The Complete Guide To Medical Office Administration
Are you looking for a healthcare career that enables you to work behind the scenes to support a medical facility’s daily operations? If this sounds like you, a career in medical office administration may be a good fit.
East Ohio College’s online Medical Office Administration program enables students to earn their degree, acquire valuable skills, and prepare to sit for certifications* in just 18 months, launching their careers.
In this guide, East Ohio College (EOC) covers the essential information you need to know about a medical office administration career, including the steps to earning your degree, the current workforce landscape, frequently asked questions, and more.
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*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding industry certification exam.
About East Ohio College
East Ohio College, formerly known as Ohio Valley College of Technology, has been an educator of healthcare, nursing, and professional service programs in Northeastern Ohio since its establishment in 1886. Based in East Liverpool, Ohio, East Ohio College strives to train students through a comprehensive educational experience that prepares them for in-demand careers.
The increased demand for online education allowed East Ohio College to expand its program offerings to a virtual setting. In 2022, EOC developed an online learning platform to offer several programs to students in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Online education has given students who must balance family, work, and college the opportunity to pursue their dream careers without sacrificing their personal lives.
At the heart of East Ohio College is a mission of hands-on education, with personalized guidance and instruction by faculty who bring real-world experience. EOC prides itself on holding every staff and faculty member to its core values: Work Ethic, Exemplary, Caring, Accountability, Relationships, and Excellence (WE CARE). Through these core values, East Ohio College fulfills its purpose of empowering change by creating opportunity.
East Ohio College Accreditation & Licensing
East Ohio College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) to award associate degrees and diplomas. ABHES is a national accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.
East Ohio College is approved, and the programs are authorized by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, – Registration Number 1555B.
East Ohio College offers some programs that are approved by the State Approving Agency for students to use veterans’ benefits.
What Is Medical Office Administration?
Medical office administrative professionals play a crucial role in a medical facility’s daily operations. One of the most significant parts of their role is facilitating communication between medical providers, insurance companies, and patients. The responsibilities of a medical office professional vary based on their work environment but include the following:
- Updating Medical Charts
- Scheduling Patient Visits
- Processing Insurance Claims
- Handling Basic Billing and Coding
- Maintaining Electronic Health Records
- Managing Office Inventory and Supply Orders
- Understanding and Adhering to HIPAA Guidelines
Medical office administrators must be quick thinkers, adaptable, organized, and meticulous in their attention to detail. They play a vital role in ensuring a medical facility runs smoothly behind the scenes and improves the patient experience.
Medical office administration professionals are a vital component of the healthcare team. Individuals in these fields ensure that patient appointments are scheduled appropriately, inventory is managed correctly, and insurance claims are processed accurately. Medical office administrators’ hard work allows medical facilities to remain organized, prevents patients’ insurance claims from being billed incorrectly, prevents medical records from being incorrectly recorded, and ensures that other administrative tasks are completed.
While medical office administrators are not directly involved in patient care, they are undoubtedly essential members of the healthcare team who significantly impact the patient’s experience. They keep medical facilities running seamlessly.
East Ohio College Academic Process
In more than a century of training students for successful careers in healthcare and professional services, East Ohio College has developed a six-step academic process to guide students through their education: Plan, Equip, Learn, Enhance, Apply, and Succeed.
Step One: Plan
A prospective student’s first point of contact at East Ohio College is their admissions team member, who will guide them through the admissions and application process. The admissions team will provide the student with detailed information about the school, their chosen program, what to expect as a student, and address any questions they may have. The admissions team works closely with each student to create an individualized plan that helps them achieve their academic and career goals.
Step Two: Equip
Once the student has met with the admissions team and determined that East Ohio College is a good fit, they will be connected with a financial aid team member to discuss their plan for investing in their education. The EOC financial aid team will equip students with information on financial aid^, grants*, student loans, and other ways to finance their education.
Step Three: Learn
After completing the admissions and financial aid processes, the admissions team member will guide students through enrollment and register them for the New Student Orientation (NSO) course. In the NSO course, students will be acclimated to life as EOC students and provided with resources they can use throughout their academic journey. Once the NSO course is completed, students will begin taking classes directly related to their chosen program of study.
Step Four: Enhance
At this point in their educational journey, students will have fulfilled the academic requirements of their program and be prepared to sit for industry-specific certification** examinations. Earning certifications enhances a student’s resume and professional knowledge, proving to employers that they meet nationally recognized competency and skill standards.
Step Five: Apply
The East Ohio College career management department will work with the student to arrange an externship experience toward the end of their academic careers. This experience allows students to put the skills they learned during their academic careers in a real-world medical setting and establish industry connections before graduating.
Step Six: Succeed
By this final step, students will have completed their program’s academic and externship requirements, be prepared to sit for their industry-specific certification** examinations, be conferred an associate degree in their chosen field, and be ready to start successful careers.
^For those who qualify
*For those who qualify. See catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.
**Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam.
Earning Your Associate of Applied Business Degree in Medical Office Administration
Students in the Medical Office Administration program at East Ohio College will receive a well-rounded educational experience that is designed to prepare them for success in their careers. The EOC experience includes direct admission, accelerated training, flexible virtual classes, interactive simulations, hands-on externship opportunities, personalized support, and preparation for industry-specific certification* examinations.
