The Healthcare Management Technology (HCMT) Associate Degree provides students with a broad foundational study of the specific skills required in office and department management including marketing, economics, accounting, human resources, business law, and statistics.
In addition to these foundational courses, students will prepare to take the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) national credentialing exam by studying healthcare finance, healthcare quality, statistics and research, introduction to physician practice management, healthcare compliance, health information ethics and healthcare applications.
This credential is a logical next step for those with experience in healthcare and other areas who are ready to advance their careers in physician practice management. Current practice managers will also benefit from this certification with increased knowledge and validation of their knowledge and experience in this skilled profession.
You are able to complete this program in two years, attending full-time fall and spring semesters. This program is career specific.
Success
You should possess good oral and written communications skills. Healthcare managers often serve as liaisons between patients, healthcare facilities, insurance companies and other healthcare providers. They must be proficient with computers, medical terminology, human resource management, healthcare laws and regulations, healthcare technology, marketing and business relationships, HIPAA and data security, and healthcare quality.
Career
Graduates of this associate degree may pursue manager positions in small, mid-size and large physician practices as well as hospital-owned physician practices, ambulatory care centers, surgical centers, hospital departments, and more. Current physician practice managers may benefit from this associate degree with increased knowledge and validation of their knowledge and education along with completion of an associate degree. The next step in a student’s education after earning this associate degree is completion of a bachelor degree.
