FAQ - Medical Office Management

• What does a medical office manager do?
• Where can I work with this certificate?
• What can I expect to earn?
• How is the job market?
• How much will the program cost?
• Is financial aid available?
• Do I have a interview before beginning the program?
• How can I find out more about the HIT profession?
• When are classes offered?
• If I know medical terminology do I have to take HIT 104?
• Does this certificate include a practicum?
• How much time will I have to devote to the classes?

What does a medical office manager do?
A medical office manager provides supervisory direction in medical offices. They provide leadership and develop solutions that guide the medical office through the challenges of running a medical office.

Where can I work with this certificate?
Job opportunities exist in physician practices and medical offices.

What can I expect to earn?
Entry level Medical Office Managers can earn between $35,000 - $45,000 a year.

How is the job market?
Although we cannot promise you a job, our students have found employment after completing the program. We do have a job board in our HIT lab and help in Career Services.

Do I have an interview before starting the Medical Office Manager Certificate?
No, but contact the HIT Administrative Assistant for registration and sequencing of course information at jcolovos@oakton.edu

Is there a time limit to completing the program?
Because the health information technology field is dynamic and fast changing, frequent updates in the curriculum are required. To assure that students are current and prepared for employment HIT 104 Medical Terminology should be taken within 2 years of starting the program. Students must receive a minimum grade of C in all courses.

What certifications are available after completing this program?
The medical billing certificate courses are included in the medical office management curriculum. After completing those courses you may sit for the Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based given by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). After successful passing of the exam you may put the initials CCS-P after your name.

Is there a practicum experience to the program?
No. There is not.

How can I find out more about the health information profession?
The national organization for HIT professionals is the American Health Information Management Association. Visit their website at http://www.ahima.org

When are classes offered?
The courses are offered in the day and evening on both the Des Plaines and Skokie campuses.

If I know medical terminology do I have to take HIT 104?
An excellent command of the medical language is vital to success in the HIT program. Medical terminology courses must not be more than two years old at the time the first limited enrollment course is begun. You may take a proficiency exam to place out of HIT 104. The exam is administered by the Testing Center on the Des Plaines campus. The Testing Center can be reached at 847-635-1939 for information.

What is the difference between the medical billing certificate and medical office management certificate?
The medical office management certificate prepares students to provide supervisory direction in medical offices. Students take courses in medical billing, business and communications, computer applications, and automation and management issues in the medical office setting. The medical billing certificate is physician-based and deals with only billing and reimbursement issues in the physician office.

How much time will I have to devote to the classes?
It is estimated that the student will need from 2-3 hours per class per credit hour per week outside of class time for studying. Some students require more time others less. It is important that you plan class, study, family, work, travel, and social time carefully to balance conflicting responsibilities during your educational career.