Medical Office Support Certificate (MOS)
2020-2021
Type: Career, Certificate (C1)
Open Admissions
Division: Career & Technical Education and Business
Medical Coding Certificate is a one-year comprehensive training program that will prepare students for entry-level coding positions in physician's office, hospitals, nursing homes, or other health agencies. The program emphasizes a science background as well as a working knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT-4 basic coding principles so that students may assign diagnostic and procedural codes to specific diagnoses, diseases, and procedures. Students will recognize the importance of a coder's position to ensure a successful medical practice. The capstone to this program is a Medical Coding Practicum where students will acquire actual hands-on work experience.
Students interested in participating in an academic program that involves working with children, the disabled, or the elderly, or which includes a clinical affiliation, internship, or field placement with a private or public healthcare provider, may be required to undergo criminal background checks, including a national as well as local check (i.e. Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Record Information (SORI)). Depending on the contents of these criminal background check(s), a student's participation in an academic program that involves working with children, the disabled, or the elderly or which includes a clinical affiliation, internship or field placement with a private or public healthcare provider may not be allowed, and therefore may impact a student's ability to complete program requirements. Furthermore, please note that eligibility to participate in the program and/or clinical affiliation, internship or field placement as a result of screening requirements, such as criminal background checks, is not a guarantee of eligibility to sit for professional credentialing examination(s) or employment upon graduation.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
If you have advising related questions, please contact
officeadmin@northshore.edu or call 781-477-2215.
First Year
Fall
| ALH186 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| OFT101 | Keyboarding and Word Processing | 3 |
| OFT114 | Business Communications | 3 |
| OFT219 | Medical Adminstrative Procedures | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Spring
| BIO108 | The Body in Health and Disease | 3 |
| PRO100 | Introduction to the Professional Portfolio | 1 |
| OFT102 | Advanced Keyboarding and Word Processing | 3 |
| OFT140 | Medical Records Transcription | 3 |
| OFT142 | Third Party Reimbursement | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Requirement Notes
OFT101: Students who touch type 35 wpm or more and have knowledge of Microsoft Word 2010 may waive OFT101 and register for OFT102. The credits for OFT101 may be fulfilled with a 3-credit open elective.
OFT114: A minimum grade of C- is required to graduate from this program and to meet OFT prerequisites.
BIO108: This requirement may be fulfilled by substituting BIO211 and BIO212 with grades of C (73%) or better.
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 25
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Produce accurate business documents using word processing software.
- Communicate effectively in a business environment both verbally and in writing.
- Apply interpersonal skills as they relate to business.
- Perform front office tasks using simulated electronic health records software including scheduling appointments, registering patients, and documenting patient health information.
- Transcribe medical reports using correct medical terminology and applying editing and language arts skills.
- Prepare health insurance claim forms and document diagnostic and procedure codes.
- Understand the legal and ethical standards of privacy and confidentiality as they apply to patient care.
Occupational Skills Required
- Keyboarding, Word Processing skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Time management
- Cultural competency
Experiential Learning Required in Program
- PRO100 - Introduction to the Professional Portfolio
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- US - 2.10%
- Boston MSA – 2.00%
- Essex County – 2.20%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $32,900
- Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) – $42,200