Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
A Course of Study for
OFFICE TECHNOLOGY
Office workers are responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical duties necessary to run and maintain
organizations efficiently. They use a variety of software, produce correspondence, maintain databases,
manage projects, as well as organize meetings, manage records, and schedule appointments. Office workers
find employment in a variety of settings, such as corporations, government agencies, schools, and hospitals.
Some related job titles include office assistant, administrative assistant, executive assistant, and data
entry/clerical.
For additional career possibilities, visit the Career Services Center on the main campus to utilize computerized
career information systems and other valuable career resources.
PROGRAMS OFFERED
• Transfer Preparation
• Career Opportunities
DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES
Associate Degrees
• General Office
• Legal Administrative Assistant
• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Certificates of Achievement
• Enterprise Service Clerk
• General Office
• Legal Administrative Assistant
• Legal Office Clerk
• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
• Medical Office Clerk
• Social Media Assistant
Department Certificates
• Clerical/Data Entry
• Electronic Medical Records Clerk
• Hospital Inpatient Coder
• Medical Billing/Coding
• Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist
• Medical Transcription
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
An Associate degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a minimum grade point
average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) in degree applicable coursework and a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester
units, including:
• Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course
was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
• Completion of one of the following general education patterns: SMC GE, CSU GE, or IGETC;
• Completion of the SMC Global Citizenship graduation requirement.
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
A Certificate of Achievement is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a minimum
overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) and a designated minimum number of units, including:
• Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course
was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
• Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department Chairs
have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of
emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade.
DEPARTMENT CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
A Department Certificate is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a designated
minimum number of units, including:
• Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course
was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher. Department Chairs have the
discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of emphasis.
All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade;
• Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College;
Note: Department Certificates are not noted on student transcripts. Students must submit a petition to the
relevant academic department to be awarded a Department Certificate.
CATALOG RIGHTS
A student may satisfy the requirements of a degree that were in effect at any time of the student’s continuous
enrollment. Continuous enrollment means attendance in at least one semester (Fall or Spring) in each
academic year.
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
GENERAL OFFICE, ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
This program provides training in common skills used in the business office - keyboarding, computer
applications, English, accounting, and business communications. General office workers obtain employment
in many environments: corporate settings, government, schools, an
d hospitals. Related job titles include
administrative assistant, executive assistant, executive secretary, office assistant, and secretary. After gaining
some work experience or specialized skills, many workers transfer to jobs with higher pay or greater
advancement potential.
Program Learning Outcomes: Using skills in Microsoft Office software, keyboarding, and English language
principles, the student will create and revise commonly used business documents. Given transaction data, the
student will perform basic bookkeeping/accounting tasks, such as classifying, recording, and preparing
financial documents.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (27 UNITS)
Required Courses: (24 units)
ACCTG 1
Introduction to Financial Accounting
5
or
ACCTG 21
Business Bookkeeping
3
-----
BUS 32
Business Communications
3
CIS 1
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
3
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
CIS 30
Microsoft Excel
3
CIS 37
Microsoft Word
3
CIS 39
MS Outlook - Comprehensive Course
3
OFTECH 5
English Skills for the Office
3
Select 3 units from the following:
OFTECH 1
Keyboarding I
3
OFTECH 1A
Keyboarding 1A
1
OFTECH 1B
Keyboarding 1B
1
OFTECH 1C
Keyboarding 1C
1
OFTECH 9
Keyboarding Improvement
1
OFTECH 10
Skill Building on the Keyboard
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Legal administrative assistants perform the administrative tasks in a law office, such as answering the
telephone, managing files, preparing law office correspondence and legal documents, and maintaining the
calendar. Legal administrative assistants are in great demand. Qualified legal administrative assistants who
have strong skills can find lucrative opportunities with law firms and corporate legal departments, government
agencies, and a variety of business and industries -- such as banks, insurance companies, investment firms,
and real estate companies. This certificate program prepares students to pursue employment as a legal
administrative assistant. Training is pro
vided in legal terminology, law office procedures, legal research,
computer technology, machine transcription document preparation, keyboarding, and written and verbal
communications.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, using trans
cription equipment, word
processing software, and legal terminology skills, students will prepare legal documents that represent correct
format, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and number usage. Applying knowledge of law office procedures,
students
will demonstrate skills in workplace telecommunications, office and court calendaring, billing
procedures, and filing systems.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (27 UNITS)
Required Courses: (24 units)
BUS 5
Business Law and the Legal Environment
3
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
CIS 30
Microsoft Excel
3
CIS 37
Microsoft Word
3
CIS 39
MS Outlook - Comprehensive Course
3
OFTECH 5
English Skills for the Office
3
OFTECH 30
Legal Office Procedures
3
OFTECH 31
Legal Terms and Transcription
3
Select 3 units from the following:
OFTECH 1
Keyboarding I
3
OFTECH 1A
Keyboarding 1A
1
OFTECH 1B
Keyboarding 1B
1
OFTECH 1C
Keyboarding 1C
1
OFTECH 9
Keyboarding Improvement
1
OFTECH 10
Skill Building on the Keyboard
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
ENTERPRISE SERVICE CLERK, CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
This program will prepare students to acquire computer and office skills needed to apply for service clerk
entry-level jobs in various offices in educational institutions and other city and state government facilities.
