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Medical Office Manager Programs in Honolulu, Hawaii

Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in Honolulu, Hawaii

Pursuing a career as a Medical Office Manager in Honolulu, Hawaii, opens doors to leadership within healthcare administration. Medical Office Managers—often known as Certified Physician Practice Managers (CPPM)—oversee the day-to-day operations, compliance, and financial management of medical practices. In Honolulu, a growing healthcare sector and major hospital systems create a dynamic environment for professionals aiming to advance in medical practice management. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, local education options, prerequisites, certification requirements, and employment prospects for aspiring Medical Office Managers in Honolulu.

About Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii, is situated on the island of Oahu and serves as the state’s primary hub for business, healthcare, and government. Known for its iconic Waikiki Beach, the historic Pearl Harbor, and the majestic Diamond Head crater, Honolulu offers a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Downtown Honolulu, Kaka’ako, and Manoa, each contribute to its rich cultural landscape. For more information about the city, visit the official City and County of Honolulu website.

Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu offers several educational options for those pursuing healthcare administration or Medical Office Manager training. While specific “Medical Office Manager” programs are limited, several local institutions provide relevant healthcare administration training and certification preparation.

1. University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu
Located in Kapolei, west of downtown Honolulu, the University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu offers a Health Care Administration certificate. This program equips students with essential knowledge in health systems, health IT, and management—skills foundational for medical office management roles. Courses are designed for both current healthcare professionals and those entering the field.

2. Kapi‘olani Community College
Located in the Diamond Head neighborhood, Kapi‘olani Community College provides an Associate in Science in Health Information Technology. This degree offers education in health data management, HIPAA compliance, and medical office workflow, all relevant for aspiring Medical Office Managers.

3. Hawaii Medical College
Situated in the Ala Moana area, Hawaii Medical College features a Medical Office Administration program. This program prepares students for administrative roles in healthcare settings, covering subjects such as medical billing, coding, office procedures, and electronic health records. Graduates are well-positioned for entry-level positions and certification pathways.

If you are considering additional options, be aware that some students pursue online CPPM or healthcare administration programs through accredited national providers. These flexible options can supplement local training and prepare you for the CPPM exam.

Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Honolulu

Honolulu’s healthcare sector is robust, supporting a wide range of employment opportunities for Medical Office Managers. Major healthcare employers in the city include:

Hawaii Pacific Health
With facilities in the Ala Moana and Kaka’ako neighborhoods, Hawaii Pacific Health operates several hospitals and clinics, including Straub Medical Center and Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. Their careers portal lists administrative and management opportunities across O‘ahu.

The Queen’s Health Systems
Serving downtown Honolulu and surrounding areas, The Queen’s Health Systems is the state’s largest private hospital system. They offer roles in practice management, operations, and medical office administration.

Kuakini Health System
Located in the Liliha neighborhood, Kuakini Health System provides acute medical and long-term care services. The system regularly posts job openings for office managers, administrative coordinators, and other healthcare administration roles.

Adventist Health Castle
A short drive from downtown Honolulu, Adventist Health Castle in Kailua offers additional employment opportunities for those willing to commute.

These facilities are frequently recruiting individuals with healthcare administration training and national certifications such as the CPPM.

Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs

Enrolling in a Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration program in Honolulu typically requires:

  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • Minimum age of 18 years.
  • Basic computer literacy.
  • Some programs may request transcripts, a background check, or proof of immunizations.
  • For advanced programs or certifications like the CPPM, at least two years of healthcare experience is strongly recommended, though not always required if you complete specific prerequisite coursework.

Check with each institution for any additional entrance requirements, especially if you are pursuing programs that prepare you for national certification exams.

Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers

The Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) credential, awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is the industry standard for medical office management. Earning the CPPM requires:

  • Demonstrating knowledge in practice business operations, medical billing, compliance, human resources, and healthcare IT.
  • Completing a comprehensive training program (such as AAPC’s CPPM online course or a local healthcare administration program).
  • Passing the CPPM exam, which consists of 135 multiple-choice questions to be completed in four hours. A passing score is 70% or higher.
  • Maintaining certification by earning continuing education units (CEUs) and an active AAPC membership.

Other relevant certifications include the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) from the Practice Management Institute (PMI). These credentials can boost your employability and demonstrate your commitment to best practices in healthcare administration.

For more information on job outlook and salary data for Medical and Health Services Managers, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Medical Office Manager in Honolulu is a rewarding path with strong job prospects and opportunities for advancement. Begin by researching local programs, reviewing prerequisites, and considering certification options that align with your career goals. Take the first step today by reaching out to schools in Honolulu to learn more about their programs and how you can start your journey toward a leadership role in healthcare administration.