Interested in becoming a medical office professional? Sandburg offers both a medical office professional degree and a medical office assistant certificate. The program prepares you to work in a medical office in four semesters. By completing the first two semesters of this degree, you earn the medical office assistant certificate. Courses in medical coding, insurance and billing, anatomy and physiology, biomedical ethics and diversity are completed during the remaining two semesters.
Medical office assistants perform routine clerical and organizational tasks. They organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments and support other staff. Sandburg’s certificate program prepares you to work in a medical office, including handling electronic health records, document processing, medical terminology, customer service and communication skills.
Admission requirements
This is an open-enrollment program, meaning there’s no criteria you have to meet to be admitted.
Medical office jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 23% employment increase of medical assistants from now to 2028. An aging baby-boom population will generate a need for more healthcare services, which will result in a demand for assistants to perform administrative and clinical duties.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Careers for medical office professionals
Sample course schedule
This is a sample class schedule, which is subject to change.
Medical office professional certificate
Fall semester — 16 weeks
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11:30 a.m.– 12:20 p.m. |
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1-2:15 p.m. |
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4:30-5:20 p.m. |
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Online |
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Spring semester — 16 weeks
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8-9:15 a.m. |
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Online |
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May also take SPE 120 (or SPE 110) online.
Program total: 30 credit hours
Medical office professional AAS
First year: Fall semester — 16 weeks
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11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. |
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1-2:15 p.m. |
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4:30-5:20 p.m. |
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Online |
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Labs TBD — can run as late as 9 p.m.
First year: Spring semester — 16 weeks
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8-9:15 a.m. |
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Online |
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May also take SPE 120 (or SPE 110) online.
Second year: Fall semester — 16 weeks
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8-9:15 a.m. |
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9-10:15 a.m. |
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9:30-10:45 a.m. |
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5:30-8:30 p.m. |
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Online |
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May also take PSY 101 online.
Second year: Spring semester — 16 weeks
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9:30-10:45 a.m. |
PHL 103 |
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5:30-8:15 p.m. |
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Online |
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May also take PHL 103 online.
Program total: 61 credit hours
Course info
Class formats
The medical office professions program offers both online and face-to-face class options; however, the program can’t be completed entirely online.
Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit your needs. Regardless of the format, make sure you have access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet. All courses use online resources and require you to access course information through mySandburg. The Galesburg and Carthage campuses have open computer labs for your use as a student.
Internship requirements
The medical office professional degree requires an internship as a graduation requirement. Internships are an excellent way to gain experience in your chosen career field and stand out as a competitive candidate in the job market after graduation. Learn more.
Estimated costs
- Medical office professional certificate: The cost for this 30 credit-hour program is approximately $7,180.
- Medical office professional AAS: The cost for this 61 credit-hour program is approximately $14,875.
Financial aid, grants & scholarships
Learn how you can take advantage of financial aid, grants and scholarships available to Sandburg students.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Learn more, and complete this form to determine your eligibility.
Career and technical programs/courses follow our equal opportunity & non-discrimination statement [link to 11.4.10]. For more information, email the Title IX coordinator, or call 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.