Students
will learn Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Office programs, and Records Management and
Filing skills.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will accurately apply professional
customer relationship and management techniq
ues in a business environment. Upon completion of the
program, students will employ interpersonal and critical thinking skills as well as problem-solving.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (14 UNITS)
(Effective Fall 2023)
Required Courses: (14 units)
BUS 36A
Customer Service in the Digital Age
3
CIS 1
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
3
CIS 30
Microsoft Excel
3
CIS 37
Microsoft Word
3
OFTECH 33
Records Management
2
LEGAL OFFICE CLERK, CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Legal office clerks performs basic support tasks in a law office. This entry level position includes
responsibilities such as producing correspondence, performing receptionist duties, answering telephones,
filing, and managing calendars. The Legal Office Clerk Certificate provides training in computer technology,
legal office procedures, legal terminology, machine transcription, English skills, and keyboarding. With
experience, legal office clerks may advance to administrative assistants and office managers.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate knowledge of legal
terminology, English skills, computer technology, machine transcription, and keyboarding. Students will
prepare legal documents. Applying knowledge of legal office procedures, students will demonstrate skills in
court calendaring, billing procedures, and filing systems.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (12 UNITS)
Required Courses:
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
OFTECH 5
English Skills for the Office
3
OFTECH 30
Legal Office Procedures
3
OFTECH 31
Legal Terms and Transcription
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
This program prepares students for employment in a medical environment. Students develop skills and
knowledge to perform a variety of duties to aid in the efficient workflow and operations of a medical related
facility. Coursework includes medical terminology, computer technology, medical law and ethics, and “front
office” tasks – such as patient sc
heduling, reception, coding and billing, transcription, and records
management.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program, using knowledge of front office tasks,
students will use appropriate procedures related to reception, telephone com
munications, and records
management. Applying computer technology skills, medical terminology skills, and language skills, students
will prepare correspondence, produce medical transcripts, and perform tasks related to patient coding and
billing.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (33 UNITS)
Required Courses: (30 units)
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
CIS 37
Microsoft Word
3
CIS 39
MS Outlook - Comprehensive Course
3
OFTECH 5
English Skills for the Office
3
OFTECH 20
Medical Vocabulary
3
OFTECH 21
Medical Terms and Transcription 1
3
OFTECH 23
Medical Billing (Medisoft)
3
OFTECH 24
Medical Coding/Billing 1
3
OFTECH 27
Medical Office Procedures
3
OFTECH 28
Electronic Health Records
3
Select 3 units from the following:
OFTECH 1
Keyboarding I
3
OFTECH 1A
Keyboarding 1A
1
OFTECH 1B
Keyboarding 1B
1
OFTECH 1C
Keyboarding 1C
1
OFTECH 9
Keyboarding Improvement
1
OFTECH 10
Skill Building for the Keyboard
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
MEDICAL CODING AND BILLING SPECIALIST, ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Medical Coding and Billing Specialist are primarily responsible for submitting documentation of patient
medical care to insurance companies. Duties include billing insurance companies and patients; collecting
payment for services; and documenting tests, treatments, and procedures, using correct medical terminology
– referred to as “coding”. The Medical Billing/Coding Certificate program provides the training that is required
to perform these duties.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of
this program, applying knowledge of diagnostic and
procedural codes, students will review patient’s medical records and assign appropriate codes for
reimbursement and billing purposes. Using a computerized patient billing system, students will enter patient
