Many universities offer online courses for
individuals aspiring to become medical secretaries. Students learn to
manage the daily duties of a medical office.
Friday, 1 June 2012
Online Medical Secretary Certificate and Diploma Program Information
Those interested in a career as a medical
secretary can, in most cases, qualify for entry-level positions after
acquiring a certificate or diploma. These programs generally supply
students with the basic office skills and medical knowledge they need to
begin working in this field. Several community, technical and business
colleges throughout the United States offer online medical secretary
certificate and diploma programs.
Online Medical Secretary Certificate and Diploma Programs
Most online medical secretary programs emphasize medical terminology, medical office procedures and administrative office skills. An online medical secretary program can take 1-2 years to complete and result in either a certificate or diploma. Students can also prepare to become medical secretaries by completing an online certificate or diploma program in medical assisting or medical transcription.Program Information and Requirements
While many distance education programs for aspiring medical secretaries are conducted entirely online, some are presented in a combination of on-campus and online classes. In some programs, courses in an online medical secretary certificate or diploma program are taken in a specific sequence. Many programs require students to take between 10-15 credits each semester, though in some cases up to 18 credits per semester must be taken.Online Medical Secretary Courses
Program coursework for online medical secretary certificate and diploma programs generally includes courses in medical transcription, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, medical insurance billing and coding and medical office procedures. Students might also take introductory and advanced courses in keyboarding, word processing, bookkeeping and computer applications.Medical Terminology
These courses help students to build a medical vocabulary. Students study spellings, definitions, word roots, abbreviations and pronunciation.Medical Transcription
Students in medical transcription courses develop speed and accuracy skills to transcribe medical notes and records. Courses address the use of voice dictation computer software, proofreading and editing.Medical Office Procedures
Medical record filing, medical billing, computer operations, medical documents and medical insurance forms are some of the topics likely to be addressed in basic and advanced medical office procedures courses. Medical ethics might also be discussed.Medical Insurance Coding and Billing
Students of these courses learn how to prepare and process various types of medical insurance forms. Coding classification systems are also covered.Graduate Career Information
In addition to medical secretaries, graduates of an online medical secretary certificate or diploma program can pursue careers as medical transcriptionists, medical assistants, medical coding specialists or receptionists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for medical secretaries was expected to be approximately 27% between 2008 and 2018. The BLS further reported that the annual median salary for medical secretaries was just over $31,000 in 2009.Continuing Education Information
Medical secretaries are likely to require continued education due to changing medical office technologies, i.e. updated software or systems used in medical offices. Continuing education might include training sessions held by manufacturers.Medical secretaries who are required to do medical coding as part of their job duties will have to take continuing education courses to update their coding skills with the introduction of the ICD-10 system in 2013. Training programs will provide instruction on implementing the changes as well as using coding manuals for the new system.
Individuals seeking supervisory or office management positions might be required to obtain a degree. Some schools offer distance education programs leading to an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Administration.
Online Medical Schools: What Types of Schools Exist?
Students interested in an online medical
school shouldn't expect to earn a degree that will allow them work as a
physician, online. This article details what online medical school is
and the associated courses.
Online Medical School: Overview
While medical school is an extremely difficult, specialized school, there are no typical medical schools in which students may earn their degree online in the United States. Medical school students attend classes to become full-fledged doctors and physicians. These programs require advanced coursework and clinical studies, which are not available at an online school. There are medical courses available online, however.Online Medical Courses
Schools may offer courses in continuing medical education in a number of subjects. These classes are intended for health care professionals who are working towards renewing their professional license. These courses include behavioral health, cardiovascular medicine, geriatrics, medicine, radiology, rheumatology, oncology and neurology.Some courses require buying learning materials and using the material's online supplement and then taking online tests. Other courses may be conducted through email and online chat sessions. Still, other courses are taught in an online message board forum format with students and professors meeting at a specific time on the school's website.
