Colleges and universities offer both Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in medical office systems. Both require about two years to complete. About half of the approximately 60 credits such programs require focus on medical systems, while the other half are basic studies courses such as composition, social science and math. AAS programs include more vocational types of courses such as technical writing rather than college composition and applied math rather than algebra.
The courses specific to the medical office systems degree include telecommunications, medical terminology, patient record keeping, medical claims, billing, legal issues in medical office management, business administration and basic accounting. Students learn how to manage busy medical offices both in private practice and hospital settings through coursework regarding human resources, finance, interpersonal skills and communication. Programs often have titles like health administration, health information management, health information technology and medical office administration.
Some associate degrees also lead to the title of certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA). Offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the exam for this certification tests applicants' ability to collect and maintain necessary medical office information on staff and patients, understand budgets, appropriately respond to correspondence, use a variety of record-keeping software and systems, and interview potential employees. According to the NHA, certification may lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.
The associate degree in medical office systems prepares graduates for entry directly into the work force as medical office assistants or managers. Students should work toward the AS degree rather than the AAS if they intend to continue schooling toward a bachelor's degree in medical administration since the AS is a transfer degree while the AAS is more vocational. Students with an AAS degree may enter a four-year program but will likely need to take further general education courses before obtaining the bachelor's degree.