Degree Overview: Associate of Medical Administration and Management
Majors Overview June 4, 2013In this article, you will learn about the associate degree program in medical administration and management, as well as receive information on career prospects, courses, and requirements to make an informed decision about your education.
Associate Degree Program in Medical Administration and Management
Medical administration associate degree program is also known as medical office administration and provide students with education in office management principles. These degree programs emphasize on office procedures in medical environments, including handling medical records, working with doctors to monitor patients, as well as communicating with patients. Training is provided in customer service, office automation, records management, and telephone interaction. To gain admission into this program, students are required to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
Medical administration associate degree program curricula balance office administration and healthcare principles topics. Program course topics may include the following:
•Medical ethics
•Medical billing and coding
•Medical office procedures
•Medical terminology
•Physiology and anatomy
Career Options
The career outlook for medical managers, administrators, and secretaries are extremely favorable, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). Demand for qualified candidates is expected to increase at an above-average rate since there is rapid expansion of the healthcare industry as a whole. Technological advances and an aging population within the field could help fuel this growth. Associate degree program graduates will have plenty of opportunities within the field of healthcare. Popular career options may include the following:
•Billing and coding specialist
•Medical office administrator
•Medical manager
Continuing Education and Certification Information
Companies that employ medical office administrators usually prefer individuals who hold professional certification. Typically, individuals can obtain certification from the American Medical Technologists that awards the Medical Administrative Specialist designation. Students who want to continue their education should consider pursuing a bachelor degree program in health care administration or related subjects.
