Medical Secretary A.A.S / Diploma

Career Description
Medical administrative secretaries use their knowledge of medical terms and procedures to perform a variety of tasks needed to run a medical office.  They may, for example, transcribe dictation; work in insurance, billing, and coding departments; answer phones and pull charts.  

Program Information
The 32-credit Medical Secretary Diploma Program and 64-credit Medical Secretary Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Program prepare the graduate to provide patient service in the healthcare setting. Instructors teach anatomy terminology as well as office procedures, records management, and machine transcription. The one-year program equips graduates with the tools to be an effective receptionist, efficient insurance claims processor, accurate biller, and organized patient file-keeper. The two-year graduate gets deeper into the skills and adds general education knowledge to increase value to one’s academic foundation. The degree establishes credibility for consideration in a supervisory position or specialization in focus jobs requiring expert transcription or management proficiency. It also prepares students for a higher degree in coding and health management.

Program Learning Outcome
Graduates will be able to:
1. Correctly spell, define, and pronounce medical terminology
2. Utilize computers, health care software applications and other technologies
3. Perform medical secretary/administrative responsibilities which provide optimal services to patient and employer
4. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
5. Demonstrate effective listening, written and oral communication skills
6. Model professional and ethical behaviors, especially confidentiality and compassion

Admissions
The A.A.S. degree and diploma are offered as full-time programs. Students can start at the beginning of either Fall or Spring semester. 

Career Titles
This program will help students prepare for a wide range of careers, including the following: medical secretary, medical transcriptionist, data transcriber, medical administrative specialist, medical biller, medical office secretary, patient accounts manager/assistant, medical office specialist, medical terminologist, department supervisor, patient account representative, and verification specialist.

Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, medical clinics, chiropractic offices, optical clinics, specialty clinics, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, public health departments, social services, insurance offices, and medical supply firms.

Gainful Employment (pdf)

Medical Administrative Secretary, AAS - Program Planning Form (pdf)

Medical Secretary, Diploma - Program Planning Form (pdf)