Medical Office Manager Programs in Glendale, Arizona
Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in Glendale, Arizona
The healthcare industry in Arizona is growing rapidly, and with it comes an increasing demand for skilled leaders in medical practice management. If you are considering a career as a Medical Office Manager in Glendale, Arizona, earning the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) credential can be a significant step toward a rewarding future in healthcare administration. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the role, education pathways, local training options, certification steps, and employment opportunities for aspiring Medical Office Managers in Glendale.
Medical Office Managers play a pivotal role in ensuring that healthcare practices run smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities encompass supervising front office staff, managing budgets, overseeing compliance with healthcare regulations, and facilitating patient services. Individuals interested in this career may pursue various education paths, including certificate programs, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration or medical office management. Earning professional certification, such as the CPPM from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), further demonstrates expertise and commitment to the field.
Whether you are just starting your educational journey or looking to advance your career in healthcare, Glendale offers several local resources to help you achieve your goals.
About Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona, is situated in the northwest region of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Known for its welcoming neighborhoods such as Arrowhead Ranch, Westgate, and the historic downtown district, Glendale is home to more than 250,000 residents. The city boasts major landmarks including the State Farm Stadium and the Desert Diamond Arena, alongside a thriving healthcare sector that supports both urban and suburban communities. Glendale’s blend of established neighborhoods and expanding commercial centers creates ample opportunities for careers in healthcare administration.
Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Glendale, Arizona
Finding the right training program is essential for building the foundation needed for a successful career in medical office management. While there are limited Medical Office Manager-specific programs located directly in Glendale, several high-quality options are available nearby within Maricopa County and the greater Phoenix area.
1. Maricopa Corporate College – Medical Office Manager Training Program
- Location: Phoenix, AZ (Approximately 10 miles from central Glendale)
- Program Overview: Maricopa Corporate College offers a comprehensive Medical Office Manager Training Program designed to prepare students for roles in healthcare administration. The curriculum spans 34 weeks with 322 hours of instruction and covers computer fundamentals, Microsoft Office, healthcare law, billing, electronic medical records, patient care coordination, compliance, and customer service. Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS), and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exams. This program is delivered via online and distance learning formats, making it ideal for working adults.
- Cost: $4,199 (includes exam vouchers)
- Learn more about the program
2. Central Arizona College – Medical Office Manager (CPPM) Training
- Location: Coolidge, AZ (Approximately 65 miles southeast of Glendale)
- Program Overview: Central Arizona College provides a Medical Office Manager program that combines medical terminology, Microsoft Office skills, CMAA and CEHRS preparation, and dedicated CPPM exam preparation. The curriculum is tailored to equip students with the skills needed for revenue cycle management, compliance, human resources, and health information technology. Graduates receive assistance with exam registration and career planning.
- Program details
3. Coconino Community College – Online Medical Office Manager (CPPM) Certification Training
- Location: Online program based in Flagstaff, AZ (Remote, accessible from Glendale)
- Program Overview: Coconino Community College offers a 100% online Medical Office Manager (CPPM) Certification Training program. Students can start at any time and complete coursework at their own pace, making this a convenient option for working professionals. The curriculum covers foundational administrative skills, medical office procedures, compliance, and exam preparation.
- More information
If you are seeking a traditional classroom setting, consider exploring programs at nearby community colleges or universities in the Phoenix metropolitan area, such as Glendale Community College or Arizona State University, which offer degrees in healthcare administration and related fields.
Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Glendale
Glendale’s robust healthcare sector offers numerous employment opportunities for Medical Office Managers. Key employers include major hospitals, medical centers, and multispecialty clinics, many of which are located within well-known neighborhoods and medical districts.
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
- Location: 5555 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306 (Arrowhead Ranch area)
- Overview: Banner Thunderbird Medical Center is one of the largest hospitals in the region, with extensive inpatient and outpatient services, including heart and vascular care, surgery, and emergency services. The center employs a wide range of healthcare administrators and managers.
- Banner Thunderbird Careers
Abrazo Arrowhead Campus
- Location: 18701 N 67th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308 (Arrowhead area)
- Overview: Abrazo Arrowhead Campus provides comprehensive acute care, surgical services, and specialty clinics. Recognized for high-quality care and innovation, Abrazo offers administrative career paths in practice management and operations.
- Abrazo Careers
Dignity Health – St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center
- Location: 7300 N 99th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85307 (Westgate area)
- Overview: As part of the Dignity Health network, this facility offers both primary and specialty care, with administrative roles focused on patient services, compliance, and office management.
- Dignity Health Careers
In addition to these major employers, Glendale is home to numerous physician offices, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices that regularly seek qualified Medical Office Managers. For a broader look at the job market and salary trends, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Medical and Health Services Managers page provides up-to-date employment outlooks and wage data.
Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs
Before enrolling in a Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration program, applicants should be aware of typical prerequisites:
- Education: Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum Age: Applicants are often required to be at least 18 years old.
- Background Check: Some programs may require a criminal background check, especially for internships or clinical rotations.
- Entrance Exams: While not always required, some programs may request placement testing in English and math.
- Work Experience: Advanced certifications like the CPPM generally recommend (or require) prior experience in a medical office or healthcare administration setting, often 1–3 years.
- Technology Access: For online programs, reliable internet access and computer literacy are essential.
Meeting these prerequisites helps ensure that students are prepared for the academic and practical demands of the program.
Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers
Earning professional certification is a key step toward a successful career in medical office management. The Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) credential, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is widely recognized and respected throughout the healthcare industry.
CPPM Certification Overview:
- Eligibility: Designed for individuals with experience in healthcare administration or medical office management.
- Exam: The CPPM exam consists of 135 multiple-choice questions to be completed in four hours; a passing score is 70% or higher.
- Topics Covered: Revenue cycle management, healthcare law and compliance, human resources, information technology, medical billing, and office operations.
- Preparation: AAPC offers self-paced online courses and study guides. Training programs at local colleges often align their curriculum to CPPM exam requirements.
- Cost: The exam fee is $399 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts.
- Renewal: CPPM holders must maintain AAPC membership and complete 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to stay current with industry changes.
Other relevant certifications include the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), as well as the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) from the Practice Management Institute (PMI). These credentials can supplement your CPPM and demonstrate a broad range of competencies to employers.
Get Started Today
A career as a Medical Office Manager in Glendale, Arizona, offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare delivery. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and diverse career paths in healthcare administration, now is an excellent time to begin your journey.
Consider reaching out to one of the local training programs highlighted above to learn more about enrollment, curriculum, and certification preparation. By investing in your education and earning a respected credential like the CPPM, you can set yourself apart in a dynamic and expanding field. Take the first step toward your new career by contacting a school today.
