Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Updated December 1, 2023
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Medical office administrators interact with patients, organize sensitive records, and assist patients and their families with insurance claims and billing processes.
Many students aspire to work in the healthcare industry but do not have the time or money to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree. These learners can instead earn an online medical office administration certificate to qualify for healthcare support positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that, among all major occupational groups, healthcare support positions will grow at the fastest rates: 22.1% from 2019-2029. COVID-19 has underlined a critical need for medical professionals at every level. An aging population and expanding scope of responsibilities have also led to increased demand for these professionals.
Prospective students should consider what educational and professional pathways they can take to enter this field. This guide explores medical office administration certificates and ranks the top programs.
Featured Online Schools
The Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration Programs
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The flexible medical office administration certificate at Pitt Community College provides an online route to medical office administration training. The public institution offers 55 certificate programs, supporting distance learners from its main campus in Winterville, North Carolina.
With career-focused classes, the medical office administration program introduces participants to industry-relevant topics while providing insights into professional roles. Certificate-seekers can also boost their career training with workshops, events, and internship opportunities. Enrollees can modify the program based on their schedule. Distance learners choose from full-time and part-time options in the online medical office administration program. Working professionals and busy students benefit from the flexible options.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for distance learners to submit the FAFSA and receive aid. The school's financial aid options include external scholarships, internal funding opportunities, and federal financial aid. The institution reports that 99% of the student body receives financial aid, while the graduation rate is 28%.
#2 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Johnston Community College
Smithfield, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The online certificate in medical office administration at Johnston Community College appeals to students seeking career training in a flexible format. From its campus in Smithfield, North Carolina, the public institution lets learners choose from 46 certificate options.
The medical office administration program offers industry-tailored classes that help participants deepen their knowledge of the field while gaining industry insights. Certificate-seekers work with faculty members to customize their course of study and gain hands-on training related to their career goals. Flexible enrollment options allow learners to fit school into their schedule. The online medical office administration program enrolls students full time and part time. Working professionals and busy students rely on this flexibility.
Distance learners can contact the financial aid office to learn more about eligibility for certificate programs. The school connects students with financial aid resources, including scholarships and federal aid programs. Currently, 57% of the student body receives some form of financial aid, and the school has a 31% graduation rate.
#3 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Piedmont Community College
Roxboro, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The medical office administration certificate at Piedmont Community College introduces students to career-focused topics in a flexible learning environment. Located in Roxboro, North Carolina, the public institution offers 33 certificate options.
The curriculum draws on industry-relevant topics to provide participants a deep understanding of the medical office administration profession. Certificate-seekers participate in experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant skills for their career path. Flexible course options make it easier for learners to fit classes around their other responsibilities. The online certificate program offers full-time and part-time tracks. Busy students can balance school with work and other responsibilities thanks to this flexibility.
Distance learners can contact the financial aid office to learn more about eligibility for certificate programs. The college offers numerous internal and external funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. According to the school, 67% of enrollees receive financial aid and the graduation rate is 33%.
#4 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Surry Community College
Dobson, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The flexible medical office administration certificate at Surry Community College provides an online route to medical office administration training. From its Dobson campus, the public institution operates 71 certificate options for remote learners.
The medical office administration curriculum challenges participants with industry-tailored classes which offer insights into the profession. Certificate-seekers can also participate in hands-on learning opportunities relevant to the field. Enrollees have the option to modify their coursework and learning trajectory to suit their schedule. The medical office administration certificate program offers full-time and part-time options for distance learners. Working professionals and busy students benefit from the flexible options.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for distance learners to submit the FAFSA and receive aid. The school connects students with financial aid information and provides guidance for applying to scholarships. According to the most recent data, 97% of the student body receives financial aid, while the school reports a graduation rate of 31%.
#5 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Craven Community College
New Bern, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The online medical office administration certificate at Craven Community College offers career-focused training in a flexible format. The public institution delivers 36 certificate programs from its main campus in New Bern, North Carolina.
Participants in the medical office administration program benefit from industry-tailored classes, deepening their knowledge of the medical office administration field while gaining insight into industry professions. Certificate-seekers can also pursue experiential learning opportunities to gain career training while in the program. Learners can modify the curriculum based on their schedule. The medical office administration program uses full-time and part-time schedules for distance learners. This flexibility helps working professionals and other busy students.
Learners can reach out to the financial aid office to learn more about opportunities to pay for a certificate. The school connects students with financial aid resources, including scholarships and federal aid programs. With 72% of all enrollees receiving financial aid, the school boasts a 29% graduation rate.
#6 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Lenoir Community College
Kinston, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Lenoir Community College offers an online medical office administration certificate that appeals to students seeking flexible career training. From its main campus in Kinston, North Carolina, the public institution operates 63 certificate programs.
