Degree Overview: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Medical Office Administration
Majors Overview June 24, 2014Receive information about the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Medical Office Administration and its educational requirements, coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Programs in Medical Office Administration
While schools don’t usually offer programs in medical office e-ministration, students aspiring for various clerical occupations in the healthcare industry would benefit by enrolling into an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Medical Office Administration program. Students enrolled in these programs are provided with professional skills in communication and healthcare administration procedures. They are also offered a wide array of technical training and education in modern office technology. It typically takes about two years to complete these programs.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Prospective students are also expected to be proficient in English, math, and keyboarding.
Coursework
Coursework varies with the program specifics and school of enrollment, and classroom lectures may be combined with lab studies. Coursework in an A.A.S. in Medical Office Administration programs may commonly include the following courses:
•Medical transcription
•Database management
•Healthcare systems and operations
•Medical laws and ethics
•Medical office administration
•Business and records management
•Medical technology
•Business communications
•Billing and medical coding
Career Choices
Those that successfully complete office administration programs are trained to perform various clerical tasks in a variety of different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, insurance companies, and physicians’ offices. Job responsibilities may include billing, filing, reception, and organization. Candidates can opt for titles such as:
•Billing and coding representative
•Medical transcriptionist
•Medical office administrator
•Medical secretary
•Accounts and records clerk
Continuing Education Choices
With sufficient work experience, medical secretaries can aspire for advancement to management and administrative positions. To accomplish this goal, interested individuals can earn a bachelor’s degree and become a health or medical services manager. However, employers prefer master’s degree graduates in subjects such as public health and health science.