Updated January 2023

There's a lot of overlap between the work of a medical office assistant (MOA) and a nursing unit clerk. Both carry out a range of tasks that keep a medical facility operating effectively.

So how are they different?

The main difference between an MOA and a unit clerk is that MOAs may help with certain clinical procedures, like measuring vital signs. Unit clerks tend to focus on clerical tasks only.

Ultimately, however, the two jobs are more alike than not.

In this post, we break down the basics of the MOA and unit clerk roles: what they do, where they work, how much they make, and what training and skills they need.

Explore the similarities and differences and get a better understanding of both careers.

Updated January 2023

Want a healthcare career that offers a blend of clerical and clinical work? A role as a medical office assistant could be ideal.

But just what is a medical office assistant? If you took on this job, what would you actually be doing all day?

Medical office assistants (MOAs) are the first point of contact for anyone calling or arriving at a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare facility. They greet patients, update files, prep exam rooms, and carry out a range of other duties that keep the medical office operating smoothly.

In this post, we outline the essential role of MOAs and the many tasks they perform each day. Get a full picture of life on the job and see if this career is a good choice for you.