Health care professionals taking these courses will receive credit in that they may be required to conduct further study in these courses by their employer, though they will not likely be applicable toward an advanced degree program. Courses are often given at different times of the year. Those who are looking to take medical courses online should check their potential school's website to make sure that classes of interest are available.
Online Medical Records Technician Course Information
Courses for medical records technicians, also
called health information technicians, are most common at the
associate's degree level. Such programs include topics in medical
terminology, anatomy, physiology, coding, statistics and data
management.
Online Medical Records Technician Course Overview
Medical records technicians, or health information technicians as they are sometimes referred to, typically gain formal training through an associate's degree program. Graduates of such programs are expected to pass either the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certification exams prior to employment. Credentialing programs require regular recertification and continuing professional education to maintain the credential. Many employers favor technicians with a RHIT credential.Course Requirements
Learning to become a medical records technician online requires having a computer with Internet access. In addition to general typing skills and computer proficiency, knowledge of biology, computer science, and chemistry are generally considered assets to anyone hoping to enter the field of medical records technology.List of Online Courses
Medical Records Management Course
Office and records management skills are studied in this course. Students examine the differences between common electronic paperless office filing and traditional filing techniques. Students perform accounts receivable and cash application activities and learn to confidentially handle patient information.Medical Terminology Course
The foundations needed to understand medical terminology are examined in this medical records course. Students learn to construct medical terms by identifying word origins and meanings and then combine them to build medical terms.Health Information Management Systems Course
This course teaches students to manage databases and electronic health records. Students delve into the modern medical office of electronics and imaging technology, design report forms and computer input screens.Medical Records and Technology Course
Students in this course gain an understanding of the health information technician profession and the career opportunities available. American healthcare systems and facilities are covered, and students learn skills in effectively communicating with patients. Strategies for developing office procedures and strategic plans, as well as professional goals, are covered in this course. Students learn to use data analysis programs to compute formulas and generate reports to interpret computerized statistical data.Online Medical Records Degrees by Program Level
The need for qualified health care workers is
expected to rise, providing steady employment and a stable careers for
graduates of online degree related to the management of medical records.
Online associate's degree programs are available for medical records
technicians, and bachelor's degree and master's degree programs are
available in health information management.
Overview of a Medical Records Technician Online Associate's Degree
An online medical records technician associate's degree program trains students in the coding, filing, retrieval and maintenance of paper-based and electronic medical records. Their aim is to produce workers who can keep records that are accurate, complete and secure yet also accessible. A high school diploma or GED are required to enroll in a medical records associate's degree program. Medical records technicians may also be referred to as health information technicians.Program Information and Requirements
A distance learning medical records technician associate's degree program may be pursued online or as a hybrid of online and traditional study. Assigned readings, lectures and most student-teacher and student-to-student interaction are handled through a school's website. E-mail and phone conferencing may also come into use. Students are expected to adhere to assignment deadlines, but otherwise may access course work at their convenience. An associate's degree is typically completed in two years.Students need a personal computer, Internet access and productivity software to participate in an online program. A broadband connection is recommended.
