About the Career

Serving a vital and often behind-the-scenes role in health care, medical office/insurance specialists serve as a liaison between patients and insurance companies. They assist patients with scheduling, recordkeeping and filing with insurance companies.

Qualities for Success

Students with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, interpersonal skills and technical skills tend to excel.

Career Outlook

Growing much faster than average, the field is perfect for those who are organized and enjoy working with people. Between 2012-2022, this field is expected to grow by 22 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations. The average hourly wage for medical office/insurance specialists is $14.68. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

About the Program

In one semester with the Medical Office/Insurance Specialist Certificate, students prepare for administrative positions in health care settings. The program also serves as a springboard for those wanting to continue their studies to become health information technicians, a two-year COM degree program.

Certification

Students will sit for the Certified Billing and Coding exam (CBCS) through the National Healthcareers Association.

How to Begin

A high school diploma or GED is required to sit for the certification exam. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

How to Register

Students must concurrently enroll in both MDCA 1000 and MDCA 1043. Contact the Continuing Education office 409-933-8586 to register.

Course # Title Hrs
MDCA 1000 Medical Office (Hybrid) 24
MDCA 1043 Medical Insurance Specialist (Hybrid) 108

Notice to Students Regarding Licensing

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion. NOTE: Criminal history checks are required for clinical experience purposes.

Should you wish to request a review of the impact of criminal history on your potential licensure prior to or during your quest for a degree, you can visit this link and request a “Criminal History Evaluation”: https://securesite.dps.texas.gov/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/

This information is being provided to all persons who apply or enroll in the program, with notice of the requirements as described above, regardless of whether or not the person has been convicted of a criminal offense. Additionally, HB 1508 authorizes licensing agencies to require reimbursements when a student fails to receive the required notice.