Best Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs
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Associate in medical office administration programs prepare learners for administrative work in healthcare and related fields. Graduates can seek job opportunities in hospitals, physician's offices, and clinical practices.
The typical online associate in medical office administration program requires two years of full-time study. Tuition costs vary widely by program.
Associate in medical office administration degree-holders can enter the job market as medical secretaries or medical financial clerks. They can also work with insurance providers and healthcare centers as medical records and health information technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all administrative assistants, not just medical office administrators, earned a median annual salary of $40,990 as of May 2020.
Read on to learn more about these programs and careers you can pursue after you graduate.
What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Program?
Those with attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and adaptable personalities often excel in medical office administration. Additional required skills include teamwork, problem-solving, data analysis, planning, and business administration.
Beyond slight differences in curricula, an associate in medical office administration program generally requires 60 credits to graduate. This requirement applies to both online and on-campus learners. Additionally, students must usually maintain a 2.0 GPA to graduate.
Medical office administration programs sometimes offer different concentrations, including mental health, dental, clinical laboratory practice, medical administrative services, and health information management. Outside of standard classes, requirements for medical office administration programs can include practica, labs, and internships.
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Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Program?
Healthcare Systems and Operations
This course covers operational systems in healthcare, including financial, legal, and administrative activities. Cousework helps learners understand both nonclinical and clinical operations, which can ultimately aid in creating a smooth working environment.
Medical Terminology
This course introduces students to various medical terms that are used in healthcare workplaces. Learners develop an understanding of numeric and alphanumeric codes that signify various conditions, injuries, diseases, procedures, and treatments.
Medical Law and Ethics
Understanding medical law and ethics helps learners navigate privacy and values like collaboration, timeliness, and social responsibility in healthcare. Coursework covers various important laws and ethical challenges related to the medical field.
Health Information Management
Health information management is the process of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting data against access from unauthorized parties. Information management in healthcare is essential for monitoring and evaluating patient records for easy workflow, governance, and regulation. This course often teaches the ethical standards of the American Health Information Management Association.
Scheduling Office Operations
Office operation scheduling involves assigning jobs and choosing the suitable machines or human resources to handle them in real time. This course teaches students how to balance healthcare resources, the available workforce, and patient needs to improve patient care.
What Are Admission Requirements for an Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Program?
Admission requirements for an associate in medical office administration program for students may include the following:
- A completed application form, along with application essays or a personal statement
- High school or GED diploma and standardized test scores
- Official college and/or high school transcripts
- A resume demonstrating work history and relevant experience
- An official medical report from a registered health facility
- Drug tests and criminal background checks
- Letter of recommendation from 2-3 former teachers
What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Degree?
Career Outlook
Medical office administration is a lucrative field with rapidly growing demand. Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS projects 32% job growth for medical and health services managers, a career that students with an associate in medical office administration can ultimately qualify for if they pursue additional education.
The BLS also projects 16% job growth for all healthcare professionals between 2020 and 2030. This rate doubles the average projected growth rate for all occupations during that period. Healthcare is in high demand, and an associate in medical office administration can position you well to benefit from that growth.
Below are five positions that associate in medical office administration degree-holders can ultimately pursue. Keep in mind that you may need to complete additional education to qualify for some of these jobs.
Career Paths
Healthcare Administrator
These administrators develop schedules, manage finances, manage patient bills, communicate to physicians and nurses, and train staff members. You usually need a bachelor's degree to qualify for these positions.
Average Annual Salary: $69,270 (Payscale, as of January 2022)
Hospital Administrator
These administrators oversee the organizational side of a health facility. They ensure an effective work environment where health professionals and patients can interact. These positions usually require a bachelor's degree.
Average Annual Salary: $87,350 (Payscale, as of January 2022)
Nursing Home Administrator
These professionals monitor and maintain nursing homes. They develop plans and work schedules and supervise shift workers. These careers often require a bachelor's degree.
Average Annual Salary: $92,800 (Payscale, as of January 2022)
Medical Records and Health Information Specialists
These professionals take notes of patients' records and submit reports to doctors, therapists, or and insurance providers for claims. They also store the records and prevent unauthorized parties from accessing them.
Median Annual Salary: $45,240
Medical Receptionist
Medical receptionists welcome patients into healthcare facilities and decode information regarding the nature of patients' care. They also schedule appointments, make and receive calls, and assist patients with documentation.
Average Annual Salary: $34,150
Medical Office Administration Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Continuing Education
An associate in medical office administration can serve as a bridge toward further education. Students passionate about learning more about the healthcare administration field can use their office administration degree as a step toward advanced certifications, licenses, and other degrees. Below are several popular options for continuing education.
- Bachelor's healthcare administration
- Bachelor's in health informatics
- Bachelor's in healthcare management
- Certificate in medical billing and coding
- Certificate in health informatics
How Do I Choose an Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Program?
Cost
Online degrees may offer flexible tuition rates that are often less expensive than tuition for on-campus learners. Additionally, online learners can save on other program costs. For example, they do not have to pay for on-campus accommodations or transportation fees since they can study from the comfort of their homes.
Program Format
The synchronous course format is an online course structure that requires strict attendance at live, scheduled online sessions. The asynchronous course format is more flexible, allowing learners to schedule their courses to fit into their busy timetables.
Learners can also choose to study either full or part time. Some online associate in medical office administration programs offer accelerated course formats, which can shorten completion times.
Location
Though learners looking to enroll in associate in medical office administration programs can study anywhere, they need to consider their travel budget and cost of living. However, most online associate in medical office administration programs do not include on-campus requirements, meaning that location is less crucial.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a sign that the institution meets specific standards of evaluation. You can only receive federal financial aid at accredited schools, so make sure that each college you are considering holds accreditation.
