Medical Office Support Certificate (MOS)
Type: Career, Certificate (C1)
Open Admissions
Division: Career & Technical Education and Business
The Medical Office Support Certificate is a short-term training program for the student interested in working in a medical setting such as a hospital records room, physician's office, clinic, medical laboratory or allied health organization. The program emphasizes a strong medical vocabulary and solid communication skills. It also provides training in computerized keyboarding, word processing, and transcription as well as third-party billing and medical office procedures.
Courses in this certificate are transferable to the Medical Administrative Assistant degree program.
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