the demand for administrative specialists within the region.
    • Winston-Salem: Home to some major healthcare institutions, this area is seeing a continuous rise in healthcare services, increasing job availability.

Staying informed about these trends and geographical hotspots can enhance your job search and career prospects in North Carolina’s healthcare landscape.

Top Related Careers to Clinical Administrative Specialist 2024

Health Information Coordinator
Medical Office Administrator
Health Records Clerk
Medical Office Coordinator

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Clinical Administrative Specialist in North Carolina

  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
    A professional association that provides resources and educational materials for health information management.
    Website: www.ahima.org

  • American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
    AAMA offers various resources, including certifications and continuing education options for medical assistants, which may align with your role as a clinical administrative specialist.
    Website: www.aama-ntl.org

  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
    This organization provides certification preparation resources and career guidance tailored to various healthcare roles, including administrative specialists.
    Website: www.pearsonvue.com/nha

  • Health Administration Press (HAP)
    A leading publisher of healthcare management books and journals, offering resources for continuing education and professional development.
    Website: www.hap.press

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    The CMS website provides information on regulations, policies, and payment models which are relevant to clinical administration.
    Website: www.cms.gov

  • National Institute of Health (NIH) Clinical Center
    The NIH provides interactive learning resources and updates on clinical practices and research that can be beneficial for administrative specialists.
    Website: www.cc.nih.gov

  • North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation
    This state-specific resource offers information on rules and regulations governing healthcare facilities in North Carolina.
    Website: www.ncdhhs.gov

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
    While focused on HR, SHRM provides resources and guidance on workplace policies, compliance, and administrative best practices pertinent to healthcare settings.
    Website: www.shrm.org

  • Online Learning Platforms
    Websites such as Coursera and edX offer relevant courses on healthcare administration and management that can enhance your skill set.

  • Local Community College Programs
    Research community colleges in your area, such as Wake Technical Community College or Central Piedmont Community College, which offer programs in healthcare administration or medical assisting.

Utilize these resources to enhance your understanding of the clinical administrative field and to support your career development in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clinical Administrative Specialist in North Carolina

  • What are the primary responsibilities of a Clinical Administrative Specialist?
    A Clinical Administrative Specialist is responsible for managing administrative tasks within a healthcare setting, including scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, handling billing and insurance claims, and facilitating communication between patients and medical staff.

  • What skills are necessary for this role?
    Important skills include strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, effective communication skills, proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems, and knowledge of medical terminology and insurance processes.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Clinical Administrative Specialist?
    Typically, a high school diploma or GED is required, though many employers prefer candidates with an associate degree or certification in medical administration. Previous experience in a healthcare setting can enhance your job prospects.

  • Is certification necessary for this career?
    While not always required, certification such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) can improve job opportunities and demonstrate a commitment to professionalism in the field.

  • What is the job outlook for Clinical Administrative Specialists in North Carolina?
    The job outlook for Clinical Administrative Specialists in North Carolina is positive, with growing demand due to an increasing healthcare industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in healthcare administration roles.

  • What are the typical work environments for Clinical Administrative Specialists?
    Clinical Administrative Specialists typically work in hospitals, private practices, outpatient care centers, and other healthcare facilities. Some may also find roles in telehealth settings.

  • How does the salary for a Clinical Administrative Specialist compare across North Carolina?
    Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and location within North Carolina, with entry-level positions starting around $30,000 and experienced specialists earning upwards of $50,000 annually.

  • What opportunities for advancement are available?
    With experience and further education, Career paths may lead to roles such as office manager, health services manager, or positions in health information management.

  • What continuing education options are available for Clinical Administrative Specialists?
    Many community colleges and online institutions offer continuing education courses in healthcare administration, management, and technology. Attending workshops, webinars, and conferences can also provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

  • Can I work part-time as a Clinical Administrative Specialist?
    Yes, many healthcare facilities offer part-time positions for Clinical Administrative Specialists, providing flexibility for those who may need it due to other commitments.