AVTEC

Medical Administrative Assistant



Medical Administrative AssistantAs a Medical Administrative Assistant student you will learn the medical, business, technology, and communications skills needed to work in a private physician’s office, specialty clinic, or hospital setting. You will study medical terminology, body systems, medical insurance and medical office procedures. In addition, you will develop the interpersonal skills, organizational effectiveness, and communication skills necessary to function in a medical environment.

Earn University of Alaska college credits (depending on coursework completed) while attending AVTEC.

Computer operations are a major part of the Medical Administrative Assistant program. Students learn to operate computers in a modern computer lab using a variety of software to become a productive user of computer hardware, software, networks, and the Internet. Training software includes Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer, Medisoft, and SpringCharts. Students are taught by Microsoft Office Specialist Instructors using the curriculum designed for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification.

Medical Administrative Assistant Courses

In addition to the courses required for the Office Assistant program, the Medical Administrative Assistant program focuses on these specialized advanced business office skills:

Medical Terminology (Contact hours: 120)
Basic Medical Terminology will include the Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology 350 text book. This terminology course will give the student basic knowledge of medical terms.

HIPAA (Contact hours: 30)
Upon completion of this course, the student will learn the concepts and knowledge allied health workers must understand to correctly handle patients’ protected health information and to comply with all HIPAA regulations.

Medical Billing (Contact hours: 138)
Upon completion of this course, the student will learn the role and responsibility of a medical biller, the different types of common health insurance forms, resources available for the medical biller, and the difference in processes and procedures of billing for services in different medical settings, as well as denial and appeal procedures.

Basic Medical Coding (Contact hours: 138)
Students are introduced to medical diagnostic and procedural coding. Topics include:

  • The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification
    (ICD-9-CM)
  • Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)
  • Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System manuals

Electronic Health Records (EHR) (Contact hours: 60)
Upon completion of this course, the student will have the understanding and practical knowledge of electronic health records which is essential to all medical professionals and support staff entering the workforce. The software used in this course is SpringCharts.

Computers in the Medical Office (Contact hours: 60)
Upon completion of this course, the student will learn the medical billing cycle and the role that computers play in that cycle. The course will also cover the use of health information technology, electronic health records, HIPAA, and the HITECH Act. The software used in this course is Medisoft.

Industry Certifications
In addition to the Accounting Specialist certificate, students can also prepare for and earn the following industry certifications:

  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
    Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification
  • Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) 

 Mission

To provide students with the technical office skills and professional work habits for career success in today's business and industry. The Medical Administrative Assistant program is committed to producing well-qualified employees for Alaska's medical offices, to providing a professional learning environment, and to meeting the needs of Alaska's diverse multicultural communities.

Length of Course

1068 clock hours, 178 training days

Enrollment

August and January

Training Hours

8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Prerequisites

Minimum TABE tests scores for this program are: Reading - 585 and Combined Math - 552.

Contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-478-5389 for program entrance information and testing requirements. Physical requirements of the occupation are good eyesight, finger coordination, and the ability to sit for one to two hours.

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Tracks to Success

Internet and Computing Core Certification Testing Center

National Healthcareer Association