Medical Office Technology
Campuses offering Program:
Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Lone Star College–Tomball
Definition of Occupation:
Performs secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and procedures. Uses personal computers, and operates office equipment such as fax machines, photocopiers, and telephones.
Description of typical work activities/transferable skills:
- Compiles and records medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
- Schedules appointments for patients for medical consultations and tests, according to instructions.
- Takes dictation from medical staff.
- Transcribes the physician's diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations into the patient's medical record.
- Transmits correspondence and medical records by mail, e-mail, or fax, according to instructions.
- Answers telephones and responds to inquiries, or directs calls to appropriate staff.
- Greets visitors or patients, and ascertains the purpose of their visit.
- Maintains medical records and correspondence files.
- Routes messages and documents, such as laboratory results, to appropriate staff.
Levels of Education:
Certificate:
Medical Office Receptionist, Medical Office Specialist, Medical Administrative Assistant
Associate:
AAS Degree in Professional Office Technology - Medical Office Specialization
PLEASE NOTE: Transferability of degree or certificate to other institutions will vary depending on the institution and the department. Speak to a counselor or advisor for options.
Special Admissions/Prerequisite Courses:
The Professional Office Technology degree and certificates do not have special admissions criteria. Students must follow the prerequisites listed in the catalog to take specific classes.
Method of Delivery:
- Traditional/On-Campus
- LSC-Online
Some typical job titles for Medical Office Technology:
Certificates:
- Medical Office Receptionist
Associate Degree:
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Secretary
Types of Companies that typically hire graduates:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Medical Offices
Workplace Skills:
Because secretaries and administravtive assistants must be tactful in their dealings with people, employers also look for good customer service and interpersonal skills. Discretion, good judgment, organizational or management ability, initiative, and the ability to work independently are especially important for higher level administrative positions.
The following information is provided for individuals seeking career counseling. The MBTI provides information regarding an individual’s personality preferences and the Holland code provides information regarding an individual’s interest. If you are interested in learning more about how your interests and personality fit in with this and other career options, please see a career counselor at any of the Lone Star College System campuses
Myers-Briggs Type (MBTI):
Holland Interest Code:
- Conventional
- Enterprising
Working Condition Requirements:
Medical office personnel positions often involve sitting for long periods. If they spend a lot of time typing, particularly at a video display terminal, they may encounter problems of eyestrain, stress, and repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Office work can lend itself to alternative or flexible working arrangements, such as part-time work or telecommuting-especially if the job requires extensive computer use.
Industry Certification/Licenses:
There are no specific certifications or licenses that one must obtain to work in this field.
Earnings:
The National average annual earnings range for Medical Secretaries is $21,091 to $31,075. The Texas statewide annual earnings is $23,990 and the Houston average annual earnings is &26,360.
The National average annual earnings range for Medical Receptionists is $17,243 to $25,834. The Texas statewide annual earnings is $21,260 and the Houston average annual earnings is $22,600.
To find earnings for your specific geographic location, go to www.salary.com and enter your zip code for the specific occupation you are interested.
Source: CHOICES
PLEASE NOTE: Earnings and salaries will vary with industry, region and experience of employee.
Employment Outlook:
The employment outlook for Medical Secretaries is Stable. The employment change from 2002 to 2012 is estimated to be +17.2%. (The National average for all occupations is +14.8%.)
The employment outlook for Medical Receptionists is Increasing. The employment change from 2002 - 2012 is estimated to be +29.5%. (The National average for all occupation is +14.8%.)
Source: CHOICES