The medical office administration curriculum introduces participants to key industry topics while providing insights into the profession. Certificate-seekers can also participate in experiential learning opportunities focused on their career goals. Enrollees can adapt the program based on their unique needs and schedule. The online medical office administration certificate program offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options. Busy students can balance school with work and other responsibilities thanks to this flexibility.
Learners can reach out to the financial aid office to learn more about eligibility for assistance. The school offers several internal and external funding opportunities, including scholarships and federal loans. The institution reports that 73% of enrollees receive financial aid, and the overall graduation rate is 30%.
#7 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Gaston College
Dallas, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Gaston College offers an online medical office administration certificate that appeals to students seeking flexible career training. Located in Dallas, North Carolina, the public institution lets learners choose from 75 certificate options.
With industry-tailored classes, the medical office administration program builds key knowledge and skills while providing insights into the profession. Certificate-seekers can also add hands-on training to their skills through workshops, events, and internships. Learners can adapt the course schedule to fit their needs with flexible coursework options. The online certificate in medical office administration offers both full-time and part-time enrollment. These flexible options appeal to working professionals and busy students.
The financial aid office works with distance learners to identify financial aid opportunities. The school distributes federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant. Currently, 65% of enrollees receive financial aid, and the school has a 31% graduation rate.
#8 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Randolph Community College
Asheboro, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Randolph Community College’s online certificate in medical office administration is an attractive option for students seeking flexible training relevant to the medical office administration field. The public institution, located in Asheboro, North Carolina, offers 35 certificate programs.
With industry-tailored classes, the medical office administration program builds key knowledge and skills while providing insights into the profession. Certificate-seekers can also pursue experiential learning opportunities to prepare for the workforce. Flexible course options make it easier for learners to fit classes around their other responsibilities. The medical office administration certificate program offers distance learners the option to pursue full-time or part-time enrollment. This flexibility helps working professionals and other busy students.
Distance learners can contact the financial aid office to learn more about eligibility for certificate programs. The school connects students with financial aid information and provides guidance for applying to scholarships. The institution reports a 47% graduation rate, and 73% of enrollees receive financial aid.
#9 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The online medical office professional certificate at Wake Technical Community College provides medical office administration training in a flexible format. From its main campus in Raleigh, North Carolina, the public institution operates 82 certificate programs.
The medical office administration curriculum introduces participants to key industry topics while providing insights into the profession. Certificate-seekers can also boost their career training with workshops, events, and internship opportunities. Learners choose flexible enrollment options based on their schedule. Full-time and part-time students take field-specific classes as part of the medical office administration program. This flexibility benefits working professionals and busy students.
The financial aid office helps learners identify funding sources for certificate programs. Qualifying students can cover the cost of their certificate program with funding sources like the Pell Grant. With 59% of all enrollees receiving financial aid, the school boasts a 25% graduation rate.
#10 Best Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Bladen Community College
Dublin, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Bladen Community College offers an online medical office administration certificate that appeals to students seeking flexible career training. Learners enroll in 28 certificates offered from the Dublin, North Carolina, campus of the public institution.
With industry-tailored classes, the medical administration aide program introduces participants to foundational topics and offers industry insights. Certificate-seekers can also pursue experiential learning opportunities to gain career training while in the program. Flexible enrollment options help learners make progress toward their certificate. The online program provides full-time and part-time enrollment options. Busy students can balance school with work and other responsibilities thanks to this flexibility.
The financial aid office works with distance learners to identify financial aid opportunities. The school offers internal and external funding opportunities, which include scholarships and federal aid programs like the Pell Grant. The institution reports that 89% of the student body receives financial aid, while the graduation rate is 13%.
Online Medical Office Administration Certificate Program Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
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What Is an Online Medical Office Administration Certificate?
While earning a medical office administration certificate online, students acquire the skills and training necessary to work in healthcare support positions, including terminology, transcription, and technology skills. Students learn how to process patient information, follow healthcare procedures and guidelines, and communicate with other medical professionals.
These programs typically take 6-18 months to complete, so medical office administration certificates attract individuals who are looking to quickly join the healthcare workforce. Certificates can also help experienced professionals advance their careers and develop useful administrative skills. Earning a certificate may also qualify graduates to take industry certification exams.
What's the Difference Between a Medical Office Administration Certificate and an Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration?
A medical office administration associate degree provides much of the same instruction as a medical office administration certificate, with added general education credits. With this additional coursework, the associate degree takes approximately two years to complete. Associate degrees can also count toward general education credits for a bachelor's degree, so students often choose this path as a foundation for later training.
Like a medical office administration certificate, pursuing an associate degree can lead to employment as a medical assistant or medical records technician. Some employers prefer candidates with an undergraduate degree, as they have more specialized skills. Many schools offer both types of programs to accommodate diverse student goals.
What Can You Do With a Medical Office Administration Certificate?
