Medical administrative assistants work in a variety of healthcare facilities to ensure the smooth running of procedures. According to the US Department of Labor, Medical administrative assistants will enjoy one of the fastest professions over the next ten years. As the face of health care in the US continues to change, more and more responsibility is being given to administrative staff. Medical administrative assistants, not to be confused with physician's assistants, carry out much of the vital administration for individual patients, as well as carrying out some basic elements of patient care. Workplaces include hospitals, physicians' surgeries and care homes. Training is not essential for medical administrative assistants, but will ensure better employment and form a route to career progression. Many people now choose to train online to become a medical administrative assistant. Devised by medical professionals, diplomas are designed to give you everything you need to become a medical administrative assistant. This includes basic human anatomy and physiology, terminology, clinical equipment, interpersonal skills, records, insurance and billing. Competence in numeracy and literacy is a must. Medical assistants held about 365,000 jobs in 2002. Almost 60 percent worked in offices of physicians; about 14 percent worked in public and private hospitals. As the population continues to age, so the need for medical administrative assistants grows. Certified medical administrative assistants can use their experience and further training to progress to office manager. Alternatively, they can choose further medical training.