Degree Overview: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Medical Office Management
Majors Overview June 24, 2014Those that want a solid foundation in medical office administration, procedures, and management should look into Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs in Medical Office Management. Graduates can earn voluntary certification in administrative medical assistance and find entry-level employment.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Programs in Medical Office Management
Students enrolled in these programs are trained to seek management positions within healthcare settings, such as clinics and medical offices, among other related work environments. Community colleges offer these programs, which usually take about two years to complete. Classroom lectures comprise the coursework in the majority of schools that provide the programs, while an externship may also be featured to provide students with practical, hands-on experience.
Knowledge of medical record management, medical transcription, office management, and insurance coding billing is imparted to students, who are typically required to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma to enroll into the degree programs.
Coursework
Coursework in A.A.S. degree programs in Medical Office Management are devised to impart comprehension of medical business management to students. Coursework commonly includes the following courses:
•Medical billing and coding
•Database administration
•Medical office procedures
•Medical transcription
•Records management
•Anatomy and physiology
•Medical terminology
•Word processing
•Accounting
•Business communication
Career Choices
Those that successfully complete A.A.S. in Medical Office Management degree programs can seek entry-level jobs in positions involving scheduling, bookkeeping, billing, and filing. They can choose from various job titles:
•Medical information specialist
•Medical service manager
•Office manager
•Medical transcriptionist
Continuing Education and Certification Choices
Graduates may opt for voluntary professional certification, as is often preferred by employers. Passage of an exam administered by the American Medical Technologists can help them acquire the Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) credential.
Alternatively, acquiring the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) credential offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity is the most suitable for students that seek entry-level careers as transcriptionists. The medical management field has many other certifications offered through several certifying organizations.
Students that wish to become medical service managers can seek continued education by earning bachelor’s or master’s degrees in health administration; others may aspire for careers in insurance or business management, which requires candidates with related educational backgrounds.