Degree Overview: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Medical Administrative Secretary
Majors Overview February 20, 2014Receive information about an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in medical administrative secretary and its education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education and certification choices.
A.A.S. Programs in Medical Administrative Secretary
Students enrolled in Associate of Medical Administration degree programs, often referred to as Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in medical administration, or medical administrative secretary degree programs, are provided with the administrative skills necessary to pursue entry-level occupations as medical secretaries. Community colleges and vocational and technical schools offer these 2-year degree programs whose coursework combines general education courses with business-oriented and medical office administration classes. Some programs require students to complete a coop work experience practicum or internship.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. High school level word processing skills can help students prepare for the program.
Coursework
Coursework in an Associate of applied science medical administrative secretary program is devised to develop common medical office administrative skills of students. Coursework may have to be completed in a particular order and may include topic areas such as:
•Anatomy and physiology
•Accounting
•Records management
•Medical coding
•Medical transcription
•Medical office procedures
•Medical terminology
•Computer applications
•Keyboarding
•Medical insurance
Job and Wage Outlook
Those who graduate from medical administration degree programs can use their organizational skills in mapping a successful career path in the healthcare field. A job growth of 27% has been predicted for medical secretaries during the decade from 2008 to 2018, making it fastest growth rate projected for secretaries across industries (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, medical secretaries took home an average annual wage of $32,670 (BLS).
Continuing Education and Certification Options
While certification is not mandatory for medical secretaries, these professionals can gain professional mobility by volunteering for certification that would help them demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field to potential job givers. A Medical Administrative Specialist certification is offered by the American Medical Technologists. Passage of the exam can help candidates acquire this certification that requires continuing education to maintain.
Experience augmented by further education or training can help medical secretaries seek more specialized positions in the medical field, such as in physician or medical assisting. Some may opt for office management and related positions for advancement within the administrative world.
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