Reasons to Earn Your Medical Office Specialist Diploma
If working in a healthcare environment interests you, you are a good communicator, and you have an interest in using computers and other technology, then a medical office specialist program might be right for you. Some programs provide you with a certificate upon completion of all coursework while others provide you with an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Specialist degree. Many programs attempt to tailor their classes around your schedule by offering evening classes and online class options.
Career Possibilities
Occupational Outlook
When you obtain your diploma as a medical office specialist, several occupations are open to you: medical secretary, medical claims analyst, medical office coder, unit/ward secretary, accounting clerk, medical receptionist, medical billing specialist, or medical office supervisor.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, states that the overall occupation of secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to grow more slowly than the average occupation through the year 2014; with that said, the BLS notes that a few niche areas-including the healthcare industry-can expect average job growth. The occupation of medical records and health information technicians (which includes medical claims analysts and medical office coders) is projected to grow much faster than the average occupation.
The occupation of general office clerk (which includes accounting clerks) is projected to grow more slowly than average. The occupation of receptionists and information clerks is projected to grow faster than the average. The overall occupation of billing and posting clerks and machine operators (which includes medical billing specialist) is projected to grow more slowly than the average occupation. Again, however, the healthcare industry is projecting strong employment growth. The occupation of medical and health services managers (which includes medical office supervisors) is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations.
Salary Information
According to Salary.com, the average medical secretary earns $31,499 annually as of August 2007 reportings. The average claims analyst earns $32,791. The average medical records coding technician earns $38,728 annually. The average entry-level accounting clerk earns $29,057 annually. The average clinic receptionist earns $25,849 annually. The average medical billing clerk earns $29,632 annually.
Degree Specifics
Coursework Requirements
Some medical office specialist programs require you to choose a specific area of concentration, while others offer a more generalized medical office specialist program. The following list of courses represents typical courses you may encounter in a medical office specialist program:
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Office Procedures
- Records and Information Management
- Keyboarding
- Office Communications
- Medical Transcription Introduction
- Microsoft Operating System and Applications Training
- Healthcare and Diversity
- Disease Processes
- Coding for Medical Services
- Hospital Administrative Procedures
- Medical Office Billing and Reimbursement
- Pharmacology for Medical Office Occupations
- Medical Documents Production
- Medical Law and Ethics
Skills You Will Learn
A medical office specialist program teaches you a variety of skills you can use immediately on the job upon obtaining your diploma. Just a few of the many skills are as follows:
- Use medical terminology quickly and efficiently when performing job functions
- Understand your vital role as medical office specialist in the healthcare system
- Comfortable using a computer and specific programs required for your job
- Realize your need to operate as part of a team in the office environment
