Administrative Support Technology: Medical Office Specialization, AAS

(Christanna and John H. Daniel Campuses)

Award: Associate of Applied Science

Length: Sixty-five credit hour program

Purpose: This curriculum is designed to provide specialized administrative support technology education in the medical field. The curriculum is designed for students interested in a professional career as an administrative medical assistant or medical biller/coder in a private medical practice, in a hospital setting, and in other health care organizations. In addition, the Administrative Support Technology curriculum offers basic skills training and advanced training complementary to the information systems demands of the electronic office. Included are skills in word processing, microcomputer usage, and human relations.

Occupational Objectives:

Administrative Medical Assistant
Medical Biller/Coder
Medical Office Assistant
Medical Secretary
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical Receptionist and Information Clerk
Hospital Ward or Office Clerk

Admission Requirements: In additional to the admission requirements established for the college, entry in the Administrative Support Technology program requires competency in English and Math Essentials (MTE 1-3) as demonstrated through the placement and diagnostic test, or by satisfactorily completing the required MTE and ENF requirements or equivalents.

Program Description: The two-year curriculum combines instruction in the many areas required for competence as an administrative medical assistant, medical coder, and related positions in the medical setting. The curriculum will include courses in Administrative Support Technology, medical transcription, medical terminology, medical office procedures, medical billing and coding, medical insurance, general education and electives. Students are advised to consult with their faculty advisor and counselor in planning their programs. Upon satisfactory completion of program requirements, the graduate will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in Administrative Support Technology - Medical Office Specialization.

Contact For More Information:

Crystal T. Jones 434-949-1035

Your Next Step

Required Courses

First Semester

SDV 100 - College Success Skills 1 credit(s)
AST 101 - Keyboarding I 3-4 credit(s) (3)
AST 107 - Editing/Proofreading Skills 3 credit(s)
BIO 100 - Basic Human Biology 3 credit(s)
ENG 111 - College Composition I 3 credit(s) (Approved Course Substitutions: ENG 137 )
ITE 115 - Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts 3 credit(s) (3)

Total Credits: 16

Second Semester

AST 102 - Keyboarding II 3-4 credit(s) (3)
AST 234 - Records and Database Management 3-4 credit(s) (3)
ENG 112 - College Composition II 3 credit(s) (Approved Course Substitutions: ENG 138 , CST 110 )
HLT 143 - Medical Terminology I 3 credit(s)
MTH 132 - Business Mathematics 3 credit(s) (Approved Course Substitutions: MTH 130 , MTH 154 , , )

Total Credits: 15

Third Semester

AST 141 - Word Processing I 3 credit(s)
AST 205 - Business Communications 3 credit(s)
AST 243 - Office Administration I 3 credit(s)
BUS 100 - Introduction to Business 3 credit(s) (Approved Course Substitutions: , , )
HIM 253 - Health Records Coding 4 credit(s)

Approved Social Science Elective: Choose One of The Following

PSY 200 - Principles of Psychology 3 credit(s)
SSC 101 - Contemporary Social Problems I 3 credit(s)
SOC 200 - Principles of Sociology 3 credit(s)
PSY 126 - Psychology for Business and Industry 3 credit(s)

Total Credits: 18

Fourth Semester

AST 245 - Medical Machine Transcription 2-4 credit(s) (3) (Approved Course Substitutions: )
AST 271 - Medical Office Procedures I 3 credit(s)
AST 298 - Seminar and Projects 3 credit(s)
HIM 254 - Advanced Coding and Reimbursement 3 credit(s)
HUM 100 - Survey of the Humanities 3 credit(s) ¹ (Approved Course Substitutions: , , )

Total Credits: 16

Total Credits for Degree: 65

¹Students should consult with the institution to which they are transferring to see which social science and humanities courses are required. Please see for a list of acceptable social science and humanities electives.