Overview & Employment | Program Information | Curriculum

NIACC Medical Office Specialist Degree

Are you looking for a career in a medical office? If so, becoming a Medical Office Specialist may be the perfect choice for you! This program is designed to develop attitudes, knowledge, and skills required for a career in a medical office.

The Medical Office Specialist Degree is a popular choice because of its flexibility, options, and hands-on training. The curriculum prepares graduates for immediate employment or the opportunity to continue their education toward the completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Career Opportunities

Medical office professionals perform a variety of clerical and administrative duties for doctors and other healthcare professionals. Some duties may include transcribing dictation, preparing correspondence and reports, answering telephones, scheduling appointments, operating office equipment, maintaining financial information, and organizing files. In general, medical office professionals keep the office running smoothly and efficiently.

A wide variety of businesses provide employment opportunities:

• Physicians' Offices
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Public Health Departments
• Civil Service
• Medical Laboratories
• Pharmaceutical Houses
• Insurance Companies
• Foundations

Occupational titles include:

• Medical Office Assistant
• Medical Secretary
• Medical Records Manager
• Medical Information Processing Operator
• Receptionist
• Appointment Clerk

Employment Outlook

Typically two-year program graduates will enter the work force at a higher starting salary compared to one-year graduates and frequently are offered a wider variety of advancement opportunites.

According to the 2006 salary survey located on America's Career InfoNet, the median salary for medical office professionals and related positions was $28,100 ($13.51 per hour) at the national level and $26,200 ($12.60 per hour) in the state of Iowa.