Associate's degree programs in medical office administration
are available in both on-campus and online formats. Web-based programs may be
administered using virtual classroom software and typically take about two
years to finish. However, some online programs allow you to complete classes at
your own pace.
You may be required to participate in forum-based
discussions, watch pre-recorded video lectures or communicate with your
professors by e-mail. Some programs also offer access to online academic
counseling or Web-based libraries. You'll need a computer with high-speed
Internet access in order to participate.
What Will I Learn?
You'll receive instruction in fundamental business skills,
as well as basic science and medicine. For example, you could learn about
accounting and human resources management while also studying medical
terminology and healthcare insurance systems. The following are examples of
classes you might find in the curriculum:
Legal issues in healthcare
Microcomputing
Keyboarding
Office systems
Payroll systems
Nutrition and wellness
Text editing for healthcare
What Can I Do with My Degree?
An associate's program in this field can prepare you for
entry-level administrative jobs in medical offices, like those of medical
administrative assistants or medical secretaries. In these positions, you would
be responsible for assisting doctors, physicians and surgeons with clerical
work. Common duties might include transcribing medical documents, handling
payroll, managing patient records, writing reports and preparing professional
correspondence.
Office Administration Associate Degree
After completing an office administration associate's degree
program, you'll be prepared to work in an administrative capacity in any number
of office environments, from medical practices to accounting firms. You'll also
have the skills necessary to take on a number of different administrative
roles, including office management, records management, and executive
assisting. With the skills and experience an office administration associate
degree provides, you'll open wide the doors to a new career.
As part of an office administration associate degree
program, you can expect to take courses in subjects areas such as business
writing, business ethics, accounting, information and business technology, and
organizational management. Some programs may also require you to take core
courses in subjects such as mathematics or writing. Additionally, many office
administration associate degree programs offer you the opportunity to
specialize in particular fields, so you may also have the opportunity to take
courses in areas such as medical office management, advanced accounting, or
legal administration, all of which can more directly prepare you for the future
career of your preference. Whatever office administration associate degree
program you choose, you can rest assured that the skills you are gaining will
be directly applicable to the work you will do upon graduation.
Skilled office management and office administration is key
to the success of any type of organization. By earning your office
administration associate degree, you will demonstrate that you have the
knowledge and skills necessary to perform these critical administrative
functions. The result is a world of opportunity ahead as an administrative
professional.
Medical administration associate's degree programs teach you
manage the daily operations of health care offices, including private
practices, hospitals and primary care facilities. You learn to use computers,
understand basic accounting practices and communicate with office staff and
patients. Programs teach you about medical billing and coding standards.
Associate's degree programs in medical administration can
also be called healthcare administration and medical assisting. Healthcare or
medical administration associate's degree programs are typically offered by
community colleges and for-profit universities, and you may be able to find
limited online learning opportunities.
What Courses Will I Take?
The courses you take in a medical administration associate's
degree program cover the basics of the healthcare industry, such as medical
terminology, medical law and ethics, medical coding and medical transcription.
You gain an understanding of the health insurance industry and sanitation in
healthcare facilities. Many courses cover various aspects of managing an
office, including spreadsheets and databases, keyboarding, word processing and
records maintenance.
Coursework related to working in nursing homes may be found
in some programs. You can take courses in gerontology, aging and nursing home
operations. In many cases, an internship or externship is required to allow you
to gain hands-on experience in medical administration.