List of Common Medical Records Technician Courses
An associate's degree program includes a general education component. However, some general education courses may still emphasize medical subjects, such as anatomy and physiology.Health Data Management Introductory Course
This course covers basic procedures health care providers and government agencies follow in the collection and use of health data. Coursework emphasizes data analysis, data presentation and computation of medical care rates.CPT Coding Course
Students learn Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding practices used in hospitals and physician offices. Use of encoders and data entry procedures are also among the topics covered.Information Quality Maintenance and Regulations Course
The robust management of medical records as legal documents and as private communication between physician and patient is the primary focus of this course, which emphasizes record maintenance in support of acute care.Career Information for Medical Records Technician Graduates
An online medical records technician associate's degree qualifies degree holders for entry-level positions as medical record and health information technicians. Although certification isn't legally mandated, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have passed the Registered Health Information Technician national certification examination. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected 20% growth in employment of medical records and health information technicians over the years 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). According to PayScale.com, as of May 2010 health information technicians with 1-4 years of experience earned a median salary of $21,216-$28,912.Continuing Education Information
Associate degree holders who want to move into medical services administration positions can consider a bachelor's degree in health information management, and then a master's degree. Several schools offer online bachelor's degree and master's degree programs.Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management (HIM)
The majority of online bachelor's degree programs in health information management are degree completion programs for students who have earned a medical records technician or health information technician associate's degree from an accredited institution. Bachelor's programs aim to convey an understanding of HIM ethical, legal and professional standards, organizational systems and best practices for finding and using information resources.Program Information and Requirements
Students need a personal computer, Internet access and basic productivity software to take part in an online bachelor's degree HIM program. All or nearly all course work may be completed online. Students may access program materials at their convenience through a school's website, but must complete lessons or assignments by fixed deadlines. Bachelor's degree completion programs are typically completed in two years.List of Common HIM Bachelor's Degree Courses
General education courses in the arts, humanities and social sciences are likely to be part of an online bachelor's degree program.Health Care Organization Course
This course examines fundamental concepts in the business organization of health care providers and health care systems. The influence of accrediting agencies and licensing requirements on health care organizations receives particular emphasis.Epidemiology Course
Students in this course learn principles of epidemiology and how epidemic study may prevent or control the spread of diseases within a defined population. Topics covered include methods of collecting and analyzing biostatistical data.Health Care IT Systems Course
This course covers the implementation and management of information technology systems to support health care services. Database design, database security and privacy protection are among the topics considered.Career Information for HIM Bachelor's Degree Graduates
An online bachelor's degree in health information management may qualify degree holders for entry-level positions as a health information manager at smaller medical facilities and in physicians' offices. Typical job duties include keeping computer hardware and software up-to-date, maintaining health information databases and maintaining compliance with legislative requirements. According to PayScale.com, as of May 2010 health information managers with 1-4 years of experience commonly earned a salary of $32,427-$50,472.Continuing Education Information
Information technology professionals who want to move into the medical field or workers in the health information field who want to move into executive and supervisory level positions can consider earning a master's degree in health information management.Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Health Information Management
An online master's degree program in health information management draws heavily on concepts from information technology and business administration to train professionals capable of operating or supervising a health records system. The design and implementation of health information systems, employee management and evaluation, information distribution policies and information security are among the competencies students gain from a master's program. Enrollees need to have earned a bachelor's degree, preferably in computer science or the biological sciences with at least a 3.0 grade point average.Program Information and Requirements
An HIM master's degree is typically earned in two years. Coursework may be completed entirely online or through a combination of online and traditional classroom study. Assignments have fixed deadlines, but all assignments and lectures are accessible at any time through a school's website. A personal computer, Internet access and productivity software are the primary technical requirements for participation in an online program.List of Common HIM Master's Degree Courses
Online master's degree programs are usually divided into a set of core course and a list of electives. Programs may also offer a thesis option and non-thesis option.Clinical Outcome Assessment Course
This course explores how health information can facilitate effective, low cost patient-centered treatment approaches. Course content stresses the importance of epidemiological principles and statistical analysis.Health Care Communications Course
Students evaluate methods of communication within and between health care facilities. Communication technologies, standards and system configurations are among the topics considered.Information Security Course
This course examines in-depth the technologies and procedures used to secure medical data. Risk assessment and prevention are points of emphasis in the syllabus.Career Information for HIM Master's Degree Graduates
An online master's degree in health information management qualifies degree holders to assume management and executive-level positions with large and small medical care providers as medical and health services managers. The BLS projected that employment of health information managers would grow at least 16% over the years 2008-2018. Hospitals employ and will continue to employ the most information managers, but the fastest growth will occur in clinics and small offices in response to federal regulations requiring health care providers to maintain electronic records. PayScale.com reported that as of May 2008, the median salary of medical and health service managers with 1-4 years of experience was $45,781-$71,801.Online Medical Receptionist Certification Information
Medical receptionists work in hospitals,
physicians' offices, clinics and other medical facilities. They greet
patients, schedule appointments, keep medical records and check
patients' insurance coverage. Online medical receptionist certification
information is available through industry-approved professional
organizations. Although tests cannot be completed online, candidates can
access study materials for certification exams through the Web.
