Tag: medical school

The Best Colleges for Healthcare Management Degrees in the U.S.

Are you looking for a path to a long and prosperous career in the health field? Do you want to be a clinical director, health and social services manager, office manager or a practice administrator?  A survey done by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics found the workforce is expected to grow by 17% in the next decade for health and medical service managers. We have ranked the top 5 best colleges for healthcare management based on results of peer assessment surveys sent to professionals. A point based system was employed where other factors such as the tuition rates, retention rates and student/ faculty ratio were also considered.

Concordia University

Concordia University’s healthcare management program stands out due to its efficiency in course delivery. With a high school diploma and original copies of your SATs or ACTs, freshmen can be well on their way to acquiring a healthcare management degree certified by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Attention is particularly given to teaching students how to improve efficaciousness and quality of health care. The fully online course encompasses 128-credits where students are taken through general education, principles of health care management, healthcare marketing and governing ethics. At the end of the course, students are required to go through a 60-hour practicum supervised by an assigned university lecturer. Boasting of a 90% placement rate, and similar fees for in-state or out-of-state residents, students are assured of detailed learning from industry experts.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Housing the largest academic medical center in the United States, UAB is perfect for a student looking to create a rich network early on in their career. The healthcare management course offered here is purely online. This is of particular interest to professionals already within the field looking to climb the corporate ladder. By accessing UAB online, prospective students get a breakdown of what’s offered at the institution. For graduates with associate degrees, certificates and state licenses, they can start at the clinical manager track. Also offered is the pre-professional track which is available for students with a master’s degree. At the point of admission, each student is required to have a minimum of 2.5-2.75 GPA.

Gardener-Webb University

At Gardener-Webb University, students interested in Healthcare Management are not only presented with the basics of the field, they are introduced to Christian business ethics. The program here is structured to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts of human relations management, operations and organizational structures. The healthcare management program at Gardener Webb University includes 36 credit hours in Broyhill Undergraduate School of Management and 21 hours of the Healthcare Management course. Graduates from the degree program at Gardner-Webb University boast of having extensive insight into international health, heath care policies, laws, budgeting, and finances. Students part with $30,000 on tuition fees per academic year with additional costs for housing, books and supplies.

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Located in Missouri, Maryville University of Saint Louis comes in fourth. With a student/ faculty ratio of 14:1, their online healthcare management degree is highly sought after due to the immersive practicum program. The program accepts transfers of eligible credits making it suitable for students interested in making a career change. The degree course is structured to provide you with contextual insights into the running of a healthcare practice. Students can expect to be taken through financial management in healthcare, software and technologies in healthcare and end their program with a practicum. The course is accredited by HLC, ranked amongst America’s Top Colleges by Forbes in 2017 and ranked as the private college with the best value by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 2018 ranking. The degree program costs $27000 per academic year for the 4 academic years.

Drury University

Located in Springfield, Missouri, the 124 credit healthcare management program is a leader in impacting organizational leadership and financial basics. This course is perfect for professionals or undergraduates interested in going into elderly care. It offers a unit in gerontology where students are taken through sociological, psychological and economic factors in aging. The institution offers an extensive course into health care ethics with facilitators utilizing case studies for a hands-on learning experience. The institution allows the transfer of relatable credits with 30 credits set as the minimum requirement. Based on 12-17 credit hours per semester, full time undergraduate students pay a minimum of $13,700.

 

Healthcare management covers a large pool of positions and settings within the healthcare industry. Earning a degree in healthcare management from the best schools is the first step into getting a position within any hospital, insurance company or long term care facility of your choice. Remember, as the healthcare industry grows, so do your opportunities to take a leadership role and have a long and lucrative career.

How to Get an Online Medical Billing Coding Certificate

Medical billing and coding specialists are an integral part of any successful medical facility. For students, it is an appealing endeavor as these are the two fastest growing jobs in the health sector. According to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected growth in the field of up to 13% by year 2026. With an average pay of up to $40,000 per year, no wonder more and more students are interested in the budding field. We break down the courses, explore how to attain an online certificate in medical billing and coding and finally highlight competitive certification programs available online.

