A medical office specialist certificate might be the perfect path if you want to enter a high-demand field. With a medical office specialist certificate, you will take on an essential role in the healthcare industry by helping to ensure smooth operations in medical offices, hospitals, or clinics. Many programs are available to help you earn a medical office specialist certificate, including a program at the Manhattan School of Computer Technology (MSCT) in New York.
Understanding the Role of a Medical Office Specialist and How a Certification Can Advance Your Healthcare Career
The role of a medical office specialist can vary based on the type of setting you select to work in. Still, there are key responsibilities that remain significantly consistent across each setting. In this role, you may be responsible for managing patient intake files, organizing & maintaining patient records, handling insurance billing, verifying information with doctors or nurses, communicating results with patients, sending prescriptions to pharmacies for patients, and supporting healthcare providers with patient treatment planning.
Earning a medical office specialist certificate can significantly enhance your career by equipping you with the administrative skill sets needed to manage these tasks effectively. This certification makes you an asset to any medical office. It can open various career opportunities across various healthcare settings, allowing you to grow your career and advance within the industry.
Educational Opportunities
Depending on your interest, there are many programs out there that can assist you with obtaining your medical office specialist certificate. For example, MCST offers a 60-week* comprehensive Medical Office Specialist program that combines hands-on training, practical experience, and industry support. One standout feature of their program is medical professionals teach their courses with years of experience and bring real-world scenarios into the classroom, which can provide a unique learning experience.
The course curriculum will provide you with knowledge and principles that cover all aspects of a medical office specialist, equipping you with the training you need to excel in the field. Some of the key courses include:
- Principles of medical office work, such as
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Phlebotomy
- Clinical Procedures
- Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- Medical office procedures
- Health policy and law
- Principles of accounting
- Medical word processing and transcription
- Medical insurance and billing
Beyond the core curriculum courses, MCST offers students the opportunity to become nationally certified as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the MedCA Certification. This national accreditation demonstrates that you’re proficient within the healthcare industry and gives you a competitive advantage in today’s job market.
MCST offers flexible course options for those with busy schedules with morning, afternoon, and evening classes with monthly start dates. This flexibility will allow you to balance obtaining a medical office specialist certificate to advance your career with your work and personal commitments.
Top Benefits of Obtaining a Medical Office Specialist Certificate
A medical office specialist certificate can allow you the opportunity to have an enriching career in the healthcare industry. Whether you’re seeking stability with a job, career growth, or a chance to further develop your administrative skills, this certification offers many key benefits. Some of these top benefits include:
Job Security: The healthcare industry thrives, and medical office specialists are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they predict between 2023-2033, there will be a nine percent increase in the need for medical record specialists**. With a medical office specialist certificate, you will be equipped with the skillsets and knowledge to enter the healthcare industry and have long-term job stability.
Flexible Work Environments: Individuals with a medical office specialist certificate can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical offices, private clinics, insurance companies, and more.
Skill Development: Attending a medical office specialist certificate program will give you essential technical and administrative skills, including medical billing, medical coding, patient scheduling, health insurance knowledge, and medical terminology.
Career Advancement: A certificate can be a stepping stone to grow into higher-level roles within healthcare administration, including office management, billing supervisor, or even a medical assistant.
Real-World Experience: Programs like MCST can offer you hands-on experience and training with experienced medical professionals, which can prepare you to handle real-world scenarios that you could potentially face on the job.
Ability to Make an Impact: As a medical office specialist, you will play a pivotal role in helping a healthcare office or facility run smoothly. By supporting both patients and healthcare providers, you will ultimately be able to ensure everyone has a positive experience.
Steps to Become a Medical Office Specialist in New York
Every state has its own rules and regulations about medical office specialists. However, to be a medical office specialist in New York varies based on the employer, but most have similar standards. These standards include:
- Obtaining a high school diploma or GED
- This is a basic requirement with most employers and is essential before pursuing further education.
- Research Programs
- It’s important to research a medical office specialist certificate program prior to starting to ensure it’s the right fit for you. For example, the MCST program could be a great option if you need flexibility to balance education with other responsibilities.
- Choose a Medical Office Specialist Certificate Program & Enroll
- After selecting a medical office specialist certificate program that meets your goals, you must complete the necessary steps to enroll in it.
- Complete the Training Program
- Complete the program to obtain your medical office specialist certificate. This will likely include both classroom learning and hands-on learning experiences.
- Search for Career Opportunities
- You can begin looking for roles once you’ve completed your certification program. For instance, if you’re interested in living in Brooklyn, New York, look for medical office specialist roles in that area. Tailoring your job search to specific locations can help streamline the process and make your application process seamless.
- Stay Current with Continuing Education
- As roles expand and evolve, consistently continuing your education will ensure that you’re staying competitive. Continuing education ensures that you’re well-prepared for career advancement and new opportunities as they arise.
By following these steps, for example, you will be able to successfully prepare for a career as a Medical Office Specialist in New York.
Take Action & Pursue Your Passions Today
If you’re passionate about helping others and providing excellent service to patients, families, and healthcare professionals, now is the time to act. Earning your medical office specialist certificate can open a world of opportunities, offering career advancement and growth potential in a thriving industry.
*Program length when completed in normal time.
Resources/Additional Information:
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
https://manhattanschool.edu/programs/medical-office-specialist/
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Medical-Office-Specialist/What-Is-How-to-Become