Millions of people in the United States require medical care each day, and that number is on the rise. Advances in technology and health care research have resulted in patients living longer and requiring more care. The U.S. Department of Labor cites health care as the nation's largest industry—with 8 out of 20 of the fastest-growing occupations.* Medical office specialists play an important role in this growing industry, ensuring that the medical office runs efficiently.
Medical Office Specialist Career Training
The Medical Office Specialist Diploma program at Kaplan Career Institute will provide the training you need to get started in this rapidly growing career field. Through a unique blend of classroom instruction and hands-on lab training, you will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the health care industry. In addition to courses in management, communications, and computer applications, you will receive training in the following areas:
- Health care administration
- Health care insurance theory and claims management
- Legal aspects of health care, including HIPAA, OSHA, professional liability, and cultural diversity
- Medical emergencies, including preparation for CPR/first aid exams†
- Medical transcription
Real-World Externship Experience
Prior to receiving your diploma from Kaplan Career Institute, you will be required to complete an externship at an approved facility in the Cleveland area. The externship program allows you to interact with medical professionals and gain experience to help prepare you for immediate employment as soon as you graduate.
Duties of a Medical Office Specialist
Whether you seek employment in a doctor's office or a hospital, you can be an integral part of the medical team. Your specific duties may include filing insurance claims, performing basic accounting procedures, or applying standard classification and coding systems to maintain patients' charts and claims billing.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006–2007 Edition.
† However, the Institute cannot guarantee a student's eligibility either to take this exam or become certified. A student's eligibility may depend on his or her work experience, completion of high school (or its equivalent), not having a criminal record, meeting other licensure or certification requirements, or the program or Institute itself having appropriate accreditation or licensure. Externship sites may themselves require a criminal background check or medical examination.