By Richy Huneycutt
Interested in a career working in a medical, legal, or general business office? Lenoir Community College’s Medical Office Administration and Office Administration programs will prepare you to do just that!
“You’re always going to have people working in offices,” said Carla Jones, program chair for both programs. “Our students do not have problems working in the field.”
LCC offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Medical Office Administration with two tracks—Medical Billing & Coding and General Medical Office as well as Certificates in Medical Administrative Assistant (with certification), Medical Records, Medical Coding, Billing & Insurance, and Patient Services Representative.
According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) sources, the average medical coder with no certification earns approximately $45,035 a year while professionals with one certification earn approximately $51,477. The North Carolina Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for a General Medical Office professional is $34,770.
Jones said skilled medical office personnel play a vital role in the medical office and are essential to the success of a medical facility.
Course work includes: medical terminology, information systems, office management, office finance, healthcare customer relations, medical insurance, billing, and coding, electronic health records, records management, legal and ethical issue, document formatting, virtual office, and word processing. Students will learn administrative and support functions and develop skills applicable in medical environments.
“Our graduates find employment opportunities in a variety of office positions in medical and dental offices, hospitals, insurance companies, medical billing companies, medical supply companies, and other healthcare related organizations,” she said. “Once students graduate, they are eligible to sit for industry recognized certification exams such as Certified Medical Administrative Assistant.”
LCC offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Office Administration with two tracks—Legal Assistant and General Office Administration as well as Certificates in Office Administration, Virtual Office, Office Management, and Legal Assistant.
According to the North Carolina Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a Legal Assistant is $46,450 and the median salary for General Office Administration is $37,620.
“This program prepares students for employment as administrative office personnel who use skills in the areas of office management, office finance, legal office, virtual office, customer service, and office software.
Course work includes computer applications, oral and written communications, document processing and formatting, professional development, analysis and coordination of office tasks and procedures, records management, legal terminology, legal document formatting, and other topics depending on the subject area selected within this curriculum. Graduates qualify for employment opportunities in a variety of office positions in business, corporate, legal, government, and industry.
Jones said a number of offices today cross train their employees. “While we offer a number of certificates in both areas, we highly encourage students to get the degree as it provides the best foundation for employment,” she said. “Students looking to advance further in their career may go on to earn bachelor’s degrees in fields such as business management and healthcare management. There are a lot of opportunities.”
For more information, visit LCC Medical Office or LCC Office Admin.
