Medical Office Administration
The Medical Office Administration program will prepare students in all aspects of working in the office, including integrated applications, desktop publishing, telephone and listening techniques, time management, records management, electronic records, human relations, oral and written business communications, calendar control, and the profession's ethical code. Computer skills include word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation and telecommunication applications.
The Medical Office Administration program is recognized by the Texas Workforce Investment Council (formerly the Texas Skills Standards Board) which verifies that the knowledge and skill competencies required by industry are included within the curriculum.
Program Outcomes
- Use medical terminology, jargon, and abbreviations correctly.
- Understand and apply legal terminology and medical ethics relevant to medical coding and medical office practice.
- Apply medical coding rules and guidelines to complete claims forms for submission.
- Utilizes basic medical office functions, software, and management concepts.
Communication
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Teamwork
Social Responsibility
Personal Responsibility
Professional Ethics and Confidentiality
Adaptability
Ability to Research
Career Information
A degree in Medical Office Administration opens opportunities in Front Desk Worker, Referral Clerk, Appointment Scheduler.
| Course | Title | SCH |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| ACNT 1303 | Introduction to Accounting I | 3 |
| HITT 1212 | History of Health Info Tech in the U.S. | 3 |
| HITT 1305 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| MDCA 1321 | Administrative Procedures | 3 |
| POFI 1349 | Spreadsheets | 3 |
| POFM 1202 | Medical Software Applications | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| HITT 1253 | Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Info | 3 |
| HITT 1303 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| HITT 1313 | Coding & Insurance | 3 |
| ITSW 1301 | Introduction to Word Processing | 3 |
| POFT 2312 | Business Correspondence & Communication | 3 |
| Third Semester | ||
| ENGL 2311 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| MATH 1324 | Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences | 3 |
| POFM 1300 | Basic Medical Coding | 3 |
| POFT 1313 | Professional Workforce Preparation | 3 |
| MDCA 1309 | A&P for Medical Assistants | 3 |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| XXXX x3xx | Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 |
| POFM 2310 | Intermediate Medical Coding | 3 |
| POFM 2386 | Internship-Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary | 3 |
| XXXX x3xx | Social/Behavioral Science | 3 |
| SPCH 1321 | Business and Professional Comm. | 3 |
| Total | 60 | |
| course | title | sch |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| ACNT 1303 | Introduction to Accounting I | 3 |
| HITT 1212 | History of Health Info Tech in the U.S. | 3 |
| HITT 1305 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| MDCA 1321 | Administrative Procedures | 3 |
| POFI 1349 | Spreadsheets | 3 |
| POFM 1202 | Medical Software Applications | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| HITT 1253 | Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Info | 3 |
| HITT 1303 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| HITT 1313 | Coding & Insurance | 3 |
| ITSW 1301 | Introduction to Word Processing | 3 |
| POFT 2312 | Business Correspondence and Communication | 3 |
| Total | 30 | |
Transfer Pathways & Career Advancement
A Medical Office Administration AAS degree provides a foundation for administrative and management roles in healthcare. After completing this program, students may:
- Pursue advanced roles over time. With experience, additional education, and certification, graduates may qualify for roles such as office manager, practice manager, clinic administrator, patient services coordinator, or other supervisory positions in healthcare settings.
- Seek professional administrative or management certifications. Graduates are prepared to pursue industry-recognized credentials such as CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant), CEHRS (Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist), and CMOM (Certified Medical Office Manager).
- Apply credits to further their education. Coursework from the Medical Office Administration program may apply toward additional degrees or certificates in areas such as Healthcare Administration or Health Information Management, depending on the college and degree plan. Graduates may also pursue advanced professional certifications such as CPPM (Certified Physician Practice Manager) with additional experience or preparation.
- Transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program. Students may transfer into a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration or Healthcare Management, depending on university transfer policies.
These “stackable” pathways allow graduates to begin working in the field and continue building their education and career toward higher-level administrative and management roles.
Where do graduates typically find jobs after graduation?
Typically, graduates find positions in medical and related offices and dental offices. This certificate or degree allows graduates to work in any type of medical office.
What kind of salary can I expect?
According to recent data from O*NET OnLine, BLS, Indeed, and Salary.com:
- The average salary for Medical Office Administration roles ranges from $40,000–$50,000 per year (about $20–$24 per hour).
- Entry-level administrative positions typically start around $16–$20 per hour.
- Experienced administrative staff and office managers may earn $25–$30+ per hour, depending on responsibilities and setting.
- Actual pay varies based on experience, job duties, employer type, and location.
How long will the degree take?
For most students who attend full time:
- An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree typically takes about two years to complete.
- A Level 1 Certificate usually takes about one year (2 semestes) to complete.
Students who attend part time or who need developmental courses may take longer.
Do you have job placement help?
Yes. LSCPA provides job search assistance to students and graduates.
- We maintain a job board that students can access while they are enrolled.
- Some program faculty and staff can offer resume feedback, interview tips, and networking guidance, and may share information about internship and entry-level opportunities in the area.
While we cannot guarantee job placement, we actively support students in their job search.
Does Lamar State College Port Arthur offer internship opportunities?
Yes. As part of the Medical Office Administration degree program, LSCPA places students with area business in the field of study. Often, students earn permanent positions after graduation as a result of internships.
Tonya J. Harbert, CPC
Instructor I
Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, Office 201H
Phone: (409) 984-6501
Email: keithtj@lamarpa.edu
Kellie C. Buckner
Adjunct Instructor
Student Success Center, Office 411
Phone: (409) 984-6378
Email: bucknerkc@lamarpa.edu
Adriane M. Champagne
Instructor I
Student Success Center, Office 130
Phone: (409) 984-6416
Email: champagneam@lamarpa.edu
Alpha Beta Gamma
Phi Theta Kappa
LSCPA's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f), 34 CFR 668.46).
Overview
Associate of Applied Science
Certificates
Contact
Tonya Harbert, CPC
Program Director
Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, Office 201H