Degree Overview: Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree in Medical Office Administration
Majors Overview February 22, 2014Students will be taught about patient rights and office procedures, as well as medical rules, ethics, and terms. An Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program in medical office administration will help students find a career in a developing industry.
A.A. Programs in Medical Office Administration
Technical schools and colleges usually offer Associate degree programs in medical office administration and usually taken between 15 and 24 months to complete. After they complete the program, graduates can seek entry-level jobs in medical administration and assisting. They can become adept at performing clerical duties in various medical facilities, including doctor’s offices, hospitals and private clinics.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Students are usually expected to be eligible to complete classes in college-level English composition and mathematics. Introductory courses have to be completed by students enrolled in some programs before they are allowed to enter core program studies.
Coursework
Coursework related to medical office administration associate degree programs may be a combination of clinical lab studies and classroom instruction and may commonly include subject areas such as:
•Insurance and medical coding
•Patient records and billing
•Medical laws and ethics
•Healthcare systems and operations
•Pharmacology
•Medical office administration
•Medical office computer systems
•Medical terminology
•Medical transcription
Career Choices
An aging population and technological advances within the industry are expected to drive growth in the healthcare industry; those who complete the associate’s degree program can seek various career positions such as:
•Medical office administrator
•Medical transcriptionist
•Medical assistant
•Insurance billing and coding clerk
Continuing Education and Certification Choices
Graduates can enhance their career prospects by seeking voluntary certification offered through various organizations, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants, the American Medical Technologists, or the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. Completion or continuation of education units would be required to maintain the validity of the certification that has to be renewed every five years. These professionals commonly seek the Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Medical Transcriptionist or Certified Medical Administrative Specialist credential.
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