Medical billing and coding professionals review medical records and establish the diagnoses and procedures that a patient had.  Usually, graduates of an online medical billing and coding certificate work with insurance firms, patients or government authorities when dealing with claims or reimbursements. Additionally, they prepare invoices, code medical procedures and send bills out to patients. Coders are tasked with translating medical services into readable codes.

A certificate in medical billing and coding is perfect for individuals interested in joining the fast-paced medical field or those trying to advance their career in the field. Moreover, the online certificate course fits people on the lookout for a quick career change. In normal settings, the certification takes about one year to compete. The self-paced nature of most programs makes it possible for students to complete the course at their convenience.

Requirements

Even though the application processes for medical billing and coding certificate may differ from institution to institution, you will need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent with a GPO of 2.0 or higher. An associate degree in a related field may also come in handy. Notably, online certificate programs allow you to send your application just a few weeks before the course starts. Additionally, you may be required to present transcripts from any relevant coursework completed before. Often, you will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee while dropping off the application papers.

Medical billing and coding certification online is often broken down into:

Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab

This is the first stop for most online medical billing and coding certificate courses. Students are taken through a comprehensive breakdown of body structures and functions. You should expect to breakdown cell structures and functionality. By the end of this introductory unit, students are able to understand the different relationships among body systems.

Pathopharmacology

Here, a student is equipped with knowledge of common human diseases and they get to explore the various therapies used to treat these. There’s emphasis on the disease etiology and symptoms. Students also learn diagnostic measures where dosage is also explained.

International Classification of Diseases

Students go through the principals, guidelines, definitions of terms used in the international classification of diseases. Students go through the anatomy and code structure of body systems. Moderators usually introduce coding references and ethics at this point.

Current Procedural Terminology Coding with Lab

This section builds up on the classification systems. Students are taken through CPT -4 and older versions of procedural terminologies.

Types of Medical Billing and Coding Certification Available Online

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

This is the most recognized medical coding certification currently. This comprises understanding code sets used in the healthcare industry.

Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)

Emphasis here is on understanding terminologies, payment methodologies and codes used in the outpatient setup. Specialists with this certification are set to work in surgical centers, coding departments and outpatient billing departments.

Certified Professional Biller (CPB)

Emphasis is on understanding the overall revenue cycle. Training is intended to get specialists to hone their reimbursement filing skills.

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

Certification here means the specialist understands the record and documentation guidelines. They aim at ensuring the health care facility where they work not only complies to the medical standards when it comes to coding and billing but also that the establishment remains profitable.

Certified Physician Practice Manger (CPPM)

Specialists with this certificate are well-versed in medical reforms, medical office accounting and facets of physical practice management.

Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)

Those holding this certificate ensure compliance of healthcare regulations and prevention of Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

Tips for choosing where to get your certificate

  • Ensure that the course is accredited. Quality is of concern for anyone looking to pursue any online course. Check whether the certificate course is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIM).
  • Go for institutions that will equip you in CPT, ICD-9 and HCPCS manuals by the end of the program.
  • Look for an online course that will prepare you to sit for the Certified Professional Coder from American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

With advancement in the field, medical billing and coding certificate has not only become lucrative but also the standards have become progressively complex. Hopefully, this will help guide you on how to get a medical billing and coding certificate online and choosing an online certificate that will equip you to deal with treatment records, assign codes to diagnose patients and work with insurance companies on claims.

10 Best Medical Assistant Schools in the United States

Being a medical assistant (MA) is a fulfilling career putting you in a unique position to change lives. Most importantly, professionals are in high demand with statistics from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a projected growth of 29% by 2026. It is paramount to choose the right medical assistant school in order to thrive in this dynamic career.

These schools were ranked based on the following metrics:

  • graduation rate
  • retention rate
  • cost of tuition
  • community culture
  • student services

Medical assistant schools with the lowest tuition cost, highest graduation and retention rates and easiest to apply are ranked highest. All school programs ranked are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

1. Century College

Century College Medical Assistant program is ranked the number one program in the country. It boasts of having the highest graduation rates, retention rates and affordable tuition rates. Located just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, the program is designed to equip students with the best patient care management skills. Graduates go through 48 credited hours and a 300-hour clinical externship under direct supervision of a physician. After the program, trainees will have gained clinical, laboratory and administrative skills to enhance the quality of patients’ lives. To apply, students need an official high school transcript and a certificate of good conduct. Additionally, you have to pass English and reading course placement tests and arithmetic course placement tests.

