Medical Office Specialist Diploma

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The Medical Office Specialist program is designed to prepare the student to work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals/medical centers, clinics, health insurance companies and other health-related businesses. The office specialist works with administrative areas in the practice―including front office, transcription, insurance and billing―and is often the first contact with the patient. This program is not, however, designed to prepare the student for direct patient care.

The Medical Office Specialist Diploma differs from the AAS degree in that it is 46 contact hours versus 64, does not include an internship, and does not offer auxiliary classes such as speech, accounting, etc. If a student chooses to receive a diploma and proceed to the work world, there is always the option of completing the AAS degree at a later time. Once employed, it would be wise to check with your employer about tuition reimbursement as an option to paying for completing your AAS degree.

To successfully complete this program, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of “C” or better is required in the first course of a sequential course offering before enrolling in the second-level course of the sequence or in the prerequisite course. This includes ADM 157 , ADM 215 , BCA 131 , BCA 212 , HSC 120 , HSC 121 , MAP 141 , MAP 532 , MTR 120 and MTR 121 .

A student successfully completing the prescribed coursework is eligible to receive a diploma.

For more information about the Medical Office Specialist program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/btec/.

Location: Ankeny

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start Fall semester.

Not all courses are offered every semester. Academic advisors are available to assist with scheduling classes.

Program Entry Requirements

It is strongly suggested to meet with an academic advisor prior to applying for this program.

Complete an application for admission.
Attend any required information/registration session.
Complete the required COMPASS testing, obtaining a satisfactory score in COMPASS Writing (70 or higher), ACT writing score of 19 or higher, completion of ENG 060 with a grade of “B” or higher or program chairperson approval.
Complete the required ALEKS math placement with a score of 9% or higher.
Keyboarding speed of 40 nwpm or above as demonstrated by a five-minute test at the DMACC testing center.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Medical Office Specialist diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Requirements for the Diploma

Semester 1

ADM 101 - Office Essentials Credits: 1
ADM 157 - Business English Credits: 3
BCA 131 - Word Processing Skill Dev. I Credits: 3
BCA 212 - Intro Computer Business Appl Credits: 3
BUS 112 - Business Math Credits: 3
HSC 120 - Medical Terminology I Credits: 3 *
MGT 145 - Human Relations in Business Credits: 3

Note:

(Students must demonstrate a keyboarding speed of 25 NWPM or above by taking a five-minute test before enrolling in BCA 131.)

Semester 2

ADM 131 - Office Calculators Credits: 1
ADM 221 - Career Development Skills Credits: 2
ADM 259 - Professional Development Credits: 3
BCA 137 - Word Processing Skill Dev. II Credits: 3
HSC 121 - Medical Terminology II Credits: 3 *
MAP 141 - Medical Insurance Credits: 3
MTR 120 - Medical Transcription I Credits: 3

Semester 3

MAP 532 - Human Body-Health & Disease Credits: 3
ADM 215 - Medical Office Procedures Credits: 3
MTR 121 - Medical Transcription II Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 46

Note:

*Challenge test available. Must earn 74%.

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3
Books (approximate)	956	746	532
Supplies	75	15	15

Approximate total for the program: $8,917*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Prepare and file medical charts and record information.
Transcribe letters, file, sort mail, make appointments.
Greet patients in the office and make them feel at ease.
Prepare case histories and medical reports.
Transcribe patient records.
Input information on word processors and computers.
Perform coding and billing for submission of medical insurance claims.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

Use the following equipment: computers (including software), transcription software, copy & fax machines and other new technology.
Apply knowledge in medical terminology and anatomy, grammar and English, computer skills, bookkeeping and coding/billing.
Work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Keep information confidential.
Show foresight in anticipating patients’ needs.
Follow directions accurately.
Work collaboratively and fulfill your team responsibilities

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

Employment opportunities exist locally, statewide and nationally.
Employment outlook strong locally and nationally.
All students may participate in the professional organizations.
Demand for thorough knowledge of computers and software.
Students report salaries of approx. $25,000 per year, locally.
It may take longer than 3 semesters to complete this program.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.