Medical Management Associate's Degree

<p>Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Occupational Studies are the most commonly awarded degree titles in the medical management field. You can find these programs at a technical institute, career college or community college. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Length</b></td><td> Two years; it may be possible to finish in nine months</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Medical transcription, health records management, medical terminology, business principles, communications</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Fully and partially online programs are available</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Medical office manager, medical office administrator</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 32% (<i>for all medical and health services managers</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>A medical office management degree program is often an umbrella program, incorporating subjects that pertain to many different medical office staff positions. Medical office management and administration programs typically consist of 63-90 credits and take two years to complete. Some programs, however, can be completed in as few as nine months. </p> <p>Typical courses include medical terminology, medical transcription, billing, coding and health records management. You'll usually learn about computer applications, business principles and legal issues related to medicine. You also can take classes in communication to prepare yourself for working with patients, clients and office staff. </p> <h3 id="section---HowCanIStudyOnline">How Can I Study Online?</h3> <p>Schools may offer you the opportunity to fulfill your degree requirements entirely online or by way of a hybrid program. A hybrid program allows you to complete some of your courses online and other courses on campus. In order to participate in online courses, you typically need a computer with high-speed Internet access, an e-mail account, a school-recommended operating system and a CD-ROM drive. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoAfterIGraduate">What Can I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <p>With your associate's degree, you might be able to apply for jobs as a medical office manager or administrator. According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, most medical office managers earned between $36,000 and $69,000 annually as of May 2021. The majority of entry-level medical office managers made $31,000-$56,000 per year during the same time. </p> <p>Holding an associate's degree can help qualify you for the certification examination administered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management. If you pass the exam and hold three years of health care experience, you're entitled to use the title Certified Medical Manager after your name. Certification is renewable every two years and requires you to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education units.</p>