Medical Office Specialist - One Year Certificate of Completion (CC1)
Description
The Medical Office Specialist One Year Certificate of Completion program prepares the student to secure entry-level employment as a medical office specialist. With coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, health data content and systems, computer technology, disease, beginning coding and HIPAA, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a successful office career in the health services field. Employment may range from a single physician office to a large hospital organization. Job descriptions may include maintaining medical records and accounts, word processing, basic accounting, scheduling, professional communications, and general operations of a health care facility.
Learning Outcomes
1. Utilize a body of knowledge in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and pathophysiology in administrative functions in the health care field.
2. Classify and apply legal concepts related to HIPAA privacy and security rules and further rulings.
3. Collect, compile, organize, maintain and utilize health information across the continuum of health care, in a variety of formats (paper, electronic, hybrid).
4. Apply policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of health data and information.
5. Apply basic knowledge of coding systems and guidelines.
6. Utilize health information technology and information systems in the performance of health information management functions, duties and processes.
7. Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior consistent with the AHIMA Code of Ethics for health information managers and technicians.
Entrance Requirements
Academic Entrance Requirements
- Required:
Other Entrance Requirements
- Recommended:
- Keyboarding: 40 WPM minimum
- Study skills
- Writing skills
- Reading with emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills
- Computer/technology skills (essential)
- Required:
- Students entering the HIM program are required to have a criminal history check prior to enrolling in HIM 103 Introduction to Health Information Management. A student may be prevented from entering the program if there is a felony conviction on their record.
Additional Program Costs (beyond standard tuition/fees and textbooks)
Material Costs
- Required:
- Total cost depends upon preparatory coursework and extent of completion within the program - certificate/degree. Additional costs estimated to be approximately $2,500 include textbooks, technology fees, Directed Practice travel expense, OrHIMA Convention, criminal history check, etc.
- Recommended:
- Students are strongly encouraged to have access to a home computer with high-speed internet access.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Support Courses | ||
| AH 111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| BA 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| CIS 120 | Computer Concepts | 4 |
| Core Courses | ||
| HIM 171 | Project Management | 2 |
| HIM 103 | Introduction to Health Information Management | 4 |
| HIM 104 | Health Information Standards and Governance | 4 |
| HIM 105 | Health Information Compliance and Analytics | 4 |
| HIM 182 | Introduction to Reimbursement and Classification Systems | 4 |
| HIM 184 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 5 |
| HIM 190 | HIPAA for Practical Experience | 2 |
| HIM 281 | Healthcare Statistics | 4 |
| Other Required Courses | ||
| AH 112 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| BI 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BI 232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BI 233 | Human Anatomy and Physiology III | 4 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
Advising Notes
Students are encouraged to consult their academic advisor if they have transfer credits and/or are not able to attend full time in order to determine an appropriate course schedule. Additionally, students should reference the course descriptions to determine required lab hours.
Performance Standards
- Academic Requirements:
- Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
- All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
Sample Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| AH 111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| BA 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| CIS 120 | Computer Concepts | 4 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AH 112 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| BI 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| HIM 103 | Introduction to Health Information Management | 4 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Winter | ||
| BI 232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| HIM 104 | Health Information Standards and Governance | 4 |
| HIM 171 | Project Management | 2 |
| HIM 190 | HIPAA for Practical Experience | 2 |
| HIM 281 | Healthcare Statistics | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BI 233 | Human Anatomy and Physiology III | 4 |
| HIM 105 | Health Information Compliance and Analytics | 4 |
| HIM 182 | Introduction to Reimbursement and Classification Systems | 4 |
| HIM 184 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 5 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
