Are You Considering Taking Part in a Medical Office Administration Program? Factors to Consider When Selecting a Program

20 January 2017
 Categories: Education & Development, Blog

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If you are looking to learn skills that can help you find a job once your training is complete, you may be considering working in the medical office administration field. This career field is expected to offer faster than average growth between 2012 and 2022, making it a great field to get into. However, before you can get into this field, most employers want you to have some experience or knowledge so that you can jump right into the job without needing training. A medical office administration program can help you with this goal. But not all training programs are the same. While you likely know to keep price and the length of the program in mind, there are a few other factors that you may be unaware that you need to consider. Here are a few questions to ask when selecting a medical office administration program.

Is It a Certificate or an Associate's Degree Program?

One of the most important factors you need to consider when selecting a medical office administration program is whether it is a certificate program or an associate's degree program. A certificate program is typically shorter than an associate's program and focuses only on the subjects that are needed to complete a job in this field. On the other hand, an associate's program is typically about two years and requires you to take general education courses, such as English and math, as well. However, if you decide to get a bachelor's degree, your credits from an associate's degree may be transferred toward those requirements, whereas that isn't the case with a certificate program.

What Percentage of Those Who Have Taken the Program Are Working in Their Desired Field?

Another important factor to consider when you are selecting a medical office administration program is what percentage of those who have taken the program are successfully employed in their desired field. This is a statistic most schools will keep track of, as it helps them to determine how successful their program is at getting their students the job they want. Some schools offer job placement services to help their students get jobs, while others don't. Regardless, you want to find a school that has a high percentage of former students who are working in this field.

What Program Do Doctor's Offices Recommend?

If you are serious about taking part in a medical office administration program, call doctor's offices in your area. Ask if they have any recommendations for programs. They may have hired students who have completed these courses, giving them the advantage of saying that one program trains students for work in the field, while another may not have. This first-hand insight may help you select a great program that can help land you a job in your area.

There are many factors you need to consider when selecting a medical office administration program. Taking your time and doing your research will help guide you to the right program for your needs.