Medical Office Administration

The healthcare field is one of the fastest growing segments of the labor force. Aside from patient care and patient services, the processing of documents is a critical task that requires a well-trained professional. Abundant career possibilities are available for graduates with excellent keyboarding and word processing skills, as well as experience in electronic health records management, terminology, and medical office procedures. Additionally, the program includes certification preparation courses for the National Healthcare Association's Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, the American Heart Association's CPR/First Aid and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens certifications. The career objective of this program is to provide the graduate with the general knowledge and specific skills needed to obtain entry-level employment in the healthcare environment.

The student will earn the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification and be given an opportunity to experience an externship allowing him/her to acquire hands-on experience in healthcare offices. Objectives include familiarity with the components of healthcare data and how they relate to primary and secondary patient record systems, competencies in common medical terminology, managing electronic medical record systems, and proficiency in the proper procedures of medical front office management. O*NET target occupations include Medical Receptionist, Medical Secretary, Medical Records Technician, Medical Front Office Managers, and Patient Coordinator.

Getting started at ICT is easy and stress-free. The application process for all programs begins with a personal visit with an Admissions Representative at the campus under consideration, who will guide you through the entire process, from program selection and scheduling classes to tuition and financial assistance. The interview also includes a tour of the campus and, if appropriate, a sample lesson.

Diploma program. Offered at the Main Campus (Chamblee), and Affiliate Campuses in Morrow, Gainesville, and Newport. Certain Medical Office Administration courses require on-campus enrollment.

The institution maintains a Financial Planning Department to assist students in obtaining the financial assistance they require for their educational expenses. Available resources include federal aid, part-time employment (administered through the Employment Assistance Office) and student loans from private lenders. Federal assistance programs are administered through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, U.S. Department of Education. Any U.S. citizen, national or person in the United States for other than temporary reasons who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment (on at least half-time basis) may apply for the programs.

Grants

The Federal PELL Grant is an important source of gift aid for students who demonstrate financial need. Each year the institution also makes a limited number of awards through the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program, targeted for those students who qualify based upon financial need. The Federal College Work Study Program (CWSP) provides employment for students who demonstrate financial need and who must earn a part of their educational expenses.

Institutional Payment Plans

It is the goal of the institution that every needy and academically qualified student be able to seek the training necessary to obtain a skilled job. While each student's financial condition and resources may vary, the Financial Planning Department, within certain guidelines and policies, will arrange an affordable financial plan for each applicant. Plans are available for all students.

Student Loans

The institution, as a matter of practice, will discourage the student assuming unnecessary debt and encourage the student to "pay as you go" if possible. There are generally three types of Federal Loans available at this institution: the PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for undergraduate students), the Subsidized Federal Direct Loan (available to dependent and independent students with a limit of $3,500 for the first academic year and $4,500 for the second academic year), and the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. This institution also has sources for alternative loans for students who are not qualified for federal loans; these loans have a slightly higher interest rate (currently 9%) and require payments at the time the student begins his/her studies.

Veterans Benefits

The institution is pleased to work with eligible veterans who wish to attend the College under the various programs available for educational assistance. During the admission process, the admissions department will assist the veteran in obtaining proof of eligibility, which is required for admission to any eligible program of study.

Total program tuition is $18,720 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

The most important objective of the Employment Assistance Department is to assist each graduate to obtain employment in his/her area of specialization. Satisfactory completion of coursework, including Career Development (LAS050) and fulfillment of all other obligations to the institution, is required in order to receive the assistance of this office.

The Employment Assistance Department provides specific training in various job-seeking techniques, including self-placement. The Employment Assistance Coordinator works with each eligible student prior to graduation to determine areas of employment interest and to explore employment options. Students are then informed as options become available. Continuous employment and re-employment assistance is provided to all eligible graduates. Although it is impossible to guarantee each student a job or a specific wage rate, the Employment Assistance Department works diligently to provide appropriate leads and arrange specific interviews. Records indicate that graduates of Interactive College of Technology and Interactive Learning Systems are well received in the business community.

The instructional staff works very closely with the Employment Assistance Department's staff in helping students to realize and meet the requirements of employers in business and industry. Through the joint efforts of the Employment Assistance Department and the instructional staff, students are made aware of their skill levels as compared to those desired by employers, and are advised and guided by the staff to attain the skill levels required to obtain employment.

Within the Office Technology program and all computer and business application courses, Interactive College of Technology principally utilizes an individualized computer-based educational system commonly referred to as COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION — a system that takes the beginning-level student and increases the skill competency each day. Through individualized instruction, each course can be delivered in a manner that meets the individual needs of each student. The low student/instructor ratio enables the instructor to be constantly available to assist each student. Instead of the traditional lectures, the student is provided information through the computer with customized educational courseware.

The technical divisions of Information Technology (taught at the main campus in Chamblee), and Heating and Air Conditioning Technology emphasize hands-on education. Low student-teacher ratios and functioning laboratories enable the student to learn by doing whenever possible and practical. The institution also includes an externship requirement in all its vocational programs of study, placing the student in a real-life environment in which the skills acquired in the program of study can be put to practical use.

Key advantages of the computer-based instructional classes include: the student learns at a rate unique to the individual — not at the pace of a structured class; absences do not cause a student to miss important material; the competency-based learning approach ensures a well-trained and qualified graduate with no learning gaps; the student has unlimited laboratory access during projected time of enrollment; low student/instructor ratio; and lifetime refresher and technology upgrade privileges.

In all program areas where there is a national certification, the passing of the certification is required to successfully pass the course. This high academic standard validates the graduate's skills and competencies. The campuses are non-residential; however, the staff assists students whenever possible in arranging suitable housing. All new students are required to attend a comprehensive orientation program, and formal commencement exercises are held once each year.