Medical Office Assisting Distance Education Information

Medical office assistants provide clerical, clinical and laboratory support services in physicians' offices, hospitals and clinics. Most medical assistant select a specialty in either clerical or clinical assisting, depending on their interests. Although clinical training typically involves in-person hands-on training, individuals can complete clerical training for this field via the Internet.

Distance-Education Medical Office Assisting Training Programs

Although some medical office assistants receive on-the-job training, most medical offices prefer to hire candidates with a formal certificate or degree. Since these professionals spend a large portion of their time working with computers and related technology, they may wish to enroll in online training programs (rather than on-campus options) because they can help aspiring medical office assistants build computer skills while completing their education. Taking courses via the Internet also allows students to study their own pace and convenience. Online training options include certificate programs for medical transcription as well as associate's degrees in medical office technology.

Medical Transcriptionist Certificate Program

Earning a medical transcriptionist certificate online takes 38-44 hours. These classes help the transcriptionist understand the doctor's dictated remarks, ensuring that they correctly record a patient's symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Students learn anatomy and physiology, medical ethics and medical terminology. This type of program can be taken concurrent to a distance-learning or campus-based medical assistant degree program.

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Technology

This distance-education program requires 65-67 hours of study and is typically completed within two years. Required classes in medical terminology, anatomy and biology prepare students for employment in a medical office. General education classes in mathematics, writing and the social sciences are also included.
Medical office assistant associate's degree programs feature computer technology classes that cover medical office software and word processing. Students learn to organize and reference patient information through a course dedicated to database management. They practice creating, editing and maintaining records. Lessons also cover methods for safely disposing of patient records while meeting personal privacy requirements.
Classes in business administration and accounting round out the curriculum. They address the requirements for medical billing and bookkeeping as well as insurance regulations. Students also learn effective time management skills, business ethics and ways to manage interpersonal interactions in the workplace.