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Medical Office Manager Programs in Wichita, Kansas

Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in Wichita, Kansas

Medical office management is an essential and rewarding career choice for individuals seeking leadership roles within healthcare organizations. In Wichita, Kansas, aspiring professionals can pursue the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) certification to demonstrate expertise in medical practice management, healthcare administration, compliance, and revenue cycle management. This guide offers an overview of the education pathways, local training options, prerequisites, and employment opportunities available to those considering a future as a Medical Office Manager in Wichita.

What is a Medical Office Manager?

A Medical Office Manager oversees daily operations in physicians’ practices, clinics, and other health facilities. Key responsibilities include supervising staff, handling budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing patient records, and optimizing office workflow. The CPPM credential, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is a nationally recognized certification that prepares professionals for these multifaceted roles.

Career pathways into medical office management often begin with healthcare administration degrees, specialized certificate programs, or on-the-job experience in medical settings. Whether you are newly exploring healthcare management or seeking to formalize your experience with certification, Wichita offers local and regional educational opportunities to help you achieve your goals.

About Wichita, Kansas

Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, is recognized as a regional healthcare hub and a thriving center for business, culture, and education. Situated along the Arkansas River, Wichita boasts a population of nearly 400,000 and anchors a metropolitan area that serves much of south-central Kansas. Notable neighborhoods include Downtown, College Hill, Delano, and Riverside. Wichita is home to several major hospitals, universities, and healthcare employers. To learn more about the city’s amenities and community resources, visit the official City of Wichita website.

Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Wichita, Kansas

While specialized certificate programs for Medical Office Managers (CPPM) are rare at local colleges, Wichita and the surrounding region offer several respected healthcare administration and management programs that provide a strong foundation for a career in medical practice management.

1. Wichita State University – College of Health Professions

  • Program: Health Management Programs
  • Location: Main Campus, Midtown neighborhood
  • Overview: Wichita State University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in health management and administration. The online Master of Health Administration (MHA) prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, including medical practice management. Courses cover healthcare systems, leadership, law, finance, and information management. Flexible online options are available for working professionals.

2. Newman University – School of Business

  • Program: MBA in Healthcare Administration and Graduate Healthcare Administration Certificate
  • Location: West Wichita
  • Overview: Newman University offers an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration, designed for those seeking to advance in healthcare management. The university also provides a Graduate Healthcare Administration Certificate, which can be completed in about one year and is ideal for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Courses focus on healthcare economics, finance, organizational leadership, and healthcare policy.

3. University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) – Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA)

  • Program: Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA)
  • Location: Kansas City, KS (approx. 190 miles northeast of Wichita)
  • Overview: The KUMC MHSA program is fully accredited and consistently ranked among the top health administration programs nationally. This graduate degree prepares students for advanced management roles in healthcare, including medical office management. The curriculum covers leadership, finance, quality improvement, and healthcare law.

Note: While Wichita State University and Newman University are located in Wichita, the University of Kansas Medical Center is the nearest major program outside the city, about a 3-hour drive northeast.

Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Wichita

Wichita’s robust healthcare sector features several large employers that regularly seek qualified medical office managers and administrative professionals. Below are key organizations and their employment resources:

1. Wesley Medical Center (HCA Healthcare)

  • Location: Midtown
  • About: Wesley Medical Center is a 760-bed acute-care hospital and a major regional healthcare provider. It offers a wide range of specialty services, with more than 900 physicians and thousands of employees.
  • Careers: Wesley Medical Center Careers

2. Ascension Via Christi

  • Location: Multiple facilities across Wichita, including St. Francis (Downtown), St. Joseph, and St. Teresa
  • About: Ascension Via Christi is the largest healthcare provider in Kansas, with six hospitals and a broad outpatient network. It offers comprehensive services from primary to advanced specialty care.
  • Careers: Ascension Via Christi Jobs

3. University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita

  • Location: Northeast Wichita
  • About: The medical school is a significant healthcare employer, with positions in both administration and clinical support. KU School of Medicine–Wichita also partners with local hospitals and clinics.
  • Careers: KU Wichita Careers

Other notable employers include the Sedgwick County Health Department, Labcorp, and Quest Diagnostics, all of which offer administrative and managerial positions in healthcare.

Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs

Before enrolling in a Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration program in Wichita, applicants should be aware of common prerequisites:

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required for entry-level programs. Bachelor’s degrees are typically needed for graduate-level programs.
  • Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old.
  • Experience: Some advanced certifications, such as the CPPM, require prior experience in healthcare administration or medical office environments.
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from previous institutions are often required.
  • Background Checks: Many programs and employers require background checks, especially for roles with access to sensitive patient information.
  • Entrance Exams: Some graduate programs may require GRE or similar standardized test scores, though many (including Wichita State University’s MHA) have waived these requirements.

Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers

Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)

The Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) credential, offered by the AAPC, is the leading national certification for medical office managers. Key requirements include:

  • Experience: The CPPM is best suited for candidates with at least 2 years of healthcare administration experience.
  • Education/Training: While direct healthcare management experience is ideal, AAPC offers online training courses to help candidates prepare for the exam.
  • Exam: The CPPM exam is a 4-hour, 135-question multiple-choice test covering financial management, compliance, human resources, revenue cycle management, HIPAA, and more.
  • Passing Score: A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.
  • Cost: Exam pricing begins at $399 for one attempt; training courses start at $1,195.
  • Continuing Education: CPPMs must earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain certification.

Other relevant credentials include the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM), offered by the Practice Management Institute, and program-specific certificates from local universities.

Get Started Today

Wichita, Kansas, offers a strong foundation for individuals pursuing a career as a Medical Office Manager. With reputable healthcare administration programs at Wichita State University and Newman University, a supportive job market, and recognized national certifications like the CPPM, the pathway to medical practice management is clear. Now is an excellent time to take the next step—review your options, connect with a local school, and begin your journey toward a healthcare leadership career. Contact a school today to learn more about program details and admission requirements.

For more information on the job outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics profile.