Medical Office Technology
If you like working with people, have an interest in health and are highly motivated, our Medical Office Technology program may be a great fit for you. Medical offices and other facilities have a high demand for certified, skilled professionals to carry out clerical and organizational tasks. Graduates of the program may choose to work anywhere from medical clinics or hospitals to dental offices or billing and insurance services.
Develop a wide-ranging skill-set and become well versed in time management, attention to detail, people skills and the ability to multitask. You will become familiar with tasks such as scheduling appointments, data entry and organizing and managing health information and medical records. Additionally, you will learn the various classification systems to code medical diagnoses and treatment for reimbursement purposes, handle general billing and accounts, file insurance and assist with transcription.
Through the training you receive here, you will feel confident and competent to enter the workforce as a health information professional. After completing the program, you may choose to apply for a variety of certification exams in transcription, coding or insurance and billing. Our program will equip you with the communication skills, organization skills and medicine-specific knowledge you need to thrive working in a medical office setting.
Faculty Contact
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Karie Clifford Associate Professor, Medical Assistant & Medical Office Technology 712-580-8635 | kclifford@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
Did You Know?
Curriculum
Term 1
BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology
Structure and function of the human body with emphasis on cells, tissues and all major organ systems. Anatomy and physiology are integrated at the cellular level and at the organ/system level. Lecture and laboratory.
BUS 121 – Business Communications
Communication skills necessary in the business world, including use of the telephone, interviews, job applications, listening skills and letter writing.
HIT 244 – Basic CPT Coding
This course is an introduction to procedural coding, a classification system used for identification of procedures, medical supplies, and services, to correlate with diagnostic codes to support medical necessity for reimbursement. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, coding concepts, and compliance issues.
HSC 105 – Introduction to Health Occupations
This course is designed to provide information on career options for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the health care industry. Students are given opportunities for career exploration through research and projects. Topics include: health care delivery systems, legal and ethical issues, health promotion, wellness, and characteristics of health care workers.
WBL 104 – Exploring Careers: Health Sciences
This course will provide guidance in choosing a career goal and preparing for employment in Health Sciences careers. Emphasis will be placed on identifying interests, abilities, and values, and exploring options for careers. Students will learn how to access labor market information and employment trends. Additionally, students will develop the skills and aptitudes necessary to obtain employment in these fields, emphasizing the development of characteristics associated with job success.
HSC 114 – Medical Terminology
Studies medical terminology, including spelling and definitions.
MAP 111 – Medical Office Management I
This course is designed to emphasize the functions and practices of administrative procedures in a medial office. Students will be introduced to the profession of administrative medical assisting and the various responsibilities of a healthcare professional. Topics include, but are not limited to medical law and ethics, verbal and written communication skills, managing appointments, introduction to health information management, and computer applications in the medical office.
Choose HSC 105 or WBL 104
Term 2
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
HIT 242 – Coding I (ICD-10)
This course is an introduction to diagnostic coding, a classification system used for identification of disease and diagnostic processes, to support medical necessity for procedures and reimbursement. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, concepts and compliance issues.
HSC 143 – Pharmacology
This course provides the student with a framework of knowledge to recognize the basic concepts and principles of pharmacology. Major drug classifications and their actions, indications for use, adverse effects, interactions and contraindications for use are explored. Students are introduced to routes of medication administration, dosage calculation, and patient education related to medications.
HSC 218 – Clinical Pathology for Allied Health
This course is an introduction to a variety of medical and surgical conditions which include etiology, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment. Where appropriate, basic pharmacology and effects will be included. Applications of therapy according to diagnosis will be discussed.
MAP 128 – Automated Medical Office
Through use of a simulation electronic medical record (EMR), the student will learn the basics of computerized medical patient systems. The student will be able to identify the different areas, procedures and components for medical patient computer systems as well as use the software for patient information organization and billing.
MAP 141 – Medical Insurance
Students develop an understanding of various health insurance plan options and general state and federal regulations. Instruction will be given in the areas of abstracting information from source documents, applying appropriate procedure and diagnostic codes, accurately completing insurance claim forms and the process of claim submission to third party payers.
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
Program Admission requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of Iowa Lakes Community College Application for Admission; high school and prior college transcripts
- Basic skills assessment in writing, reading, and mathematics are done with every entering student at Iowa Lakes utilizing one of the following: ACT, ASSET or COMPASS.
- Students must complete an advising session with the program coordinator before being admitted to the program
- Arts and Science courses may be taken prior to completing medical office technology program core courses.
- Core courses must be taken in sequential order and be completed with at least a “C” or “P” in classroom and clinical competencies.
