Learn Practical Skills At Home

Your comprehensive lessons are clear and well-organized; easy to follow, yet challenging and engaging at the same time. Each lesson begins with an introductory note from your instructor, plus a preview outlining the subject matter and study objectives.

Next comes the reading assignment from your beautifully illustrated textbook, lesson book, or supplemental references. Practice exercises help you check and review the key concepts you’ve learned. Then, turn in your open-book exam (available online) for the lesson, whenever YOU are ready.

Enroll online or call 1-800-535-1613 to speak with an Admission Advisor!

Meet Your Instructor

Loretta Maples is the chief instructor at The Professional Medical Office Assistant Program. She will guide you on the path toward an exciting career. She is a Registered Medical Technologist and hematology specialist who has worked in medical practices and clinics in Georgia and Florida. She earned her B.A. in Medical Technology from Drake University, studied graduate-level science at the University of Iowa, and received her M.A. in Business Management from Rollins College.

She, along with our staff of courteous, knowledgeable career tutors, will give you careful guidance through your studies. If you have questions or need help along the way, just write, call, fax or E-mail us 24 hours a day. We'll give you prompt, personal assistance.

What You’ll Learn Lesson By Lesson in this Course

Lesson 1, A Busy Day In The Life Of A Medical Office Assistant

Kinds of medical specialists; staff responsibilities in a medical practice; running the front office; scheduling appointments; taking vital signs; using a computer; patient confidentiality.

Lesson 2, Medical Terminology

Easy ways to understand word roots, prefixes and suffixes, plus common medical words and terms; analyzing word parts to determine their meanings; singular and plural forms; why learning medical terminology is important.

Lesson 3, Medical Insurance Processing & Coding

An overview of the major medical insurance plans; completing insurance claim forms correctly; familiarizing yourself with codes for medical procedures and diagnoses from the CPT and ICD-9-CM manuals.

Lesson 4, Medical Safety In The Office

The chain of infection; precautions regarding human tissue, blood, and fluids; reducing disease transmission; sanitation and sterilization; common diseases and tests.

Lesson 5, Written Communications & Anatomical Descriptions

Writing business letters; spelling and grammar; mailing procedures; anatomical directions; cell and tissue structure.

Lesson 6, Records, Office Equipment & Fees

Using a calculator, check-writer, fax, dictation machine, and copier; PC basics; filing records; bookkeeping procedures; billing; collection methods.

Lesson 7, Health Insurance & Office Management

Health insurance terms, plans, and forms; coding and processing claims; accounting procedures; payroll, tax, and personnel records.

Supplement: Time Management Guide

How to plan your daily activities, set priorities, resolve schedule conflicts, and finish assignments on time.

Lesson 8, Anatomy: Part 1

Structure, function, and disorders of the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and integumentary system (including the skin and various membranes).

Lesson 9, Anatomy: Part 2

Structure, function, and disorders of the skeletal system; bone conditions; fractures; the muscular system; respiratory system.

Lesson 10, Anatomy: Part 3

Structure, function, and disorders of the circulatory system, heart, blood, blood vessels, lymphatic system, and immune system; scheduling immunizations.

Lesson 11, Anatomy: Part 4

Structure, function, and disorders of the digestive system, esophagus, stomach, and intestines; digestive system diseases; the urinary system; understanding kidney dialysis.

Lesson 12, Anatomy: Part 5

Structure, function, diseases, and disorders of the glandular and reproductive systems; diagnostic exams for diabetes, pregnancy and other common conditions; the birth process; sexually transmitted diseases.

Lesson 13, Clinical Practice

Maintaining and sterilizing medical instruments; promoting a germ-free environment; preventing the transmission of disease; taking the medical history.

Lesson 14, The Medical History & Vital Signs

Guidelines for filling out the medical history form; the four vital signs and what they measure; how to take accurate measurements.

Lesson 15, Patient Examinations

How to perform visual acuity and hearing tests; preparing the exam room; positioning and draping the patient; assisting in eye, ear, and other specialized exams.

Lesson 16, Laboratory Procedures

Using a microscope; blood, urine, stool and sputum testing; throat cultures; bacterial smears and stains.

Lesson 17, Diagnostic Tests, X-Rays & Lab Procedures

Assisting the physician with scratch tests, pap smears, sigmoidoscopies, electrocardiograms, and X-rays; skin punctures; vein punctures; common minor in-office surgical procedures.

Lesson 18, Medications & Injections

Pharmaceutical references; types of medication; recording and storing drugs; phoning prescriptions; discarding used syringes; injections; vaccines.

Lesson 19, Medical Emergencies

Common medical office emergencies; first aid procedures; resuscitation; applying bandages; fitting slings, crutches and canes; working with wheelchair patients.

Lesson 20, Personal Behaviors Affecting Health

Influences of diet, nutrition, exercise and weight control; recommended dietary allowances; principal nutrients; drug abuse; tobacco; alcohol.

Supplement: Çareer Search Guide

Preparing your résumé; finding the most suitable career opportunities; tips on acing the interview.