Medical Office Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree
Recommended basic skills standards are
• AAA 090
• ENG 090
• MAT 060
• REA 090

The area of Medical Office Technology is designed to prepare individuals to assist with clinical and administrative functions as employees within the health care system of the community. All students become familiar with the health care system, medical terminology, and interpersonal relationships. Five certificate options and one associate of applied science degree option are available within the Medical Office Technology program. These options are designed to allow students an opportunity to pursue careers compatible with their interest and abilities. A single option or a combination of options may be pursued.
Students may complete deficiencies concurrently with the beginning courses in the program. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have permission of coordinator to enroll.

Clinical facilities require tuberculin skin tests, proof of measles, rubella and rubeola vaccines or titers, proof of hepatitis B vaccinations and a current tetanus. Prior to clinical internship the student must also take a physical exam by their private physician at their own cost.

Facilities such as physician’s offices, clinics or hospitals require criminal background checks on all students. Students who have any record of acts of violence or failure to adhere to retraining orders will not be allowed to enroll in internship classes or phlebotomy classes. Students are also required to take and pass drug and alcohol screening prior to their clinical/ administrative (internship) or phlebotomy classes. Failure to pass the above tests will result in the inability to complete the desired certification or degree.

Medical Assistant
This Associate of Applied Science degree option is designed to prepare individuals to work in both administrative and clinical areas of medical clinics or physicians’ offices or as hospital unit secretary positions Students successfully completing this degree program will be able to perform the administrative tasks of a medical receptionist and work in the clinical areas by providing assistance with physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and treatment procedures.

Students may complete deficiencies concurrently with the beginning courses in the program. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have permission of coordinator to enroll.

General Education Courses

Other Course Requirements

Student must take one of the following groups

Certificates

Clinical Office Assistant
This certificate option is designed to prepare individuals to work in clinics or physicians’ offices as clinical assistants or aides. Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to receive and prepare patients for various laboratory examinations. Successful graduates from this option will also be able to provide physician’s assistants with physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and treatment procedures. Credits from this certificate may be transferred to the medical assistant AAS degree program.

Students may complete deficiencies concurrently with the beginning courses in the program. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have permission of coordinator to enroll.

Medical Coding Specialist

This certificate option is designed to train students to code and bill physician services in the ambulatory care settings. This course prepares the student to take the National Accrediting exam with AHIMA & AAPC. Credits from this Medical Coding Certificate program may be transferred to the Health Information Technology AAS degree. 

Medical Receptionist

This certificate option is designed to prepare individuals to work as receptionists in the health care industry. Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to register new patients, use proper telephone techniques, schedule appointments, file medical records, process mail, and type and transcribe miscellaneous medical reports. Students will gain exposure to both computerized and manual systems to organize a medical office. Credits from this program may be transferred to the Medical Transcriptionist certificate program or to the Medical Assistant AAS degree option.

Students may complete deficiencies concurrently with the beginning courses in the program. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have permission of coordinator to enroll.

Medical Transcriptionist

Recommended basic skills standards are
• AAA 090
• ENG 090
• REA 090
• MAT 030

The Medical Transcriptionist certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment by providing the basic knowledge, understanding, and skills required to transcribe medical dictation with accuracy, clarity, and timeliness, applying the principles of professional and ethical conduct. After completion of this certificate program the student will be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship with the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity and the Medical Transcription Industry Association pending approval of accreditation of this program by AHDI (AAMA).

Students must also have demonstrated proficiency with a keyboarding speed at a minimum of 40 words per minute.
Students may complete deficiencies concurrently with the beginning courses in the program. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have permission of coordinator to enroll.

Phlebotomy

In the Phlebotomy certificate program, students will learn theory, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and proficiency in collection of tissue and blood samples from patients in a variety of settings. Students will also learn customer service and communication skills necessary to work with patients. Career options are covered, and students will be prepared for a career in phlebotomy. Upon completion of the required courses, students will receive a certificate of phlebotomy from PPCC and will qualify to take the National Registry Board Exam for Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT). This certificate can be completed within two semesters if coursework is completed as advised.

Students may complete deficiencies concurrently with the beginning courses in the program. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have permission of coordinator to enroll.