General Course Descriptions : Office Systems Technology

OST 122                   Office Computations                   1                   2                   2

This course introduces the keypad and the touch method using the electronic calculator. Topics include mathematical functions in business applications. Upon completion, students should be able to use the electronic calculator to solve a wide variety of problems commonly encountered in business. (SS)

OST 131                   Keyboarding                   1                   2                   2

This course covers basic keyboarding skills. Emphasis is placed on the touch system, correct techniques, and development of speed and accuracy. Upon completion, students should be able to key at an acceptable speed and accuracy level using the touch system. (F/S/SS)

OST 134                   Text Entry and Formatting                   2                   2                   3

Prerequisite: OST 131or proficiency exam

This course is designed to provide the skills needed to increase speed, improve accuracy, and format documents. Topics include letters, memos, tables, and business reports. Upon completion, students should be able to produce mailable documents and key timed writings at speeds commensurate with employability. This course is also available through the Virtual Learning Community (VLC). (S)

OST 136                   Word Processing                   1                   2                   2

This course introduces word processing concepts and applications. Topics include preparation of a variety of documents and mastery of specialized software functions. Upon completion, students should be able to work effectively in a computerized word processing environment. This course is also available through the Virtual Learning Community (VLC). (F)

OST 148                   Med Coding Billing & Insurance                   3                   0                   3

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces CPT and ICD coding as they apply to medical insurance and billing. Emphasis is placed on accuracy in coding, forms preparation, and posting. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the steps of the total billing cycle and explain the importance of accuracy. (F)

OST 149                   Medical Legal Issues                   3                   0                   3

This course introduces the complex legal, moral, and ethical issues involved in providing health-care services. Emphasis is placed on the legal requirements of medical practices; the relationship of physician, patient, and office personnel; professional liabilities; and medical practice liability. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of current medical law and accepted ethical behavior. This course is a unique concentration requirement in the Medical Office Systems Technology concentration in the Office Systems Technology program. (F)

OST 164                   Text Editing Applications                   3                   0                   3

This course provides a comprehensive study of editing skills needed in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, proofreading, and editing. Upon completion, students should be able to use reference materials to compose and edit text. This course is also available through the Virtual Learning Community (VLC). (S)

OST 184                   Records Management                   1                   2                   2

This course includes the creation, maintenance, protection, security, and disposition of records stored in a variety of media forms. Topics include alphabetic, geographic, subject, and numeric filing methods. Upon completion, students should be able to set up and maintain a records management system.   This course is also available through the Virtual Learning Community (VLC). (SS)

OST 201                   Medical Transcription I                   3                   2                   4

Prerequisites:   OST 136 and OST 164

Corequisite:   MED 122 or OST 142

This course introduces dictating equipment and typical medical dictation.   Emphasis is placed on efficient use of equipment, dictionaries, PDRs, and other reference materials. Upon completion, students should be able to efficiently operate dictating equipment and to accurately transcribe a variety of medical documents in a specified time.   This course is intended for diploma programs. (F)

OST 202                   Medical Transcription II                   3                   2                   4

Prerequisites:   OST 201

This course provides additional practice in transcribing documents from various medical specialties.   Emphasis is placed on increasing transcription speed and accuracy and understanding medical procedures and terminology.   Upon completion, students should be able to accurately transcribe a variety of medical documents in a specified time.   This course is intended for diploma programs. (S)

OST 223                   Machine Transcription I                   1                   2                   2

Prerequisites:   OST 134, OST 136, and OST 164

This course covers the use of transcribing machines to produce mailable documents.   Emphasis is placed on appropriate formatting, advanced text editing skills, and transcription techniques.   Upon completion, students should be able to transcribe documents into mailable copy. (F)

OST 233                   Office Publications Design                   2                   2                   3

Prerequisites: OST 136 and OST 131or proficiency exam

This course provides entry-level skills in using software with desktop publishing capabilities. Topics include principles of page layout, desktop publishing terminology and applications, and legal and ethical considerations of software use. Upon completion, students should be able to design and produce professional business documents and publications. (F)

OST 236                   Adv. Word/Information Proc                   2                   2                   3

Prerequisite: OST 135 or OST 136

This course develops proficiency in the utilization of advanced word/information processing functions. Topics include tables, graphics, macros, sorting, document assembly, merging, and newspaper and brochure columns. Upon completion, students should be able to produce a variety of complex business documents. This course is also available through the Virtual Learning Community (VLC).   (S)

OST 243                   Med Office Simulation                   2                   2                   3

Prerequisites: OST 148

This course introduces medical systems used to process information in the automated office. Topics include traditional and electronic information resources, storing and retrieving information, and the billing cycle. Upon completion, students should be able to use the computer accurately to schedule, bill, update, and make corrections. This course is a unique concentration requirement in the Medical Office Systems Technology concentration in the Office Systems Technology program. (S)

OST 286                   Professional Development                   3                   0                   3

This course covers the personal competencies and qualities needed to project a professional image in the office. Topics include interpersonal skills, health lifestyles, appearance, attitude, personal and professional growth, multicultural awareness, and professional etiquette. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate these attributes in the classroom, office, and society. (S)

OST 289                   Office Systems Management                   2                   2                   3

Prerequisites: OST 164 and either OST 134 or OST 136

This course provides a capstone course for the office professional. Topics include administrative office procedures, imaging, communication techniques, ergonomics, and equipment utilization. Upon completion, students should be able to function proficiently in a changing office environment. (S/SS) See the SEL and SEM prefixes for generic Selected Topics and Seminar course descriptions.