Medical Office Administration is a vital aspect of the healthcare profession. Those who work in medical office administration are responsible for the upkeep of patient records and insurance. They are also the face of any rehabilitation clinic, private practice, hospital, clinic, laboratory or other medical office.
This article by U.S. News and World Report predicts that the health care industry will add something like 2.3 million jobs in the healthcare industry between 2016 and 2026! Apparently, working as a medical administrator has one of the most secure futures in America. The growth expected in the job rate of medical administrators is, according to the article, significantly more than all other occupations. And it will always be an essential job to look after the health of other individuals. Medical professionals of all specialties will see an increased need during those years including those who provide this important administrative support.
An online Associate in Medical Office Administration assists students to learn the various skills necessary to keep these healthcare environments organized, effective, and secure. These ten online schools provide flexible associate degree programs that are perfect for adult learners and those with or without experience in the field. Find a perfect match with OnlineSchoolsCenter.com!
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- Best Online Schools for Associate in Medical Office Administration Degrees
- Frequently Asked Questions
Perhaps the following is of interest to you, as well: Accredited Online Schools Offering Outstanding Billing and Coding Programs or the Best Online Schools for Medical Assisting Associate’s Degrees
Best Online Schools for Associate in Medical Office Administration Degrees
Methodology:
The researcher/writers from OnlineSchoolsCenter.com utilize only the best and most well-accredited statistical, academic, and journalistic resources in building their rankings and lists of the best online schools in the nation. Each article has its own unique criteria which is used to identify and select the best online schools. The criteria for this list included:
- An Associate in Arts, Science, Technology, or Applied Science in Medical Office Administration, Healthcare Administration, or its equivalent,
- Online availability for coursework, academic resources, instructors, and staff,
- Coursework that satisfies general education credits necessary for transfer to an online college or university,
- Core coursework that introduces students to the various key concepts in Medical Office Administration,
- And faculty members with knowledge, experience, and certifications in the Medical Office Administration profession.
For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.
MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
This online Healthcare Administration Assistant Associate degree contains the same coursework as Minnesota West Community and Technical College’s previously offered Medical Office Secretary degree. This curriculum emphasizes record keeping, insurance billing, and communicating with patients. The coursework also prepares students to run certain tests and order laboratory supplies, so that they retain enough well-rounded skills to enter into whatever healthcare environment satisfies them the most.
Campus Location: Worthington, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Disease Conditions
- Introduction to Microcomputers
- Medical Office Procedures I and II
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 55%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE’S PROGRAM
LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
Lenoir Community College’s online Medical Office Professional Associate’s Degree is equivalent to any other healthcare administration program on this ranking but emphasizes concepts in leadership and teamwork. Students learn how to manage multiple levels in medical environments such as laboratories, dental offices, insurance companies, and more. The coursework has in-depth training in medical office technologies, software, and platforms, as well as how to use such skills in communication with other medical facilities.
Campus Location: Kinston, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Office Terms I and II
- Medical-Legal issues
- Office Computations
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 19.3%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL OFFICE PROFESSIONAL DEGREE PROGRAM
PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
Students at Pitt Community College are lucky enough to have four concentration options available in the online Medical Office Administration Associate’s Degree. The program, in general, is designed to prepare students for employment in their chosen area of specialization, or general practice. The coursework emphasizes the usage of computer software and applications related to the field, medical coding and electronic medical record-keeping, and medical terminology. Graduates of PCC have gone on to work in Medical Offices, Dental Offices, Insurance Companies, and more.
Campus Location: Winterville, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Concentration Options:
- General
- Medical Auditing
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Patient Services Representative
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 25.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS
WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
The Wake Technical Community College online Medical Office Professional Associate Degree prepares students to sit for the applicable professional certification examinations. The coursework is guaranteed to develop skills in medical terminology, office software applications, managing electronic health records, working in a healthcare team, as well as legal issues in Medical Office Administration. Graduates go on to work in healthcare environments of all kinds, especially with relevant certifications.
Campus Location: Raleigh, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Office Computations
- Medical Insurance and Billing
- Legal Office Procedures
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 28.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL OFFICE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATE DEGREE
CRAVEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
One of the exciting features of the Craven Community College online Associate in Medical Office Administration is the concentration options, which prepare students for various aspects of the profession. However, despite the concentrations, there is a singular emphasis within each program, which is on office skills and medical terms. Students learn how to communicate with patients, manage their records, and interact with insurance companies. Some of the positions that graduates have obtained include billing specialists, patient representatives, and transcriptionists.
