Medical Administrative Office Specialist, Career Studies Certificate

Purpose

The Medical Administrative Office Specialist (MAOS) certificate program prepares individuals to work as front office staff in medical office settings. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for certification.

Students enrolled in the Career Studies Certificate may apply many credits earned to the college’s Certificate in Medical Assisting.

Introduction to Medical Assisting

Medical Administrative Office Specialist (MAOS) are allied health professionals responsible for various medical office administrative tasks beginning with initial patient contact through final payment. They perform front office functions such as scheduling, communicating (with healthcare professionals, patients and third party payers), handling medical records, and financial management while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations (NCCT, 2017).

The program will enroll approximately twenty (20) students annually. Students will rotate through an internship. Clinical affiliates for medical assistants will include nursing homes, rehabilitation, the hospital, physician’s offices and other allied health agencies. Upon completion of the program students are eligible to take the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for certification as a Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA).

Program Admission Requirements

Prospective students must:

1. Complete application to Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC).
2. Have High School diploma transcript or GED certification sent to ESCC’s Registrar office.
3. Complete placement testing and master placement of MTE 1-4, or complete appropriate developmental math courses;
4. Achieve placement to ENG 111  or completion of appropriate developmental English courses;
5. Complete drug screening and criminal background check with no records of concern or pending actions.
6. Be eligible for employment with the Riverside Health System and Eastern Shore Rural Health entities.
7. Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus facilities for clinical experiences.
8. In all MDA courses, students must earn a grade of at least a “C” (which is an 80% average for these courses) to remain in the program.
9. Students must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better.

Continuation Requirements following admission to the program

These requirements must be fulfilled prior to the start of the second semester or entry into the clinical internship: (Students must be current, certified and or maintain standards through the end of the program for all of the continuation requirements.):

1. Students are responsible for costs necessary for program completion such as required testing fees, liability insurance, uniforms, stethoscopes, medical assisting pins and graduation uniform, books, criminal history and sex offender crimes against minors background checks.
2. Purchase of ESCC approved Student Uniform lab coat.
3. Completion of a physical examination, two step PPD (or chest x-ray if already PPD positive). Immunizations must be up to date including tetanus, MMR or positive titers, varicella or positive titers, Hepatitis B series or positive\ titer, tetanus, and current flu vaccine.
4. Potential for random drug screening.
5. Appropriate professional and social media use as defined by the college or syllabus.
6. Participation in community based activities that support student development.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective communication skills during the interview process and in all other interactions with patients and professionals.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform front office functions such as scheduling, communicating (with healthcare professionals, patients and third party payers).
• Handle medical records appropriately, to include the electronic medical record, HIPAA, and financial management, while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Apply medical terminology appropriately in the work place.
• Apply legal and ethical standards within the medical office setting.