For Hub City Times

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 health care employers experiencing a shortage of skilled medical office personnel, a demand that 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 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, 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.

“Health care can be a very complex environment with a steep learning curve for the underprepared,” 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 health care.”

Mid-State is now accepting applications to the medical office specialist program, which is offered at the campuses in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and Marshfield. To learn more about the program, visit mstc.edu/programs or contact Lamb at 715-422-5535.