Campus Location: New Bern, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Concentration Options:
- General Studies
- Medical Billing/Coding
- Patient Services
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: Unavailable
Graduation Rate: 21.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CRAVEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
SURRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
At Surry Community College, online students can take the Medical Office Administration Program in the forms of an Associate’s Degree, Diploma, or Certificate. The coursework trains students to be adept in record keeping, medical coding, and insurance reimbursement. Graduates have a firm grasp of the relevant medical office computer software and can communicate well, both in writing and orally, with patients and the members of the staff.
Campus Location: Dobson, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Procedure Coding
- Administrative Office Management
- Medical-Legal Issues
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 24%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SURRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION DEGREE PROGRAM
SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
Southwestern Community College’s online Medical Office Administration Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed to prepare students for relevant certification examinations in their home states. Graduates are proficient in medical terminology, medical billing and coding, medical office technologies and computer software, and in communication with patients, doctors, and nurses. These individuals go on to provide a vital service in healthcare environments and are well-suited to continue their education in other areas such as nursing.
Campus Location: Sylva, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Insurance and Billing
- Personal Finance
- Business Communication
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Retention Rate: 49%
Graduation Rate: 17%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION, AAS DEGREE PROGRAM
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN
Program Standouts:
Concordia University Wisconsin’s online Associate in Health Care Management addresses concepts and principles in the various disciplines associated with the administration of health care environments. The curriculum includes numerous opportunities for professional growth by connecting students with real-world professionals. CUW also offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Management, which provides more in-depth training and knowledge acquisition for those who want to pursue a career more strongly.
Campus Location: Mequon, WI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Health Care Planning and Evaluation
- Health Care Ethics
- Financial Accounting
Acceptance Rate: 63.2%
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 52%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
WAYNE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
Wayne Community College’s online Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Administration prepares students for employment in healthcare environments of all kinds. The curriculum covers essential topics of the discipline, such as Medical Billing and Coding and Patient Services. Graduates understand the day-to-day operations of a medical office and are prepared to take on such responsibilities after completing their online degree at WCC. Some areas in which alumni are now employed include dental offices, hospitals, labs, medical supply companies, and more.
Campus Location: Goldsboro, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Professional Research and Reporting
- Office Finance Solutions
- Medical Insurance and Billing
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 31.3%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYNE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE PROGRAM
ULTIMATE MEDICAL ACADEMY
Program Standouts:
The Ultimate Medical Academy provides some of the most fabulous online healthcare degrees in the nation, and the Associate in Medical Office Administration is no exception! This program provides students with the necessary job and professional skills to make a real difference in medical environments across the nation. The program has excellent retention and graduation rates, which are clear indicators of the enormous success of this online school. Graduates are ready for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant examination, as well as any other exams in their state.
Campus Location: Clearwater, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management
- Medical Transcription
- Healthcare Reimbursement and Claim Cycle
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 65.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ULTIMATE MEDICAL ACADEMY’S MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE’S PROGRAM ONLINE
If you have skills in organization, technology, and communication, as well as an interest in the healthcare profession, then an Associate in Medical Office Administration is an excellent place to start your new career! With this degree, you will have an entry into a crucial profession to clinics, hospitals, private practices, and the like. While the doctors and nurses perform the healthcare, the administrative professionals keep track of patients’ vital information, including medical records, billing statements, insurance information, and more. Medical Office Administrators must have an understanding of medical terminology to communicate with the healthcare team and the patients. You can make a career in this profession, or use it as a platform upon which to start your career in nursing, for example!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Medical Office Assisting, Medical Office Administration, and Healthcare Administration?
Well, for starters, Healthcare Administration and Medical Office Administration are essentially the same thing. So, you will see programs from the ten online schools listed above that have both titles. However, a Medical Office Assisting degree will more than likely include coursework in taking vitals and even drawing blood. These professionals are more involved in the healthcare practice itself, but not in every environment. For example, in a small private practice or a clinic, Medical Office Assistants may very well take patients’ blood. In a larger healthcare environment, such as a hospital, however, they would probably stick to the keeping of records and documents.
Will I have job security and a good salary?
Medical Office Administrators have excellent job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook for Medical Assistants at 19% over the next five years, which is “much faster than average,” and will ensure that you will have a job, no matter where you reside! The annual pay is quite humble, at around $34,800 per year. However, as stated above, this degree and profession is an excellent start to a more in-depth career in healthcare. As you advance and procure a position as a Medical Office Administrator, you will learn about human diseases, medical terminology, and communication with doctors and nurses, which will help your future career immensely.
Will I learn transferable skills to work as an office manager in other businesses?
You will absolutely learn transferable, occupational skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and oral and written communication. However, if you desire to be able to work in business environments, it might behoove you to research a more broad degree in office administration. It depends on the environment in which you would like to see yourself grow and develop as a professional. Medical Office Administrators gain vital knowledge in healthcare, but as an Office Administrator in a business, you may learn other skills and knowledge.