Medical Administrative Specialist Curriculum

This program is currently inactive.

The program offers a one-year certificate as well as a two-year associate degree option. A medical administrative specialist is an office administrator who has specialized skills relating to the health field. An administrative specialist in any capacity performs clerical tasks and manages office files, systems, and most of the daily functions required of office personnel. A medical administrative specialist performs all of these tasks, but must also have extensive knowledge of the medical field.

Core requirements for Medical Administrative Specialist

Students completing a technical program may desire to seek the Associate in Applied Sciences Degree.  In addition to completing a technical program, this degree also requires the completion of 18 hours in general education.  Certain courses within this degree may or may not transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institutions. The student must complete 64 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above.

Course Descriptions

BCTC-111. Word Processing I. 3 Hours. This course is designed to provide students with an orientation to word processing concepts including hands-on applications and skill development. Students will use Microsoft Word as the primary course software for exploration in word processing. Course will prepare students for testing to become Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certified in Word Specialist.

BCTC-113.  Business Procedures I.  5 Hours. This course introduces students to the many dimensions and duties of the administrative assistant position.  Office support personnel must understand a variety of general office functions in order to provide efficient support of management functions.  This course will provide a practical approach to office procedures such as organization, time management, telecommunications, mail, proper use of office equipment, and records management.  Class instruction may be on a group or
individual basis.

BCTC-119. Word Processing II. 4 hours. An advanced course including mail-merge features in word processing (merging documents, sorting, and selecting data), importing/exporting documents, advanced macros and XML. The use of templates, styles, tables, columns, and other beyond-the-basic word processing features will also be covered. Students will use Microsoft Word as the primary course software for exploration in word processing. Course will prepare students for testing to become Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certified in Word Expert.

MEDA-100  Medical Professional Issues.  2 Hours.  Reviews the role and function of the Medical Assistant. This course focuses on the basic concept of the professional practice of medicine and the scope of practice of the Medical Assistant. Students discuss the personal and professional characteristics and legal and ethical standards for Medical Assistants, explore professional and personal therapeutic communication, and address time management and goal setting.

MEDA-110  Insurance Billing & Coding.  3 Hours.  Explores the medical insurance system and related billing and coding. Students learn how to complete and submit electronic and paper insurance claim forms, perform referrals, and apply the correct procedure and diagnostic codes.

BCTC-123.  Business Procedures II.  5 Hours. This course introduces a variety of units to provide the student with critical thinking skills in the area of accessing and managing information, and the transfer of learned concepts.  A variety of units will be covered, including Business Mathematics and Computer Literacy

BCTC-160. Spreadsheet Applications I. 3 Hours. This course covers beginning software training in the utilization of Microsoft Excel for integrating activities that are experienced in the workplace. Students will prepare for testing at the beginning level of certification in Microsoft Office Specialist in Excel.

BCTC-175. Spreadsheet Applications II. 4 Hours. This course covers expert level software training in the utilization of Microsoft Excel for integrating activities that are experienced in the workplace. Students will prepare for testing at the advanced level of certification in Microsoft Office Specialist in Excel.

MEDA-150  Medical Administrative Aspects.  4 Hours.  Provides an introduction to the administrative skills needed for a medical office. Students learn how to maintain medical records (both paper and electronic), manage appointments, and perform routine office duties. Focuses on the financial aspects of the medical office including accounts payable and accounts receivable. Students examine billing and collection procedures.

MEDA-160  Medical Terminology.  3 Hours. This course presents a study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content.  A programmed learning, word building system will be used to learn word parts that are used to construct or analyze new terms.  This provides the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms and check their spelling.  Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage and pronunciation.  Abbreviations will be introduced as related terms are presented.

MEDA-175  Human Body in Health and Disease. 4 Hours.  Focuses on diseases that are frequently diagnosed and treated in the medical office setting.

BCTC-207.  On-the-Job Training (OJT or OJT Equivalent).  Up to 4 Hours. Students demonstrating excellent attendance, attitude and mastery of core curriculum competencies may be considered for on-the-job training experience.  Through the cooperation of local businesses, students are given the opportunity to apply the skills required for their future career.  Class attendance is also required.

BCTC-220. Medical Machine Transcriptions.  3 Hours. This course prepares a student to become a transcriptionist in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and other health facilities.  Through 60 prerecorded exercises students become familiar with the following areas of medical transcription:  history and physical reports, radiology, operations, pathology, discharge summaries and autopsies.  Prerequisite:  Medical Terminology I.

BUSN-154.  Computerized Accounting.  3 Hours.  This course is designed to teach how the computer can be used as an accounting tool.  It is not intended to teach any new accounting concepts, but rather how accounting procedures can be applied through computer applications with the use of a general ledger software package.  Also included are modules for accounts receivable and payable, payroll and asset management.  Prerequisite: Financial Accounting or permission of instructor.