Know any good online med office courses?

[beachmom]

My daughter just graduated from high school and needs a job. She only has childcare and horse training experience, and she would like an office job in the local medical center. She needs some training in medical stuff.

How do I find a reputable online course that teaches medical terminology, billing, etc., that will help her get a job?

Also, I'm not sure exactly what she needs to know to work in a medical office.

I can't imagine why she doesn't want to be a nurse like me. Must be all the stories I bring home.

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

I don't know of any online courses but I thought I would respond anyway. I have worked in the medical field (clerical) since the age of 20. I am now 39 and going to nursing school. The best thing to do is just get on-the-job training. Get your foot in the door somewhere. Apply to tons of places for medical front desk receptionist, medical file clerk, etc. A lot of places will hire file clerks for medical records with no experience. It is just getting in somewhere and then they teach you various things like computerized scheduling, medical billing, etc.

In addition, taking a medical terminology course at the local community college would be smart. They also offer other medical clerical type courses as well. A lot of these courses from the community college (at least from my experience), are offered totally online now. I would stay away from expensive "online" programs. Those are usually a rip-off. I do medical transcription from home for years now and I never took a course. Just from getting my foot in the door and gaining on the job experience. Hope this helps. Good luck to her!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I agree with jillpaige; it may be better to attend a community college. The ones in my area offer plenty of classes in medical billing, transcription, medical records technician and other things. You never know, they may offer internships or have resources normally not available on line.