Physician Office Assistant Certificate: Non-Credit  (0028)

Do you have great customer service skills? Are you interested in clerical work?

Let us help you develop the skills you need to find a position as a physician office assistant.

 

What can I do with this in the workforce? 

Physician office assistants work in the front of primary and specialty medical practices and contact call centers. Job duties may include:

• Provide friendly customer service to patients
• Answer phone calls
• Collect payments
• Handle patients’ medical insurance and electronic medical records
• Prepare schedules    

 

What is the average salary?

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What is HACC’s program like?

You will learn how an outpatient medical practice works and handles the everyday duties related to patients’ records, scheduling and more. The classes will incorporate critical thinking skills, customer service activities and generational and cultural diversity where appropriate.

Enrolled students must complete the following items before starting their unpaid externship, which is part of the program. You are responsible for any payment related to these items.

• Physical exam
• Documentation of immunizations
• Background check
• Drug and alcohol screening

Our program is designed to prepare you to:

• Discuss the United States heath care delivery system
• Recognize the fundamental principles of healthcare law and ethics including HIPAA and ACT 13
• Demonstrate methods of communication that improve interpersonal relations, as applied to patients, peers, supervisors, and other healthcare team members
• Define medical terminology
• Explain the different methods of capturing and recording EHR data
• Compare and contrast various types of electronic health record computers, such as workstation, laptop, tablet/PC
• Describe the different types of telephone calls a medical professional may handle
• Explain the proper protocol for answering the telephone in a medical facility and list all the information that should be documented the phone messages
• Discuss meeting planning considerations, agendas, and various methodology for holding meetings, such as teleconferences

 

What classes will I take?

• View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.

• Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

 

Can I transfer my credits to a four-year college or university?

Upon completing your certificate, you can continue your education at HACC if you wish! We have a variety of healthcare programs, among others, that may be of interest.

When you complete an associate degree, you can continue and transfer credits to a four-year school.

 

Where can I complete this program? 

For your convenience, you can complete the certificate at our Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster,  Lebanon and York campuses.

 

Does HACC offer scholarships?

Yes! Through the HACC Foundation, scholarships are available. Please visit hacc.edu/scholarships for details and deadlines.

 

When can I apply?

You can complete spring, summer and fall classes at HACC. Please use the information below to contact us to learn start dates and enrollment deadlines.

 

How can I learn more?

We are passionate about providing a high-quality education and an opportunity for you to pursue your goals. Please contact the healthcare education office in our Workforce Development and Continuing Education Division at 717-221-1352 for more information.