Medical Office Assistant

The Medical Office Assistant (MOA) Program at Lake Tahoe Community College is comprised of two areas of concentration Clinical and Administrative.

The Medical Office Assistant: Administrative degree is designed to provide students with essential knowledge and skills to assume responsible administrative positions in medical offices. The core curriculum in the Medical Office Assistant: Administrative program focuses on the effective use of medical terminology and the mechanics of medical coding and billing procedures. Additional courses emphasize contemporary medical office technology skills such as effective computer files management, data entry, and word processing. Students will develop solid skills in bookkeeping/accounting, math, and oral communication as well as an in depth understanding and appreciation of ethical issues related to employment in a medical office.

Student Learning Outcomes for this major are:

• Demonstrate effective use of advanced medical terminology.
• Identify, evaluate, and appropriately apply principles of medical office administration and demonstrate competency in performing administrative clerical duties.
• Demonstrate accuracy in common medical insurance billing and coding procedures to ensure proper reimbursement.

The Medical Office Assistant: Clinical degree is designed to give students the required knowledge and skills to pursue entry-level, “back office” careers in medical offices. The core curriculum in the Medical Office Assistant: Clinical program focuses on the development of clinical competencies designed to effectively assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Students gain skills in patient assessment, taking and charting of medical history and vital signs, basic phlebotomy and injection procedures, administration of medication, assisting with minor office surgery, as well as a number of specialized patient care procedures. The program emphasizes the effective use of medical terminology and the basics of human anatomy and physiology. Additional courses highlight patient safety and the
ethical issues related to employment in a medical office. Students will develop solid skills in bookkeeping/accounting, math, and oral communication.

Student Learning Outcomes for this major are:

• Demonstrate effective use of advanced medical terminology.
• Perform all clinical duties associated with assisting a physician in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in a medical office setting.
• Demonstrate professional behaviors and attitudes consistent with the delivery of safe, ethical, legal, and compassionate patient care.