and case information, process transactions and claims, create statements, and produce reports.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (36 UNITS)
Required Courses: (33 units)
ANATMY 1
General Human Anatomy
4
or
BIOL 2
Human Biology
3
-----
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
CIS 30
Microsoft Excel
3
OFTECH 5
English Skills for the Office
3
OFTECH 20
Medical Vocabulary
3
OFTECH 23
Medical Billing (Medisoft)
3
OFTECH 24
Medical Coding/Billing 1
3
OFTECH 25
Medical Coding/Billing 2
3
OFTECH 26
Medical Coding/Billing 3
3
OFTECH 27
Medical Office Procedures
3
OFTECH 28
Electronic Health Records
3
Select 3 units from the following:
OFTECH 1
Keyboarding I
3
OFTECH 1A
Keyboarding 1A
1
OFTECH 1B
Keyboarding 1B
1
OFTECH 1C
Keyboarding 1C
1
OFTECH 9
Keyboarding Improvement
1
OFTECH 10
Skill Building on the Keyboard
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
MEDICAL OFFICE CLERK, CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
The Medical Office Clerk Certificate prepares students to perform common tasks in a medical workplace.
Students develop skills in medical terminology, medical office procedures, and basic medical coding and billing
principles.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate knowledge of
medical office procedures, HIPAA, patient admissions and dischar
ges, and appropriate telephone and
scheduling procedures. Using knowledge of medical terminology and coding/billing procedures, students will
demonstrate an understanding of billing, reimbursement, and collection procedures.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (12 UNITS)
Required Courses:
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
OFTECH 20
Medical Vocabulary
3
OFTECH 24
Medical Coding/Billing 1
3
OFTECH 27
Medical Office Procedures
3
CLERICAL/DATA ENTRY, DEPARTMENT CERTIFICATE
Organizations need to process a rapidly growing amount of information. Data entry workers help ensure the
efficient handling of information processing. Duties include inputting data into computers and performing
editing, proofreading, and clerical tasks. This certificate program provides training in the essential skills to
carry out these tasks. Job opportunities exist in part-time, full-time, and work-at-home positions. Data entry
workers are known by various job titles, such as data entry clerk, data entry operator, data entry specialist,
and clerk. Data entry jobs frequently serve as stepping stones to higher paying positions with increased
responsibilities.
Program Learning Outcomes: Using source materials, the student will use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and
PowerPoint software to input data. Applying knowledge of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and spelling
principles, the student will proofread and correct data input.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (12 UNITS)
Required Courses: (9 units)
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
CIS 37
Microsoft Word
3
OFTECH 5
English Skills for the Office
3
Select 3 units from the following:
OFTECH 1
Keyboarding I
1
OFTECH 1A
Keyboarding 1A
1
OFTECH 1B
Keyboarding 1B
1
OFTECH 1C
Keyboarding 1C
1
OFTECH 9
Keyboarding Improvement
1
OFTECH 10
Skill Building on the Keyboard
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS CLERK, DEPARTMENT CERTIFICATE
This program prepares students for entry-level clerical positions involving Electronic Health Records. Training
is provided in computer basics, medical terminology, and electronic records technology. EHR clerks work in
hospitals, physicians’ offices, and nursing homes—typically under the direction of a manager or supervisor.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to capture and store
patient data into an EHR (Electronic Health Records) system. Using EHR software, students will document
patient encounters and process physician orders in an electronic system.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (9 UNITS)
Required Courses: (9 units)
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
OFTECH 20
Medical Vocabulary
3
OFTECH 28
Electronic Health Records
3
HOSPITAL INPATIENT CODER, DEPARTMENT CERTIFICATE
Coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into
universal medical alphanumeric codes for statistical reporting and reimbursement purposes. A Hospital
Inpatient Coder reviews and codes information for patients who stay at least overnight in a hospital facility.
