For the City Times

Addresses continued shortfall of qualified candidates

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Mid-State Technical College is bringing back the Medical Office Specialist technical diploma program. The revived program is in response to requests from local healthcare employers experiencing a shortage of skilled medical office personnel—and that demand will only increase over the next several years due to retirements.

Today’s version of the program grew out of a collaboration between Mid-State and local business partners. “In designing this program we listened to the very business leaders who asked us to create it,” noted Dr. Tina Lamb, associate dean of General Education and Business at Mid-State. “With their direct input into the curriculum, employers can be sure that our graduates will have the hands-on skills needed to be successful.”

The Medical Office Specialist program emphasizes the use of current technology to provide office support in medical settings. Students receive specific coursework in medical terminology and medical law ethics and professionalism. The program also focuses on patient confidentiality and customer service, and students will do behind-the-scenes observations at local medical facilities to gain awareness of the employers and variety of jobs available in the area.

Area employers are eagerly anticipating graduates of the revived program. “Healthcare can be a very complex environment, with a steep learning curve for the under-prepared,” said Michelle Miller, manager of patient access/revenue cycle at Ministry Healthcare in Stevens Point. “I’m excited about the potential to hire candidates from the new Medical Office Specialist program.”

“We’re excited to offer another program that is a direct response to the needs of local employers,” said Lamb. “With experience, graduates may advance into higher-paying administrative positions, or they may choose to return to school to train for a career in nursing or other patient care profession. Either way, this program provides students a great way to explore careers in healthcare.”

Mid-State is now accepting applications to the Medical Office Specialist program, which is offered at the College’s campuses in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Marshfield. To learn more about this program, visitwww.mstc.edu/programs or contact Lamb at 715-422-5535.