A lot can happen
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The Medical Administrative Assistance / Secretary Program prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare offices as receptionist, coder, billing specialist, or other front office position. This is a two-semester certificate program.
The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. Median annual wages of wage-and-salary medical assistants were $28,300 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $23,700 and $33,050. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39,570. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical assistants in May 2008 were:General medical and surgical hospitals - $29,720
Colleges, universities, and professional schools - $28,820
Offices of physicians - $28,710
Outpatient care centers - $28,570
Offices of other health practitioners - $25,240
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is medical coding?
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Medical coding is a translation from medical documentation converted into a series of code number that describe diagnosis or procedures in a standard manner. Coding is used for patient care, research, and reimbursement.
- What is the average annual salary for someone with an HIT degree or certificate?
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An average yearly salary can be expected for the following credentials:
CCA-$35-40K
CCS-$50-55K
CCS-P-$45-50K
RHIT-$45-50K
RHIA$65-70K - Where can I work once I get an HIT degree or certificate?
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Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health, insurance companies, rehabilitation facilities, county health departments, managed care institutions, software companies, legal firms, and consulting firms, just to name a few.
- What courses will transfer for an HIT bachelor's degree?
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The HIM program at Panola College offers an accredited Associate degree by CAHIM (the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information Education). Students can transfer and complete the HIM undergraduate program at a university that offers the bachelor's program.
- Will I be able to work and go to school?
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Some HIM classes are offered online; however, a majority of the class time is Monday through Thursday at the W.H. Gullette Technology building.
- What are the requirements (prerequisites) for the HIT program?
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See the HIT Admission Criteria in the College Catalog.
- How long will it take me to get a degree in Health Information Technology?
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The Associate of Applied Science degree requires sixty-nine hours and usually takes two years to complete. The Medical Administrative Assistant certificate requires thirty-three hours and usually takes one year to complete. The Medical Coding Technician certificate requires thirty-five hours and usually takes one year to complete.
