Course variations

Course summary

This program aims to prepare students for a variety of health information and administrative support staff roles in the healthcare field. In the 70-credit medical administrative specialist degree program, students benefit from advanced computer, technical and general education courses. To achieve the degree, students also work with a medical office mentor in a unique capstone course. In addition to office and computer skills, today’s fast-paced, high tech medical facilities require knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, disease processes and pharmacology. Skills in communications, scheduling, transcription, coding, health information, insurance claim submission and billing and collections are also critical. The program stresses the importance of confidentiality, accuracy and productivity in the medical environment. Students gather and process patient data using both traditional and electronic records. Rapid technological development is requiring medical office support staff to be proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and time management software while also having experience with digital dictation, voice recognition, electronic coding and networking technologies.

Program modules

The following are required for the 46-credit diploma: ADMN1513 Keyboarding/Word Processing Skills 3cr, ADMN1519 Word Processing Applications 3cr, COMM1435 Interpersonal Communication 3cr, COMM1440 Communicating for Results 2cr, ENGL1460 Technical Writing 3cr, ITEC1430 Introduction to Computer 3cr, MEDS1601 Transcription Fundamentals 3cr, MEDS1608 Basic Pathology 3cr, MEDS1610 Pharmacology and Lab 2cr, MEDS1620 Medical Terminology 3cr, MEDS1623 Medical Reception 2cr, MEDS1625 Medical Transcription I 3cr, MEDS1628 Applied Medical Terminology 4cr, MEDS1633 Introduction to CPT 2cr, MEDS1636 Introduction to ICD-9-CM 2cr, MEDS2604 Medical Office Management 3cr, MEDS2605 Medicolegal and Reimbursement Issues 4cr, MEDS1640 Medical Transcription II 3cr, MEDS2606 Healthcare Systems and Practices 3cr. Additional Courses Required for AAS Degree: BIOL1417 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4cr, BIOL1419 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4cr, CSBT1501 Spreadsheets and Database Applications 3cr, MEDS2704 Internship 3cr, Technical Electives 2cr. General Education/Technical Electives: ADMN2601 Supervisory Management 3cr, BIOL1430 People and the Environment 3cr, CSBT1510 Computer Graphics and Multimedia Technology 3cr, CSBT2510 Desktop Publishing 3cr, ECON1410 Introduction to Economic Principles 3cr, ENGL1450 Multicultural American Literature 3cr, GEOG1470 World Regional Geography 3cr, HUMA1407 Introduction to Humanities 3cr, MEDS1641 Intermediate CPT 3cr, MEDS1642 Intermediate ICD-9-CM 3cr, MEDS2601 Introduction to Health Information 3cr, MEDS2602 Advanced Medical Transcription 2cr, PHIL1440 Ethics 3cr, PSYC1405 Life-Span Psychology 3cr, PSYC1445 General Psychology 3cr, SOCS1480 Introduction to Women’s Studies 3cr. Prerequisites or appropriate assessment scores: ADMN0310 Keyboarding Fundamentals 1cr, ENGL0350 College Prep Writing 2cr, READ0355 College Prep Reading 2cr.

Entry requirement for international students

Students should have a high school diploma or GED. If they don't have a high school diploma or GED, they must prove ability to benefit from post-high school education by scoring at a federally established level on an approved test. International students should have obtained a minimum TOEFL score of 500.

Qualification

Associate degree

Awarding body

Alexandria Technical College

Department name

Alexandria Technical College