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Medical & Dental Programs

Medical Office Administration

SJVC’s Medical Office Administration certificate program prepares graduates to work in front-office positions for a medical practice, healthcare facility or insurance company.

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HANDS-ON TRAINING
Our training prepares you for a career in the real world.
UPLEVEL IF YOU’D LIKE
Certificate of Completion and Associate of Science programs available.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Conveniently available at 15 campuses (availability varies by campus).
AFFORDABLE TUITION
Affordable tuition varies by location, learn more now.

Discover What it’s Like to Train to Become a Medical Office Specialist at SJVC

Discover What it’s Like to Train to Become a Medical Office Specialist at SJVC

“”
Before coming to SJVC, I was at the end of the road, or so I thought. I had no hope for my future, no plans for a career, much less for success.Today I am a more confident, motivated individual who chooses to make a change for a brighter future, for me as well as for my children; and be a positive role model for those who, like me, once felt there was nothing more.
Araceli C.
2015 Medical Office Administration Graduate

Ready to Do This?

Find your path in the medical field.

Talk to an admissions advisor about your options and earn your certificate in as few as 9 months

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What Will I Learn?

Medical Office Management
Administrative and communication skills needed to manage a medical office
Billing Principles
Procedures for billing in hospital and clinical settings
ICD Coding
Learn concepts from the International Classification of Diseases and Clinical Modification codebook
Practical Real-World Skills
Develop the actual skills employers are looking for through medical office training and externships.

Career Opportunities

 

Earning an Associate of Science Degree from San Joaquin Valley College can prepare you for several jobs in a medical office, including roles such as a:

  • Medical Secretary
  • Medical Receptionist
  • Physician Office Specialist
  • Medical Office Specialist
  • Health Unit Coordinator
  • Unit Secretary

Some of these career options may require education credentials, certification, or experience–which can vary by state. As you can see, there are many different career paths available for graduates.

Program Details

Cost & Financial Aid

Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Academic Catalog to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Representative to discuss the costs of your chosen program, and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Program Availability

SJVC’s Medical Office Administration certificate program is available at the following campuses:

*These campuses offer both the Certificate of Completion and Associate of Science Degree programs.

Accreditation & Approvals

Institutional Accreditation

San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, (510)748-9001.

https://www.wscuc.org/

The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

State Approvals

CALIFORNIA

SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website (www.bppe.ca.gov).

View additional State Approvals for SJVC.

Check out our guide on becoming a Medical Secretary and Office Administrative Assistant in California.

Medical secretary and administrative assistants act as the glue that holds together all the other pieces of the health care experience and allows doctors and other professionals to deliver the best possible care to patients.

VIEW THE CAREER GUIDE

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Medical Office Administration FAQ

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION DEGREE?
Earning an Associate of Science Degree from San Joaquin Valley College can prepare you for several jobs in a medical office, including roles such as a:
  • Medical Secretary
  • Medical Receptionist
  • Physician Office Specialist
  • Medical Office Specialist
  • Health Unit Coordinator
  • Unit Secretary
    • Some of these career options may require education credentials, certification, or experience–which can vary by state. To learn more about other opportunities in the healthcare industry, visit our program and course overview page.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A MEDICAL SECRETARY?
SJVC’s Medical Office Administration program can take as few as nine to fifteen months, depending on whether it’s a certificate of completion or an associate degree program.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A MEDICAL SECRETARY?
SJVC’s Medical Office Administration program can take as few as nine to fifteen months, depending on whether it’s a certificate of completion or an associate degree program.
WHAT IS A MEDICAL SECRETARY?
Medical secretaries and administrative assistants mainly work at healthcare facilities or offices, performing daily tasks that keep operations intact. Whether they are scheduling appointments or tracking medical inventory, medical secretaries and administrative assistants have a variety of functions and work in various roles.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEDICAL SECRETARY?
Although secretaries can train on the job, medical secretaries may require additional training to learn industry-specific terminology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some medical secretaries learn industry-specific terminology and practices by attending courses offered at community colleges or technical schools. SJVC offers flexible classes, hands-on training, and affordable tuition rates by location. If you are interested in becoming a medical secretary, check out our resource page.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL ASSISTANT AND A MEDICAL SECRETARY?
Although there are some similarities between medical assistants and medical office administrators, they should not be used interchangeably. Medical assistants work directly with patients, doctors, and insurance companies2–while medical secretaries manage the day-to-day tasks of a medical office.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF MEDICAL SECRETARIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS?
As a medical secretary, you will use your skills, education, and experience to support a large number of operational functions. Medical secretaries transcribe dictation and prepare reports or articles for physicians or medical scientists. They also take simple medical histories of patients, arrange for patients to be hospitalized, or process insurance payments. Medical secretaries need to be familiar with medical terminology and codes, medical records, and hospital or laboratory procedures.3 To learn more, please read the question below: What does a medical office administrator do?
WHAT DOES A MEDICAL SECRETARY DO?
Medical secretaries are responsible for a broad range of duties, some of which may include:3
  • Arrange hospital admissions for patients
  • Complete insurance or other claim forms
  • Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff
  • Maintain medical records, technical library, or correspondence files
  • Receive and route messages or documents, such as laboratory results, to appropriate staff
  • Interview patients to complete documents, case histories, or forms, such as intake or insurance forms
  • Perform various clerical or administrative functions, such as ordering and maintaining an inventory of supplies

Sources

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-2
  2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm#tab-2
  3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm#tab-2