Degree Overview: Associate of Medical Administration Specialist
Majors Overview June 5, 2013In this article, you will learn about associate degree program in medical administration specialist, as well as receive information on career opportunities, certification, training, and courses to make an informed decision about your education.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Medical Administration Specialist
Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program in medical administration are imparted the education and skills needed to seek work in various administrative or healthcare support roles. Community colleges and vocational and technical schools are among those who offer these programs that take approximately two years to complete, if students are enrolled full-time. Coursework is a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience through participation in internship programs. After they graduate, enrolled students may have to pass certification examinations in order to seek entry-level occupation in several related career areas.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma. Word processing and basic keyboarding skills may also be required, along with an understanding of English composition and completion of preparatory courses in mathematics.
Program Coursework
Most associate degree programs in medical administration require students to complete courses in sequence that allows them to learn gradually before taking advanced courses. Program course topics may include the following:
•Communications
•Business mathematics
•Psychology
•Medical insurance coding
•Physiology and anatomy
•Records management
•Medical office procedures
•Business software and computers
•Medical terminology
•Medical transcription
Career Options
From 2008 to 2018, medical administration specialists employment opportunities are expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). The health care industry is expanding since there is an increased public awareness of health care issues, as well as aging population. As a result, support staff positions in numerous health care career areas are in demand. Individuals may obtain the following career titles:
•Medical assistant
•Health unit coordinator
•Medical billing specialist
•Medical coding specialist
•Medical transcriptionist
•Medical office administrator
•Insurance specialist
Continuing Education and Certification Information
Professional certification can improve job opportunities for medical administration associate degree program graduates. Some career areas require professionals to obtain certification. A certification that most employers demand is the Medical Administrative Specialist certification offered by the American Medical Technologists (www.americanmedtech.org). To qualify for certification, applicants are required to successfully complete a test; thereafter, they have to maintain certification by taking continuing education courses. Similar certifications are offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants and the National Healthcare Association.
Medical administrative specialists can improve their career opportunities by seeking continued education. For instance, those aspiring to become medical office managers could enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in healthcare administration while others could aspire to become registered nurses.