Medical Receptionist Certification
Although certification is voluntary for those who want to become a medical receptionist or medical administrator, many employers prefer to hire individuals who hold certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).American Association of Medical Assistants
The AAMA offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation, which requires students to pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions covering areas such as administrative procedures, medical terms, healthcare law and anatomy. The AAMA provides online study aides, including an exam content outline and practice tests. The National Board of Medical Examiners verifies and approves the content of this exam.Certification Requirements
Certification is available to individuals who complete medical assistance programs at schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Candidates must take the exam within 30 days of completing medical receptionist training. Recertification is necessary every 60 months as of 2012.National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The NHA offers the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential. Its exam tests candidates on their medical receptionist skills, such as patient communication, scheduling and recordkeeping. Individuals who register for the certification exam may download study materials, including sample tests and questions. Those who don't register may pay a nominal fee for an electronic study guide delivered via e-mail or through traditional mail service.Certification Requirements
Candidates must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Then, they must either complete an NHA-approved certification training program within a year before taking the exam or have at least one year's experience in medical reception. Recertification is necessary every two years.Online Medical Radiography Degree Program Info
Through online medical radiography degree
programs, students learn how to use radiographic equipment so they can
take X-rays to search the body for illnesses or injuries. Through the
online program, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical
Imaging.
Online Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Program Info
Through the online Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging, students learn techniques for taking X-rays of different parts of the body and identifying problem areas. They study concepts in patient safety and advances in the field. Intensive in the sciences, this program typically includes courses in human anatomy and health care. There are only a few online bachelor's degree programs in medical imaging, and they are generally degree completion programs, which require students to have an associate's degree.Program Information and Requirements
The online bachelor's degree program takes two years to complete, since students have previously earned an associate's degree in the field. The program is available entirely online, without any campus visits required. However, students must complete practical application experiences that allow them to put what they're learning into practice at hospitals and doctor's offices in the area. The courses are available through Web-based applications that allow students to download and turn in class assignments, access teacher presentations and interact with classmates.In order to complete the program, students must have a valid e-mail address, a working computer and reliable Internet access. Students may also need additional computer software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Flash Player, Acrobat Reader and Café Scribe. Additional requirements may include a media player that plays DVDs and CDs.
List of Common Online Medical Radiography Courses
Online medical radiography courses involve a combination of online and practical experience classes related directly to advanced concepts in medical radiography. The online classes allow students to take them entirely on their own schedule, completing classes and turning in assignments without official due dates.Health Care Financial Management Components Course
This course introduces students to accounting and financial principles. Students learn how to apply this knowledge to the health care industry.Issues in Radiation Science Course
Students examine current issues related to radiation science and medical imaging. They study case studies and become familiar with the tools used in the field.Sectional Anatomy Course
This course familiarizes students with the different parts of human anatomy. They learn to identify and locate different parts of anatomy on computer images.Health Care Arena Issues and Trends Course
Students become familiar with specific issues in health care, such as working with the aging population, research and new medical technology used in the field. They also examine the effects of poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol abuse.Applied Studies in Patient Safety Course
This course introduces students to concepts of patient safety in health care and to the errors that lead to medical errors. Students also gain practical experience in the field, working with nurses and medical radiography professionals.Career Information for Graduations
Upon completion of a bachelor's degree in medical imaging, students may find careers as radiologic technicians. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), the median annual salary for radiologic technicians was $53,240 in 2009. The BLS states that the demand for individuals in this field is expected to grow by about 17% between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average career growth.Continuing Education Information
With experience and additional training, students can become specialists in CT scanning or mammography. They can also continue their education to obtain credentialing as a radiologist assistant. Students can also seek a master's degree in health care administration to become department or hospital administrators.
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