Certificate Programs

imageMEDICAL OFFICE PRACTICE

Program Description

The Medical Office Practice Certificate program, by offering training in either clinical or administrative aspects of office procedure, prepares the students for positions in physicians’ private offices or group practices, hospital offices, medical records services, clinics, public health facilities, research, and other health related offices.

This program has been designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in a medical facility. Further, the program has been structured to provide career mobility and to facilitate further study. Courses from the medical office practice program may be used to satisfy requirements in the Medical Office Assistant A.A.S. program if the student decides to pursue an associate in applied science degree.

A core program, required of all students, provides the basic scientific fundamentals applicable to the medical profession. These courses include typing, medical ethics, medical terminology, survey of anatomy/physiology, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and first aid. Students develop additional skills by completing either the clinical laboratory option or the administrative option. The clinical option provides additional instruction in medical microbiology, pharmacology, clinical office assisting procedures, and clinical diagnostic procedures. The clinical option will benefit licensed practical nurses who wish to work in a medical office but lack training in clinical diagnostic techniques. Choosing the administrative option would provide course work in medical administrative procedures, word processing, spreadsheet, data base, slide presentation, internet, publishing software and computerized office automation. Students may elect to concentrate on specific areas such as medical administrative procedures, medical transcription, or medical coding, billing and insurance. With advisement, the student will select courses supporting achievement of these special skills. In addition, students may elect to complete an externship in a medical office setting. Students will not receive pay for the externship experience.

Many graduates assume positions in medical offices and other health care facilities while others elect to continue their education and pursue the Associate in Applied Science Degree in the Medical Office Assistant Program.

Department Notes

Some students complete the program on a part-time basis which may require two or three years, depending on their schedule.

Degree: Certificate
Hegis: 5214
Curriculum Code: 0980
Total Degree Credits: 36.0 Clinical Option
                                     31.0 Administrative Option
Campus Location: North