Program Description
This two-year program is designed to prepare students for a professional career as an administrative support specialist and reflects the evolving responsibilities of this occupation. Office professionals are increasingly self-directed and technically proficient. This program emphasizes project management; Internet communications and research; document retrieval; customer service and public relations; the ability to take initiative, think logically, demonstrate problem-solving techniques and successfully interact with a variety of personalities.
The program includes theoretical and laboratory instruction by providing students with up-to-date training for today’s high-tech office as well as a strong background in office-related skills and knowledge. Additionally, an internship at an area business setting provides the foundation needed for the following certification exams: Computing Core Certification (IC3), Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), and Office Proficiency Assessment Certification (OPAC). Students pursuing the medical concentration will also develop their expertise in diagnostic and procedure coding and medical office billing procedures.
Secretaries and administrative professionals perform a variety of clerical and managerial duties that are necessary to run an organization efficiently. Instruction includes business communications, principles of property, civil, criminal and business law, scheduling and travel management, accounting, filing systems and records management, conference and meeting recording, report preparation, office equipment and procedures, office management skills, and professional standards. Specific job duties vary by experience,job title, and specialty.
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants provide high-level administrative support for an office and for top executives of an organization. They often handle more complex responsibilities, such as reviewing incoming documents, conducting research, and preparing reports. Some also supervise clerical staff.
Legal secretaries perform work that requires knowledge of legal terminology and procedures. They prepare legal papers such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas under the supervision of an attorney or a paralegal. They also review legal journals and help with legal research—for example, by verifying quotes and citations in legal briefs.
Medical secretaries prepare reports or articles for physicians or medical scientists. They take simple medical histories of patients, arrange for patients to be hospitalized, or process insurance payments. Medical secretaries need to be familiar with medical terminology, medical records, and hospital or laboratory procedures.
Program Goals and Objectives –
In addition to the learning outcomes set forth in the general education core curriculum for the associate of applied science degree, specific outcomes for this concentration have been established. Upon completion of the program graduates will:
- Operate office equipment, use office procedures, perform machine transcription, manage records and prepare documents with proficiency
- Utilize office technology such as word processing, electronic file management, electronic presentations with proficiency
- Pass the Microsoft Office Certification Exams – Word, Excel and PowerPoint and the OPAC Exam
Program Goals and Objectives – Medical Concentration
In addition to the learning outcomes set forth in the general education core curriculum for the associate of applied science degree, specific outcomes for this concentration have been established. Upon completion of the program graduates will:
- Operate office equipment, use office procedures, perform machine transcription, manage records and prepare documents with proficiency
- Utilize office technology such as word processing, electronic file management, electronic presentations with proficiency
- Pass the Microsoft Office Certification – Word, Excel and Access and the OPAC Exam
- Apply diagnostic and procedure principles and guidelines
- Use medical office billing guidelines and procedures
- Utilize medical terminology as well as knowledge of human anatomy, basic pharmacology, and pathophysiology of the human body to assign medical codes
- Interpret medical records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations
Program Assessment All Concentrations
Course outcomes are assessed by exit exams, project or portfolio in each course. Program outcomes are assessed in capstone courses and internship. Learner outcomes are assessed by national certification examinations. General education outcomes are assessed by a portfolio.
Careers
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, overall employment of secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth, however, will vary by occupational specialty.
Employment of medical secretaries is projected to grow 36 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Federal health legislation will expand the number of patients who have access to health insurance, increasing patient access to medical care. In addition, the aging population will have increased demand for medical services. As a result, medical secretaries will be needed to handle administrative tasks related to billing and insurance processing.
Gainful Employment Information
The Administrative Professional Technology program prepares graduates for employment as:
43-6011.00* - Excutive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistant – Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Executive Secretary, Administrative Secretary, Office Manager, Administrative Coordinator, Administrative Aide, Administrative Associate, Executive Administrative Assistant, Secretary
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