To meet the demand for well-trained medical office personnel, The Center for Workforce Training — a division of the Selland College at Boise State University — in cooperation with the Idaho Medical Group Management Association (IMGMA) and the Physicians’ Office Management Business Industry Cluster (BIC) has developed a new medical business associate training program that starts Oct. 4 at Boise State.

“This is a great opportunity for those interested in medical office work to gain the skills to land their first job,” said Stan Brings, Center for Workforce Training director.

Upon completion of the program, students will be ready to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, medical offices, health insurance companies, community based health organizations, and government offices with medical-related departments. Continued growth in the health care sector, particularly private businesses and clinics, is expected to continue to provide employment opportunities in the field, Brings said.

Students enrolled in the medical business course will learn basic practices and procedures used in a medical office including customer service, confidentiality, interpersonal communications and ethical considerations. In addition, they will gain a solid understanding of medical scheduling and billing/insurance software. Basic medical coding and medical terminology, cashiering, medical records filing, bookkeeping, insurance billing, payment plans and collection strategies also will be covered.

“The business side of medicine is growing exponentially,” said Cindy Keene, IMGMA president. “The industry is seeing a significant increase in those who spend their entire working careers in the medical business office and have professional and financial success. Wages and salaries are keeping pace with the demand.”

It is recommended that all prospective students have a high school diploma or GED prior to the program start date. The Selland College offers free adult basic education programs to those who need to complete a GED. All prospective students must successfully complete a compass assessment prior to enrollment.

The course includes 120 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of hands-on practice in a physician’s office. Classes will meet from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Oct. 4. The cost of the course is $965 plus books. Payment plans may be available. Students can register online at: http://workforcetraining.boisestate.edu or call 426-1974.

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Contact: Stan Brings, Center for Workforce Training, (208) 426-1118, sbrings@boisestate.edu

Media Contact: Sherry Squires, University Relations, (208) 426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu