Medical Office Specialist, AAS

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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, however, is not designed to prepare the student for direct patient care.

The Medical Office Specialist AAS degree includes an internship. Students are required to find their internship and have it approved by their instructor prior to the start of the semester in which they will be taking the internship class. Most internships require passing a background check. Felonies or other serious charges may keep the student from finding an internship site. Students unable to complete the internship will be unable to complete the Medical Office Specialist AAS degree. The Medical Office Specialist diploma does not require an internship; however, a felony or other serious charge may prevent the student from being employed.

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 140 , BCA 212 , HSC 120 , HSC 121 , MAP 141 , MAP 532 , MTR 120 and MTR 121 .

Upon successful completion of all prescribed coursework, the student is eligible to receive an AAS degree. A student completing only the first three semesters of 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 at each campus every semester. Academic advisors are available to assist with scheduling.

Program Entry Requirements

It is strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor prior to enrolling in this program.

Complete an application for admission.
Attend any required information/registration session.
Satisfy the admissions assessment requirements.
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.
Keyboarding speed of 25 nwpm or above as demonstrated by a five-minute test using the DMACC testing center.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Medical Office Specialist diploma or AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average and receive a “C” or better in all MAP, MTR, HSC, ADM and BCA courses.

Semester 1

ADM 157 - Business English Credits: 3
BCA 140 - Document Design and Production Credits: 3
BCA 212 - Intro Computer Business Appl Credits: 3
HSC 120 - Medical Terminology I Credits: 3
MGT 145 - Human Relations in Business Credits: 3
SDV 108 - The College Experience Credits: 1

Note:

(Students must demonstrate a keyboarding speed of 25 NWPM or above by taking a five-minute test before enrolling in BCA 140 .)

Semester 2

ADM 131 - Office Calculators Credits: 1
BCA 141 - Advanced Document Design and Production Credits: 3
HSC 121 - Medical Terminology II Credits: 3
MAP 141 - Medical Insurance Credits: 3
MAP 532 - Human Body-Health & Disease Credits: 3
MTR 120 - Medical Transcription I Credits: 3

Semester 3

ADM 215 - Medical Office Procedures Credits: 3
ADM 221 - Career Development Skills Credits: 2
MAP 144 - Beginning Medical Coding Credits: 3
Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 3-4
Select one course from Option 2 Credits: 3

Option 1 - Select 1 Course

ACC 111 - Intro to Accounting Credits: 3
ACC 131 - Principles of Accounting I Credits: 4

Option 2 - Select 1 Course

SPC 101 - Fund of Oral Communication Credits: 3
SPC 126 - Interpersonal & Small Group Comm Credits: 3

Semester 4

ADM 154 - Business Communication Credits: 3
BCA 152 - Comprehensive Spreadsheets Credits: 3
HIT 290 - Reimbursement Methods Credits: 3
Select one course from Option 3 Credits: 3

Option 3 - Select 1 Course

MAP 150 - Adv. Medical Billing/Coding Credits: 3
MTR 121 - Medical Transcription II Credits: 3

Semester 5

BUS 112 - Business Math Credits: 3
MAP 806 - Internship Seminar - Medical Office Specialist Credits: 1
MAP 807 - Internship - Medical Office Specialist Credits: 2

Total Credits Required to Complete the AAS Degree - 64

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$147.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4	Semester 5
Books (approximate)	956	746	532	631	200
Supplies	75	15	15	15	15

Approximate total for the program: $12,608*

* 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.
May be assigned basic bookkeeping duties.
Act as liaison between the doctor and the patient.
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?

Average starting salary A.A.S. degree $28,475 (2013-2014 Placement Report).
Employment opportunities exist locally, statewide and nationally.
Employment outlook strong locally and nationally.
Internships often result in a job offer.
All students may participate in the professional organizations.
Demand for thorough knowledge of computers and software.
To complete this program it may take more than 3 terms for the diploma and more than 4 terms for the AAS.
Graduates of this program have skills that can lead to becoming medical scribes, to management roles, and to working in an online environment from a remote location.

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Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in employment, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination 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 may be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850. ₍₂₀₁₆₎