This
certificate program provides training in medical terminology, inpatient coding, and billing,
reimbursement, and collection procedures.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate knowledge of
medical terminology and correctly code inpatient facility services and diagnoses. Using knowledge of billing
principles, students will demonstrate an understanding of billing, reimbursement, and collection procedures.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (9 UNITS)
Required Courses: (9 units)
OFTECH 20
Medical Vocabulary
3
OFTECH 25
Medical Coding/Billing 2
3
OFTECH 26
Medical Coding/Billing 3
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
MEDICAL BILLING/CODING, DEPARTMENT CERTIFICATE
Medical Billing/Coding workers are primarily responsible for submitting documentation of patient medical
care to insurance companies. Duties include billing insurance companies and patients; collecting payment for
services; and documenting tests, treatments and procedures, using correct medical terminology – referred to
as “coding”. The Medical Billing/Coding Certificate program provides the training that is required to perform
these duties.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of tis program, a
pplying knowledge of diagnostic and
procedural codes, the student will review patients’ medical rec
ords and assign appropriate codes for
reimbursement and billing purposes. Using a computerized patient billing system, the student will enter
patient and case information, process transactions and claims, create statements, and produce reports.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (15 UNITS)
Required Courses: (12 units)
CIS 30
Microsoft Excel
3
OFTECH 20
Medical Vocabulary
3
OFTECH 23
Medical Billing (Medisoft)
3
OFTECH 24
Medical Coding/Billing 1
3
Select 3 units from the following:
OFTECH 1
Keyboarding I
3
OFTECH 1A
Keyboarding 1A
1
OFTECH 1B
Keyboarding 1B
1
OFTECH 1C
Keyboarding 1C
1
OFTECH 9
Keyboarding Improvement
1
OFTECH 10
Skill Building on the Keyboard
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
MEDICAL RECORDS CLERK/RECEPTIONIST, DEPARTMENT CERTIFICATE
This program is ideal for students who want to learn the basic skills needed to become employed in a
healthcare setting. This certificate prepares students for entry-
level records management/receptionist
positions in hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, and service agencies. Coursework includes training in
storing, retrieving, and maintaining medical records; front desk procedures; medical vocabulary; computer
technology; keyboarding; and written and verbal communications. With experience and additional education,
medical records clerk/receptionists may advance to senior clerks, registered health information technicians
(RHIT’s) registered health information administrators (RHIA’s), consultants, and educators.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, using knowledge of recordkeeping systems,
students will organize and retrieve patient records using alphabetic, numeric, and color-
coded systems.
Applying knowledge of front desk procedures, students will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate telephone
skills and face-to-face communications.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (15 UNITS)
Required Courses: (12 units)
CIS 4
Business Information Systems with Applications
3
OFTECH 5
English Skills for the Office
3
OFTECH 20
Medical Vocabulary
3
OFTECH 27
Medical Office Procedures
3
Select 3 units from the following:
OFTECH 1
Keyboarding I
3
OFTECH 1A
Keyboarding 1A
1
OFTECH 1B
Keyboarding 1B
1
OFTECH 1C
Keyboarding 1C
1
OFTECH 9
Keyboarding Improvement
1
OFTECH 10
Skill Building on the Keyboard
3
Revised 7.30.24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REVERSE. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION, DEPARTMENT CERTIFICATE
This program prepares students to listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare
professionals and transcribe them into medical records, correspondences, and other administrative material.
Medical transcriptio
n is a particularly flexible career that easily lends itself to many different work styles.
Medical transcriptionists work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, transcription service offices, clinics,
laboratories, and at home. With experience, medical transcriptionists can advance to supervisory positions,
home-based work, editing, or consulting.
Program Learning Outcomes: Using transcription equipment and word processing software, the student will
prepare medical documents that represent correct format, s
pelling, capitalization, number usage,
punctuation, abbreviations, symbols, and metric measurement rules. In the preparation of medical
documents, the student will use a variety of reference resources.
AREA OF EMPHASIS: (15 UNITS)
Required Courses: (12 units)
OFTECH 5
English Skills for the Office
3
OFTECH 20
Medical Vocabulary
3
OFTECH 21
Medical Terms and Transcription 1
3
OFTECH 22
Medical Terms and Transcription 2
3
Select 3 units of the following:
OFTECH 1
Keyboarding I
3
OFTECH 1A
Keyboarding 1A
1
OFTECH 1B
Keyboarding 1B
1
OFTECH 1C
Keyboarding 1C
1
OFTECH 9
Keyboarding Improvement
1
OFTECH 10
Skill Building on the Keyboard
3
