Career Description

The medical community depends on educated staff to collect, interpret, analyze, protect and organize medical information so that it may be used for continuity of care, reimbursement, and quality improvement. Health administrative professionals work closely with providers, nurses, and other healthcare staff to contribute to quality patient care behind the scenes. Students who obtain this certificate will be qualified to work as a patient scheduler, pre-registration clerk or work in a patient care call center.

Program Information

This 17-credit certificate is specifically designed to help students obtain an entry-level, rewarding position in a healthcare facility assisting patients in scheduling and preregistration. Students may be asked to research medical records and contact patients for follow-up appointments to ensure quality patient care and continuity in their healthcare maintenance plans.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate and utilize the basic skills and knowledge gained by taking the courses in the Healthcare Administrative Specialist certificate program;
• Positively relate with and understand their role to the organization and patient care;
• Demonstrate professional behavior and communication with patients and their families on the phone using compassion and empathy;
• Effectively work with a medical office team in relation to business functions;
• Demonstrate knowledge of electronic health records;
• Demonstrate initative by asking for or suggesting work for themselves to improve the deparements goals with minimal supervision;
• Maintain patient privacy by implementing HIPAA and HITECH rules and regulations; and
• Maintain privacy with healthcare facilities business information and represent the organization positively and professionally.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Employment Statistics