2. Eastern Idaho Technical College

Eastern Idaho Technical College makes it to this list due to its friendly tuition rates coupled with a 96.67% retention rate. The small population at the campus offers MA students an opportunity to have one on one interaction with the training stuff. The medical assistant associate of applied science degree runs 4 semesters and a summer totaling to 2 years. Application involves filling out the admission form, presenting high school transcripts and proof of Placement tests for English and Math. A C or better is required for pre-requisite coursework as well as a criminal background check.

3. Wichita Area Technical College

At Wichita Area Technical College offers great certificate and associate medical assistant degree programs. The program boosts of a 60% retention and graduation rate. The institution offers a 9-months technical MA certificate and a 24 months Associate of Applied Science MA degree. Medical assistants from the program are equipped with cognitive skills and effective techniques to offer excellent work as heath care providers. Applicants are expected to take an Accuplacer science, arithmetic and reading test and provide a high school diploma during application.

4. Mitchell Technical Institute

The medical assistant program at Mitchell Technical Institute is a 2-year program where graduates get an associate of applied science degree. This fully accredited program, located in Mitchell, South Dakota, prepares medical assistants that can handle both the front office work and direct patient care. Application is relatively easy with applicants being required to provide a criminal background check and verification that they don’t have physical limitations. This is meant to ascertain they can perform routine tasks.  The students go through 73 credited hours in classrooms and cutting-edge laboratories. After graduation, students can sit for the certification examinations by the AAMA to improve their chances at job placement.

5. Renton Technical College

The medical assistant program at Renton Technical College (just south of Seattle, WA) has a retention rate of 85% and graduation rates on 97%. Other than extensive classroom and laboratory studies, students go through supervised clinical practicum. Additionally, students are prepared for the four national credentialing exams. Applicants require a high school diploma, a certificate of good conduct and a certificate of good health.

6. Nebraska Methodist College

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this religious institution offers a 12- month MA certificate program to applicants from diverse backgrounds. The program, with a retention rate of 92%, requires a total of 930 credited hours with 300 hours reserved for hands-on clinical experience. Students are prepared for AAMA examination prior to graduation in their fully-equipped laboratory and class sessions. Applicants must have a high school diploma with a GPA of 2.0 and exemplary abilities in science and math courses.

7. YTI Career Institute

The medical assistant program at YTI Career Institute (in Lancaster, PA) equips new entrants into the profession with hands-on patient care techniques as well as front office acumen. In 21 months, graduates earn an Associate in Specialized Technology degree. The institute, with graduation rates of 67% and retention of 80%, boasts of up to date medical facilities, equipment and qualified staff. With the 12 weeks externship, graduates get on-the-job skills that will have them be integral members on any medical team.

8. Ohio Business College

Ohio Business College’s accredited MA program has a retention rate of 75% and graduation rates of 57%. They offer flexible class schedules across multiple branches within Ohio including day and night classes. The diploma is offered at main campus and Sandusky campus each boasting of a 5-year graduate satisfaction rate of 100%. Applicants require a high school diploma and good written and spoken English.

9. Forest College

Located in Anderson, South Carolina, Forest College MA degree program has 65% retention rates. Graduates make it out with an associate of science in medical assisting in 95 credited hours. These allied health professionals become multi-functional professionals that make integral members of health-care delivery teams in and out of state. Applicants require a complete physical examination, criminal background checks and high school diplomas with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

10. Kennebec Valley Community College

Located in Fairfield, Maine, Kennebec Valley Community College offers a certificate and two-year Associated in Applied Science MA degree. The graduation rate is at a mere 40% and the retention rate of just 67%. Applicants need an official high school diploma and a minimum of C in College level science with labs. Additionally, a minimum 74 is required in the Accuplacer sentence skills tests and 55 in arithmetic. At the start of the first semester of the MA course, students need strong academic standing in the form of a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

A professional medical assistant is a multi-faceted individual with top-notch skills in all aspects of medical practice requiring excellent training. These top credited medical assistant schools in the U.S will jump start your career in this highly competitive, rewarding career.