Health Care Office Administration Certificate Program

Health Care Office Administration Certificate Program

Classes Start October 28th

Our online Health Care Office Administrator Program provides you the opportunity to learn the administrative, non-clinical skills performed in healthcare settings.

The Online Health Care Office Administration Certificate program prepares students to become entry-level employees in a variety of medical facilities. This is achieved via the online classroom, an onsite externship, and professional development throughout their program. Graduates possess administrative skills, basic overview of coding, billing, and health care delivery principles that enable them to perform front office procedures in a physician’s private practice, group medical practice, or other medical care facilities. Additionally, the students will complete coursework and an onsite externship focused on analytical and critical thinking skills that will assist them in supporting their administrative skills.

**Student Notification**

Program Details

Program Length

Online: 48 weeks

Available Locations

Online Campus
Courses

The program is intended to be completed in as few as 48 weeks. Students will complete coursework and an onsite externship focused on analytical and critical thinking skills that will assist them in supporting their administrative skills.

Module IModule IIModule IIIModule IVModule VModule VI

Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology

HCOA 100

This course is an introduction to medical terminology and covers terminology associated with the structure of the body, the integumentary, muscular and skeletal systems, the lymphatic, immune, and cardiovascular systems, the urinary, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, the eyes and ears, the reproductive and endocrine systems, diagnostic and imaging procedures, and pharmacology. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Human Relations and Patient Interaction

MACT 210

This course includes practical application of the principles and concepts of behavioral science to interpersonal relationships in the Healthcare setting. Key concepts include empathy, strong communication, shared decision-making, and open professional and compassionate dialogue. Students will learn about diversity, attitudes, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills, as well as relationships with coworkers, supervisors and managers. The special challenges in patient relations and interaction with patients in stressful environments and appropriate responses as well as assisting the patient in with issues and concerns that may arise in the course of treatment will be explored. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Computer Applications and Office Communication

POFT 102

This course provides basic training in office computer applications such as word processing software and spreadsheets for computerized administrative tasks performed by front entry level personnel to manage standard medical office functions and concepts and information required to develop office communications. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Introduction to Medical Office Management

HCOA 101

This course is designed to prepare students for entry-level supervision of a medical office. Students can explore common business practices. Topics include basic office tasks and the revenue cycle. The concepts medical personal, records management, audits, compliance, and advertising and marketing are also discussed. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Administrative Procedures and Customer Service Principles

LTCA 205

Medical office procedures including appointment scheduling, medical records creation and maintenance, interpersonal communications, bookkeeping tasks, coding, billing, collecting, third party reimbursement, credit arrangements, and computer use in the medical office. Additionally, this course introduces students to the principles of customer service including determining customer expectations, provide quality customer service, as well as researching customer satisfaction. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Basic Medical Coding Applications

HCMC 101

This course will cover the concept of medical coding as it involves extracting billable information from the medical record and clinical documentation. The course will include an overview of how coding and billing intersect to create claims which form the foundation of the healthcare revenue cycle. Prerequisite: HPRS 101X and SCIT 103

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Human Resource Management

HRPO 106

Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Electronic Health Record Management

HITT 205

This course covers the functions of the medical records clerk and the health information management department. Concepts covered include processing electronic medical records, assembly of medical records, analysis of the record, physician incomplete data, confidentiality issues and release of information. Prerequisite: HPRS 101X and SCIT 103

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Business Law and Legal Aspects of Health Care

HITT 208

This course covers the legal system and legal environment of business today. It is designed to provide the student with information on the essentials of the nature of law and the functions of the judicial system in the business environment. Covered in the course is an overview of legal characteristics of a sole proprietorship, partnerships, and corporations, as well as those concepts related to the law and the health care industry, including patients’ rights, negligence and malpractice, licensure, privacy and confidentiality, and decision making. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Health Care Delivery Systems and Organization

