Which Health Service Program Is Right for You?
September 18, 2024 | Lisa Gibbs
Are you interested in starting your career in an in-demand health services occupation? With UWF Continuing Education’s career training, you can jumpstart your healthcare career with one of our flexible programs designed to fit your busy schedule. Explore our various health service career training programs to see which program fits your interests and career goals.
What health service programs does UWF Continuing Education offer?
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant: CCMAs work directly with patients and support the work of doctors and healthcare professionals in various healthcare facilities. Tasks include taking patient vital signs, assisting providers with exams and procedures, administering injections or medications and performing EKG, phlebotomy and other essential laboratory procedures.
- Electronic Health Records Specialist: Certified EHR Specialists interact with patients, physicians and insurance professionals to ensure the best possible medical care experience. Tasks include submitting reimbursement claims, processing release of information (ROI) requests for medical records and reviewing patient records to ensure completion and accuracy.
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant: CMAAs ensure the medical office environment runs smoothly and efficiently. They act as intermediaries between patients and medical providers. Tasks include scheduling patient appointments, completing insurance forms, and coordinating hospital admissions and laboratory services. Learn more about the differences between CCMA and CMAA.
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist: Medical billing and coding is the process of identifying diagnoses, medical tests, treatments and procedures found in clinical documentation and transcribing the patient data into standardized codes for reimbursement. Tasks include reviewing patient records, assigning clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and auditing billing to prevent fraud.
How long is each program and what is the cost?
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant: Our CCMA program is a four-month hybrid program. The $4,300 tuition includes all instruction, labs, scrub set and materials, as well as the CCMA exam and externship experience.
- Electronic Health Records Specialist: Our EHR program is a fully online 12-week program that provides students with live instruction. The program tuition is $4,200 and includes all live instruction, materials and the CEHRS exam.
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant: Our CMAA program is a fully online 13-week program that provides students with live instruction. The program tuition is $4,100 and includes instruction, all materials and the CMAA exam.
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist: Our MBC program is a fully online 17-week program that provides students with live instruction. The program tuition is $4,300 and includes all live instruction, all coding books, textbooks and the CBCS exam.
UWF Continuing Education provides opportunities for tuition assistance. Learn more by exploring our Frequently Asked Questions.
What are the admission requirements for these programs?
Prospective students are required to have a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED), no felony or misdemeanor convictions related to the sale of drugs and commitment to the rigorous course schedules.
What potential career pathways are available for someone with a certification from these programs?
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant: Medical assistants are in demand in a variety of locations including physician offices, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
- Electronic Health Records Specialist: As an EHR Specialist, you are open to various employment opportunities at hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, nursing homes, mental health facilities and even insurance companies and consulting firms.
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant: CCMAs can find an expansive range of opportunities in physician offices, hospitals, surgery centers, assisted living facilities, dental offices, home healthcare agencies, mental health facilities and even insurance companies and consulting firms.
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist: As a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist, you can explore a variety of opportunities within hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, physical therapy practices, home healthcare agencies, mental health facilities and other healthcare providers.
Through hands-on training and in-depth instruction from experienced professionals, our programs will prepare you for the National Healthcareer Association certification exams. Receive expert guidance and support from experienced instructors and, with a variety of specialized health service programs to choose from, we ensure each pathway will guide you to success and promote career growth. Get started with UWF Continuing Education career training today!
Explore our latest webinar recording to learn more about each program and hear from our Career Services Program Director and a course instructor.