Student Support
The best online programs support students through mentorship programs, alumni connections, tutoring, and internship programs to aid in their success. Research whether or not schools provide these student services before you enroll.
Best Accredited Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs
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Best Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs
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Lenoir Community CollegeLocation
Kinston, NC
Tuition$5021
Graduation Rate19%
North Carolina-based LCC offers an online associate of applied science in medical office administration degree. The degree has a general medical office track and a medical billing and coding track. Graduates find employment with dental or medical offices, hospitals, insurance companies, medical billing companies, and other health care businesses. Applicants must hold a GED or high school diploma.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 68 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Vance-Granville Community CollegeLocation
Henderson, NC
Tuition$3836
Graduation Rate43%
VGCC offers an online medical office administration associate of applied science degree program. The classes prepare students for additional certifications, including electronic health records specialist, professional medical coder, certified billing and coding specialist, and Microsoft office certifications. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 64-67 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Craven Community CollegeLocation
New Bern, NC
Tuition$7809
Graduation Rate29%
Craven offers an online associate of applied science in medical office administration. The curriculum covers office skills, medical terms, records management, medical report production, patient interfaces, and confidentiality.
Craven also offers an AAS in medical administration in medical billing and coding. Prospective students must hold a GRE certificate, high school diploma, or an equivalent. Graduates find jobs in dental offices, hospitals, insurance companies, and laboratories.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 5 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 67-68 credits
- Format: Online, Hybrid
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Southwestern Community CollegeLocation
Sylva, NC
Tuition$4148
Graduation Rate41%
Southwestern Community College offers an online medical office administration associate of applied science degree. The curriculum explores sociology and psychology, statistical methods, medical terminology, professional research and reporting, and two office administration capstones.
Students complete classroom, lab, and clinical hours. Applicants must hold a GRE certificate, high school diploma, or an equivalent. Applicants also need to fill out the online application, take placement tests, and submit any transcripts of previously completed coursework.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $86 per credit (in state), $278 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 66-67 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Surry Community CollegeLocation
Dobson, NC
Tuition$7852
Graduation Rate30%
SCC, based in North Carolina, offers an online medical office administration associate program to prepare students as medical administrative personnel. Graduates pursue jobs in medical billing and coding, dental office administration, patient services, and medical documentation.
The program curriculum includes mathematical measurement and literacy, records management, and an office administration capstone. Applicants must pass a background check.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 67 credits
- Format: Online or Hybrid
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Wayne Community CollegeLocation
Goldsboro, NC
Tuition$5701
Graduation Rate26%
WCC provides students a pathway into medical administration jobs with its online associate of applied science degree. The curriculum prepares students for industry-recognized certification exams and careers in medical or dental offices, hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare-related businesses.
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA while enrolled. Applicants must submit previous transcripts and proof of a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 69-73 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Pitt Community CollegeLocation
Winterville, NC
Tuition$5128
Graduation Rate22%
Located in Winterville, North Carolina, Pitt offers a medical office administration associate of applied science degree. The five-semester program includes classes such as text entry and formatting, medical terminology, healthcare customer relations, and a medical office administration capstone course. Applicants must complete a North Carolina residency form and fill out an online application.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 76 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Wake Technical Community CollegeLocation
Raleigh, NC
Tuition$6922
Graduation Rate18%
Wake Tech offers an associate of applied science medical office professional. The degree prepares students for careers as medical office personnel, covering medical terminology, editing and formatting, critical thinking, team building, and problem-solving.
Graduates pursue jobs in medical offices, hospitals, insurance companies, research facilities, and medical supply companies. Applicants must hold a high school diploma, GRE certificate, or an equivalent.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 66 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Guilford Technical Community CollegeLocation
Jamestown, NC
Tuition$9478
Graduation Rate20%
GTCC offers a medical office administration associate of applied science degree through its distance learning program. Students in the five-semester program train to use different healthcare and administrative software programs and applications, communicate effectively, and manage medical office records.
Applicants must complete a North Carolina residency form and submit high school transcripts. Graduates are prepared for the Microsoft Office User Specialist exam.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 66 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Beaufort County Community CollegeLocation
Washington, NC
Tuition$8933
Graduation Rate33%
BCCC provides students interested in the healthcare field the opportunity to begin a career with its online associate of applied science in medical office administration program. The curriculum includes 16 credits of the core curriculum, as well as word processing, medical terminology, professional development, and a work-based capstone class. Applicants must hold a GRE certificate, a high school diploma, or an equivalent.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $76 per credit (in state), $268 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 66 credits
- Format: Online or hybrid
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs
Is an associate degree in medical office administration worth it?
Yes. An associate degree in medical office administration can be worth it for those looking to enter the healthcare industry.
This degree can serve as a stepping stone to four-year programs that lead to lucrative and in-demand careers. An associate degree in medical office administration allows you to switch career paths even after graduating.
How fast can I get an associate in medical office administration degree online?
An online associate in medical office administration usually takes two years of full-time study to complete. Some part-time students may take longer, while accelerated programs allow learners to graduate more quickly.
Is an online associate degree in medical office administration credible?
Yes. As long as you earn a degree from an accredited school, your online associate degree in medical office administration should be credible.
How much money can I make with an associate in medical office administration?
According to the BLS, as of May 2020, medical secretaries and administrative assistants earned a mean annual wage of $39,000. Keep in mind that salary potential depends heavily on experience, employer, location, and professional certifications.
Is an associate degree in medical office administration in high demand?
Yes. The BLS projects 16% job growth for the entire healthcare sector between 2020 and 2030. This rate doubles the average projected growth rate for all occupations (8%) during that decade.
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