HITT 216

This course covers those concepts involved in health care delivery systems, organization and administration, planning and evaluation. Included in the course is a survey of the programs, services, and facilities in the continuum of health care, analysis of organizational patterns of various types of health care institutions, including roles and responsibilities, and models for planning and program evaluation in the health care setting, including methods for identifying, gathering, and utilizing data as information for decision making. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Office Administration Health Certification Review

HCOA 250

This course provides a review of the skills necessary to prepare students for successful employment and certification/registration opportunities as a Health Care Office Administrator. Prerequisite: MOD I through V except for HITT 216

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Externship

HCOA 300

This course provides an opportunity for the learner to acquire professional hands-on experience in the field at an approved externship site under supervision of a site coordinator. Key concepts include application of general and administrative knowledge to succeed in externship. Prerequisite: MOD I through V

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

What Skills Will I Learn in the Health Care Office Administration Program?

Healthcare office administrators need to have general clinical skills, but most skills needed will be administrative. Here are the administrative skills needed for a healthcare office administrator:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Infection control
  • Medical terminology
  • Medical law and ethics
  • Medical office procedures/management
  • Principles of insurance claims, billing, and coding
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Electronic health records management
  • Customer service and professional skills

Certificate Information

This program is designed to help prepare you to take the Nationally Registered Certified Administrative Health Assistant (NRCAHA) exam. Candidates who pass the exam are granted certification as a NRCAHA.

Career Outlook

The healthcare administration field has grown substantially and continues to grow and the demand for healthcare administration jobs is estimated to increase by 11% by 2028. This growth is much higher than all other occupations. To learn more about healthcare administration salaries, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Career Options are Available for Healthcare Office Administrators?

Job Titles

With a certificate from CHCP's Health Care Office Administration Program, you will be able to apply for a variety of entry-level careers in healthcare administration. Here are some of the job titles you could apply for:

  • Unit Clerical Assistant (hospital setting)
  • Medical Front Office Receptionist
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Medical Office Coordinator

Workplace Settings

A certificate in Health Care Office Administration can help prepare you for the opportunity for work in a variety of healthcare settings in an administrative capacity:

  • Private physician office
  • Group practice
  • Hospital
  • Specialty office
  • Long-term medical facility

How Do I Enroll?

Are you ready to put your people-skills, organizational skills, and detail-oriented nature to work in a healthcare setting? Then consider enrolling in our program! To enroll, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass the Scholastic Level Exam (admissions test) with a minimum score of 13
  • Be able to read and write in English
  • Demonstrate professionalism and organizational skills

Fill out the form and someone will contact you soon with more information on how to enroll in CHCP's’ online Health Care Office Administration Program.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Health Care Office Administrator Program

What Is a Medical Office Specialist Salary, on Average?

The average salary for a Medical Office Specialist varies depending on location, experience, and specific job responsibilities. However, in the United States, the average salary ranges from $36,540 to $58,340 per year.

What Are Some Examples of Medical Office Specialist Jobs?

Medical Office Specialists can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and medical billing companies. Some common job titles include Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Secretary, Medical Receptionist, and Medical Billing Specialist.

What Is a Medical Office Specialist?

A Medical Office Specialist is a professional who performs administrative and clerical tasks in medical settings. Their responsibilities may include patient scheduling, medical billing and coding, maintaining medical records, and providing customer service.

How Do I Become a Medical Secretary?

To become a Medical Secretary, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates with additional training or certification in medical office administration or related fields. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with medical terminology are often essential.

What Makes a Good Medical Secretary?

A good Medical Secretary possesses excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask efficiently. They should have strong communication skills and be empathetic towards patients. Additionally, proficiency in medical software and knowledge of medical billing and coding procedures are valuable assets.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Secretary?

The time it takes to become a Medical Secretary can vary depending on individual circumstances and educational path. At CHCP, obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement for pursuing a Healthcare Office Administration Certificate, and this program takes approximately 48 weeks.

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