The 18-month program provides students with the fundamental building blocks for a successful career as a medical office professional. The courses are designed to prepare them for scenarios they may encounter in the workplace, building practical experience and confidence in their knowledge. To view the complete list of courses required for the Medical Office Administration program, visit Page 6 of our free downloadable guide by clicking the image below.
Upon graduation, students will earn an Associate of Applied Business degree in Medical Office Administration. They will be fully prepared with knowledge, hands-on training, and experience, and be prepared to sit for several National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification* exams.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding certification exam.
The National Healthcareer Association
While at East Ohio College, medical office administration students will be prepared to sit for several National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification examinations, including the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant*, Certified Billing and Coding Specialist**, and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist** exams.
The NHA is a third-party, independent certifying agency whose certifications are recognized by healthcare employers. Earning an NHA certification proves that an individual possesses the skills, knowledge, and competencies that align with nationally recognized standards. This gives EOC graduates a competitive advantage when it comes time to enter the hiring process.
*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Required/ Included in Tuition/Fees.
**Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Optional at own expense.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to East Ohio College in any manner.
Medical Office Administration Careers
Medical office administration is a broad field with an array of career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics^ (BLS), the projected job growth for medical records specialists is expected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033. Medical office professionals are in demand, making now a great time to start your career!
The average daily work for a medical office professional varies depending on their work environment. The BLS^ states that 28% of medical records specialists work in hospitals and 19% work in physicians’ offices. Private companies, support service companies, research facilities, and more may also employ medical office professionals.
Some standard entry-level job titles for individuals who have completed their medical office administration education include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Medical Secretary
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Medical Records Manager
- Insurance Claims Processor
- Patient Services Representative
- Clinical Administrative Specialist
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
The medical office profession requires individuals to be lifelong learners to stay current with industry trends. Professionals in this field have many opportunities for continued learning and advancement, including further education courses, earning additional certifications, specialized training, and pursuing managerial positions.
Do you want to start your career as a medical office professional? East Ohio College is here to help you achieve your goal of a successful career. Request information to get started today!
^BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be researched before making an enrollment decision.
Why Choose East Ohio College?
East Ohio College’s educational model provides students with the tools and resources to maximize their academic success and prepare them for their future careers. The addition of virtual learning has provided students with more flexibility to complete their education from the comfort of their own homes, at their own pace.
EOC recognizes that students have responsibilities outside of school and must balance family and work obligations with their education. That is why we prioritize student support throughout their time at East Ohio College. Keep reading to learn more about the four significant benefits of choosing EOC for your education.
Accelerated Training
EOC’s programs are designed to be completed in two years or less. This accelerated format includes classes in six-week increments, rather than following traditional semesters with lengthy breaks. By following an accelerated schedule, students cover more material in less time.
Direct Admission
Another reason to choose EOC for your education is our direct admission approach. This method allows students to avoid taking unnecessary prerequisite classes before taking courses related to their field of study. This goes hand-in-hand with our accelerated curriculum; students save valuable time and money by taking only the classes they need for their future careers.
Hands-On Experience
EOC’s academic process combines accelerated training, hands-on skill development, real-world experience, and certification* preparation. These elements combine to create a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for their future careers.
Students will coordinate with the EOC Career Management Department to arrange an externship experience toward the end of their program. This experience allows them to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting while building their professional network. Additionally, throughout their program, students will be laying the foundations of knowledge necessary to be prepared to sit for industry-specific certification examinations. Upon graduation, students will have gained valuable experience, established professional connections, and acquired knowledge.
Student Support
East Ohio College students can expect extensive support throughout their educational experience. From the first time they speak with an admissions team member to graduation day, the EOC team guides students and sets them up for success. Our career management team offers personalized support services to students, including academic and career guidance, as well as personal support.
The support does not stop upon graduation; East Ohio College alumni have continued access to the career management team for assistance with job placement, resume writing, and industry refresher courses^ at no additional tuition cost. 
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry-specific certification exam.
^Career Management Services are subject to specific conditions and requirements and continued campus operations. Please see the campus catalog for complete details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why choose medical office administration?
A: Medical office administrators are essential members of the medical team. This career is ideal for those who want to work in the medical field without handling direct patient care.
Q: What does a medical office administrator do?
A: Medical office administrators keep medical offices running smoothly behind the scenes. They are responsible for various administrative tasks that affect the daily operation of their workplaces.
Q: Is medical office administration a good career?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics^, the need for medical records specialists is anticipated to expand in the coming years. The number of job openings in this field is expected to grow by 9%, making now an excellent time to enter this vital profession.
Q: How long is a medical office administration course?
A: East Ohio College’s Medical Office Administration program can be completed in 18 months. Graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Business degree and be prepared to sit for industry certification* exams.
Want to learn more about EOC’s Medical Office Administration program? Our admissions team is here to answer any questions you may have! Contact East Ohio College today to start your journey!
^BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be researched before making an enrollment decision.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry-specific certification exam.
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Grant/Scholarship Information
Grants/Scholarships are available for many of our programs and vary by location.