The Medical Office Systems program is designed to prepare students for careers in medical office settings.  The program develops technical, medical and administrative competencies essential for performing administrative support in the healthcare environment.  Communication and patient relations techniques are stressed.  Classroom skills and knowledge are refined through 210 hours of practicum/internship experience at a College-approved medical facility.

Students may specialize in different administrative areas of the healthcare community through the use of Restricted Electives and advisement in the Medical Office Systems Program.  Areas of specialties students can pursue while enrolled in the Medical Office Systems Program include Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Coding and Billing, Medical Transcription, and Medical Insurance Claims Processor. 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the Medical Office Systems Program, a graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of medical terminology
2. Understand, discuss and/or perform administrative skills in a medical setting including but not limited to: keyboarding; transcription; patient relations; finances; billing; insurance claims processing; coding; scheduling; and records management.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of electronic office tools including computers, office and specialized medical software, fax machines, scanners, telephone systems and other technologies used in the medical office.
4. Demonstrate and discuss medical ethics and legal issues, office etiquette, cultural diversity, teamwork, human/patient relations and professionalism.
5. Communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers and patients.
6. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the importance of proper documentation, maintenance, and confidentiality of the medical record.
7. Understand the importance of credentials and continuing education in the medical community.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Upon completion of this plan of study, students will be qualified for medical administrative support positions in ambulatory and acute care facilities. 

CERTIFICATION

Certification is available for careers in both medical transcription and medical coding.  The American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) offers transcriptionists the opportunity to become Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMT) by taking a two part national certification exam.  The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) gives medical coders the opportunity to apply for certification in two areas—hospital coding and physician office coding.  Coders who pass the national exam become Certified Coding Specialists (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist—Physician.  AHIMA also offers entry level certification through its Certified Coding Assistant (CCA) program. 

Students who choose to specialize in transcription or coding through the use of restrictive electives are recommended to gain at least one year’s experience before applying for the certification exams. 

For further information on these certification programs, visit AAMT’s website,  AHIMA’s certification website or AAPC’s website.                       

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION
Allegany College of Maryland offers a one-year certificate program in medical transcription to prepare students for employment in the medical transcription field. Click here to learn more

MEDICAL CODING
A medical coder is an integral part of a healthcare team. The coder is responsible for accurately assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures in order to insure proper financial reimbursement from insurance companies and government agencies. Click here to learn more

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If the Medical Office Systems Program interests you, Allegany College of Maryland can help you prepare for this exciting field.  Follow the links below for answers to questions that can get you started.

What classes do I need to take for this program?
View the Courses

What will I learn in the courses offered in the Medical Office Systems program?
Medical Office Systems Course Descriptions

Do you participate in Community Service functions?
Check out Phi Beta Lambda

What are Allegany College of Maryland's entrance requirements?
View entrance requirements.

How much will it cost to go to Allegany College of Maryland?
View Tuition information.
View Financial Aid information.
View Scholarship information.

If I'm attending Allegany College of Maryland and I am not a local resident,
where can I live and how much will it cost?
Student Housing.

PROGRAM CONTACT

Peggy Hughes
phughes@allegany.edu
301-784-5319