• Education Prerequisites: Online medical office certificate programs typically require students to have a high school diploma or GED prior to enrolling. Some programs may also require students to demonstrate basic computer proficiency.
• Professional Prerequisites: Online medical office certification program requirements vary by university. Though some may not have any professional requirements other programs may require students to have some office experience.
• Average Program Length: 1 year (full time); 2 years (part time)

Most online certificate programs in medical office are designed for individuals who have some office experience but want to learn how to apply their skills to a health care setting. Students who are interested in becoming medical receptionists, office assistants, or administrative professionals can benefit from a medical office certificate program online. Students who are currently employed as medical office professionals can also benefit from online certificate programs as the course work may give them the knowledge they would need to receive a promotion.

Completing an Online Certificate Program in Medical Office

Certificate programs in medical office typically require students to complete classes that prepare them to work in a health care setting. Examples of classes include medical terminology, anatomy, medical ethics, and insurance. The best online certificate programs include classes in keyboarding, computers, and transcription. Some certificate programs offer course work in medical billing and coding which may be a good option for individuals interested in becoming billing and coding professionals. If you have a specific career in mind, you may be able to adjust your certificate accordingly as some programs do offer concentrations.

Class work for accredited online certificate programs may include exposure to the software commonly used in medical office environments. In addition, students will practice office procedures and learn the basics of medical care. All course work will be submitted through an online portal. It is not common for medical office certificates to include an internship component. However, office experience may be extremely beneficial in helping graduates find positions.

What Your Online Certificate in Medical Office Can Do for You

Online certificates in medical office are designed to establish students as administrative personnel who specialize in health care settings. The course work that certificate students take prepares them for the medical terminology and office procedures that they will need to know on a daily basis. Though they are typically geared toward students who are looking to establish careers as medical office professionals, certificates can also help current professionals stay on top of new information and new technology.

Depending upon how students choose to tailor their certificates they can go on to become medical record technicians, medical transcriptionists, or administrative assistants. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical record technicians earn $32,350 annually. Meanwhile, the BLS reports that medical transcriptionists earn $32,900 annually. Administrative assistants earn a little more – $34,660 annually, according to the BLS. Of course, salaries will vary.

Online Certificate Programs by School

	Herzing University - Herzing's online certificate program offers the flexibility, personalization, and support you need to succeed in today's ever-changing job market. Discover Herzing's hands-on coursework, experienced faculty, and student-first approach which sets them apart from other online universities.
	Ultimate Medical Academy - Get personalized attention with UMA. One-on-one tutoring, pre-interview coaching, job search assistance, alumni services—they’re all included in Ultimate Medical Academy’s competitively priced tuition. As a nationally accredited school, we provide quality career training online and at our two campuses in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Let’s talk about your needs, your career goals and how UMA can help you succeed. Gainful employment information can be found at ultimatemedical.edu/gainful-employment.pdf and includes information on tuition, loan debt, completion, placement and occupations.
	Penn Foster Career School - Penn Foster Career School offers over 85 online career diploma and certificate programs that can help students prepare for a career path in some of today’s fastest growing fields. If you are looking for training in allied health, business, education, or the trades, then Penn Foster Career School is a great choice. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.