Medical Office Specialist

Program Information

This program offers rigorous and comprehensive training to individuals seeking to become essential frontline professionals in healthcare settings. By emphasizing a blend of technical know-how, soft skills, and practical industry knowledge, this certificate stands as a hallmark of excellence in the realm of healthcare administration.

Our Medical Office Specialist Short-Term Certificate Program is crafted to ensure students emerge as well-rounded, competent, and compassionate professionals. Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical training, and industry insights, students will be prepared to seamlessly transition into roles in diverse healthcare environments. This program not only provides the tools necessary for immediate employment but also lays a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue further studies or specializations in the healthcare administrative field.

The Medical Office Specialist program will start Winter 2026. See the Application Process tab for more information.


Getting Started in Medical Office Specialist

The Medical Office Specialist program is a two quarter program that begins winter quarter of each year. Prior to applying to this program at CBC, please make sure you meet college admission criteria. 

Application Process
There is a new start date for the opportunity to apply to the Medical Office Specialist program. The application will be available in September 2025 for a winter quarter 2026 program. Detailed instructions on submitting an application will be noted on the first page of the application when available.

The program application will require the following documentation:

1. A one-page, double spaced typed essay explaining why you are interested in being a Medical Office Specialist and what impact you hope to make in your community with this education.
2. One letter of reference describing your professional character.
3. Placement scores or college transcript showing placement in Math 40 or higher, English 98 or higher and Reading 99 or higher.

You may be eligible for financial assistance through the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program. The CASAS exam is used to determine student eligibility for I-BEST. Eligible students enrolled in I-BEST benefit from attending a Special Studies class where they will receive additional educational support to review classroom instruction, prepare for the exams, and strengthen basic skills while taking the Medical Office Specialist training. Find out more information about the I-BEST program.

Selection Process
The application committee will review all submissions to confirm the admission criteria is complete. Prior work experience as well as prior college course work may help to prioritize applicants, as there are usually twice as many candidates as seats available. Applicants will be notified via CBC student email regarding admission status. Applicants who are not accepted may reapply during the next application year.

National Background Search & Drug Screen Requirements

As part of the admission requirements for Health Science programs, applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to working with patients in clinical areas. The background check and drug screen are paid by the student and administered through a third party company, CastleBranch. In addition to the background check required by CBC, each clinical facility reserves the right to conduct its own criminal background check prior to allowing a student to enter its health care facilities for clinical participation.

Certain criminal convictions, pending charges or negative actions may automatically disqualify a person from having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults, juveniles and children. Clinical facilities reserve the right to accept or decline a student’s placement in its facility.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Front Office Proficiency: Grasp the intricacies of managing the front office operations in a provider's office, ensuring smooth workflow, appointment scheduling, and patient coordination.

2. Referrals & Coordination: Understand the referral system, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and ensuring patients get timely care.

3. Medical Records Management: Learn the art of managing medical records, ensuring accuracy, privacy, and prompt retrieval.

4. Superior Customer Service: Develop impeccable customer service skills to ensure patients and their families feel respected, understood, and valued.

5. Reception Skills: Become adept at managing the reception, handling calls, greeting visitors, and representing the healthcare facility's face.

6. Microsoft Office Suite & Computer Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience with the Microsoft Office Suite and fundamental computer skills, ensuring administrative tasks are efficiently completed in a digital age.

7. Introduction to Behavioral & Mental Health: Get acquainted with the basics of behavioral and mental health, understanding the importance of these fields in holistic patient care.

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Health Science Center