Medical Office Assistants are on the front line of the health care field, performing the administrative and clinical tasks needed to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly. The duties of Medical Office Assistants vary from office to office depending on office location, size, and specialty. In small practices, Medical Office Assistants are usually "generalists" who handle both administrative and clinical duties and report directly to the office manager or health practitioner. In larger practices, they tend to specialize in a particular area.
The Medical Office Assistant Program includes both classroom lecture, online instruction and hands-on practice. The Overview course covers general administrative tasks including office practices, patient relations, maintaining medical records, and billing. In the Practical Applications course, students learn clinical duties such as taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by the physician. Under supervision, students work directly with patients to assess their needs and provide care.
This four-month program includes the administrative and basic clinical duties performed in a physician's office, clinic, or similar health care setting. Prerequisites
1. High school deploma or GED eqivalency
2. Successfully complete the Reading Comprehension Placement Test with a score of 65 or higher.
3. Have access to the internet.
4. Strong computer skills
Required Courses:
Medical Terminology (choose either HES 354 (online) or HES 357
HES 355 Medical Office Assistant Overview
HES 344 CPR for Health Professionals
HES 322 Medical Office Assistant Practical Applications