UNC Charlotte’s Medical Office Administration Specialist Certificate Program offers an in-depth introduction to the field, and will equip students with the necessary entry-level skills to pursue a new career, re-enter the workforce, or freshen current skills. The fifteen-week program consisting of 88 clock hours of instruction is offered during the evening to accommodate working adults.

According to the 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 18 percent through 2016. The United States Department of Labor also recognizes that the occupation group; healthcare support, is projected to grow faster than average. New jobs are expected in offices of physicians as a result of increasing demand for detailed records, especially in large group practices. New jobs also are expected in home health care services, outpatient care centers, and nursing and residential care facilities. Although employment growth in hospitals will not keep pace with growth in other health care industries, many new jobs will, nevertheless, be created.

Occupations found within the healthcare support group include medical record documentation and administration, medical coding, and medical office administration. These topics, among others, are key components of the Medical Office Administration Specialist Certificate Program.

Course work will include medical terminology; office management; medical coding; billing and insurance; medical record documentation; computer applications, and medical office administration and procedures. Students will learn administrative and support functions and develop skills applicable in medical environments.