Earning a medical office administration certificate online can lead to work in many healthcare sectors. BLS employment data indicates that most healthcare support professionals handle administration, patient examinations, and clinical work in family services, hospitals, nursing care facilities, and physician offices. However, despite their medically focused training, graduates can also use their administrative skills in other industries, including office and administrative support.
The following section explores three major healthcare industries where certificate-holders can find employment.
Private Practice
Most classes in an online medical office administration certificate program train graduates to work in private practices, where they may support patient examinations and take vitals. They may also handle administrative duties, such as managing patient records, scheduling, and processing insurance information.
Students aiming to work in this field should choose a program that includes clinical practice and classes in facility and medical records management.
Dentistry
Medical office administration certificate-holders typically work on the administration and patient records side of dental offices. These professionals manage patient information and databases, process insurance claims, and schedule appointments.
Candidates pursuing careers in dentistry should take classes in recordkeeping and facility management. Courses in dental terminology and processes could also be useful.
Hospitals
In hospitals, medical office administration certificate graduates typically oversee administrative tasks, such as handling medical records, processing insurance claims, taking patient information, and scheduling.
Understanding hospital regulations and guidelines could give certificate-holders a competitive advantage in this field. While clinical training can help medical assistants pursue laboratory positions, aspiring hospital administrators typically focus on medical coding and billing courses.
Choosing an Online Program
When choosing a certificate program, students should consider factors like accreditation, study times, and program offerings. Every student has unique needs, goals, and circumstances. The following sections and links aim to help aspiring students make informed decisions.
Accreditation for Medical Office Administration Programs
Accreditation ensures that the program and training meet or exceed industry standards. Attending a regionally accredited institution can influence what funding, employment, and certification opportunities you can access after graduation.
Though not always mandatory, medical office administration certificate programs may receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Some industry certifications require CAAHEP accreditation, so candidates should always research a program's status before committing.
What to Expect From a Medical Office Administration Certificate
Coursework in online medical office administration certificate programs varies among schools, but the following list outlines some common courses.
Medical Office Administration Curriculum
- Office Editing: Office editing courses develop writing and grammar skills, with a focus on office documentation. Students learn to compose written messages and edit coworkers' communications.
- Records Management: Students examine recordkeeping techniques used in various healthcare settings, including specific medical record requirements, coding and filing protocols, and legal regulations.
- Medical Terminology: In medical terminology courses, students learn the proper spelling, pronunciation, and use of medical terms. They also explore the etymology of common medical words.
- Medical Office Terms: This course introduces students to medical concepts and procedures, human anatomy, and basic terminology. In most healthcare occupations, students need this training to communicate effectively.
- Medical Billing and Insurance: Students in this course learn to process patient bills and claims. They use industry-standard processes, terminology, and software.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Medical Office Administration Certificate Online?
A medical office administration certificate's timeline depends on each student's enrollment type and course load. Most programs run 9-18 months, though accelerated programs may offer faster completion times.
Conversely, students with busier schedules can also pursue part-time programs that progress more slowly.
Medical Office Administration Certifications
While certificates are educational documents awarded by schools and universities, certificates are typically awarded by professional organizations or associations. Earning these credentials typically requires a passing score on an examination that tests candidates on industry standards.
Eligibility requirements vary by certification, but some require candidates to have completed an accredited program and have relevant work experience. Examinations vary in scope, often covering different specialties, but accredited medical office administration certificates can qualify graduates to take some of these tests.
Once certified, professionals need to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits and renewing their certifications, usually every 2-3 years.
Medical Office Administration Organizations
Professional medical office administration organizations, such as the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management and the Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals, help students, graduates, and experienced professionals strengthen their career prospects.
Members can access educational support resources, career services, and industry news and publications. After entering the workforce, they can also keep up with continuing education, research, and professional development programs.
Medical Office Administration Careers
After earning a medical office certificate online, graduates can access medical careers in hospitals, physician offices, outpatient care centers, and nursing care facilities.
The administrative skills learned in these programs can also lead to positions outside the healthcare sector. The data below looks at some of the most popular career pathways and their median annual salaries, but students can also pursue positions that are not listed.
| Career | Median Salary (2020) |
|---|---|
| Medical Records and Health Information Technician | $44,090 |
| Medical Secretary and Administrative Assistant | $40,990 |
| Information Clerk | $36,920 |
| Medical Assistant | $35,850 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $35,270 |
| Receptionist | $31,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can You Do With a Medical Office Administration Certificate?
Graduates with a medical office administration certificate can pursue healthcare and office support positions. Their medical knowledge also makes them strong candidates for medical assistant careers.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Medical Office Administrator?
Medical office administration certificates can help graduates become medical office administrators in less than one year. To qualify for MOAC credentials, graduates may need one year of supervised experience, bringing the total time to about two years.
How Do I Become a Certified Medical Office Manager?
For the Practice Management Institute's CMOM credential, candidates need at least one year of supervised experience and must pass an examination. Since it takes approximately one year to earn a medical office administration certificate, this process takes about two years.
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