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Medical Office Manager Programs in New Orleans, Louisiana

Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in New Orleans, Louisiana

A Medical Office Manager, also known as a Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), plays a critical role in the operation of medical clinics, physician practices, and healthcare facilities. These professionals oversee daily administrative operations, manage staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize patient flow and billing processes. With healthcare delivery becoming increasingly complex, the demand for skilled medical practice managers continues to rise—especially in a healthcare hub like New Orleans, Louisiana.

There are several educational paths to become a Medical Office Manager in New Orleans. Options range from specialized certificate programs and associate degrees in healthcare administration to bachelor’s degrees in business or health services management. Additionally, industry-recognized certifications such as the CPPM credential from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) can help candidates stand out in the job market.

This guide explores the steps to becoming a Medical Office Manager in New Orleans, provides information about local training programs, and highlights career opportunities in the region.

About New Orleans

New Orleans, the largest city in Louisiana, is celebrated for its rich culture, historic neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Uptown, and a robust healthcare sector serving Orleans Parish and surrounding parishes. The city is home to renowned institutions such as Tulane University, Loyola University, and a strong network of hospitals and clinics. For more information about city resources and initiatives, visit the official City of New Orleans website.

Medical Office Manager Training Programs in New Orleans, Louisiana

Several educational institutions in and near New Orleans offer programs in healthcare administration and medical office management. These programs prepare students for leadership roles in medical practices and provide the foundation needed for certification.

1. Delgado Community College – Medical Office Management (New Orleans, Mid-City)
Delgado Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Office Management, focusing on administrative, billing, and leadership skills specific to healthcare settings. The curriculum covers medical terminology, health information management, and office procedures, preparing graduates for entry-level management roles.
Learn more about Delgado’s Medical Office Management program

2. University of New Orleans – Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management (New Orleans, Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks)
The University of New Orleans provides a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, equipping students with in-depth knowledge of healthcare systems, policy, and administration. The program is ideal for those seeking advanced roles in medical office or practice management.
Explore the Healthcare Management program at UNO

3. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – Health Sciences Management Courses (New Orleans, Downtown/CBD)
LSU Health New Orleans offers courses and certificate options in health sciences management. These programs are tailored for working professionals looking to enhance their credentials in healthcare administration and practice management.
Find programs at LSU Health New Orleans

If you are seeking additional options, consider nearby schools such as:

Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in New Orleans

New Orleans is a regional healthcare leader, offering a diverse range of employment opportunities for Medical Office Managers. Major employers include:

Ochsner Health System (Multiple Locations)
Ochsner is Louisiana’s largest non-university academic health system, with facilities throughout New Orleans and the surrounding region. The system regularly seeks practice managers, clinic administrators, and operations directors.
Ochsner Health Careers

LCMC Health (Downtown, Uptown, and Mid-City)
LCMC Health operates several hospitals and clinics in New Orleans, including University Medical Center (Downtown), Tulane Medical Center (CBD), and Children’s Hospital (Uptown). These facilities offer roles for medical office managers and department administrators.
LCMC Health Careers

Tulane Medical Center (Central Business District)
An academic medical center affiliated with Tulane University, Tulane Medical Center employs practice administrators, clinical managers, and other healthcare leaders.
Tulane Medical Center Careers

Children’s Hospital New Orleans (Uptown)
As a leading pediatric hospital, Children’s Hospital New Orleans offers opportunities in medical office and practice management within a specialized setting.
Children’s Hospital New Orleans Careers

Additional employers include the New Orleans Health Department, federally qualified health centers, and private medical practices across the city’s neighborhoods.

Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs

Admission requirements for Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration programs in New Orleans typically include:

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent for certificate and associate programs; some bachelor’s programs require prior college coursework or standardized test scores.
  • Age: Minimum age of 18 is standard for most programs.
  • Background Check: Required for clinical or internship placements, particularly in healthcare settings.
  • Experience: Some programs (especially those preparing for CPPM certification) may prefer or require prior work experience in a medical office or administrative setting.
  • Entrance Exams: Not typically required for certificate or associate programs, but may be needed for select bachelor’s degrees.

Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers

The gold standard credential for Medical Office Managers is the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Here’s what you need to know:

  • Eligibility: Recommended for individuals with experience in medical office administration or healthcare management.
  • Exam: The CPPM exam consists of 135 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as revenue cycle management, compliance, human resources, and health information technology. The passing score is 70%.
  • Preparation: AAPC offers an online CPPM training course, and local colleges provide relevant preparatory education.
  • Continuing Education: CPPM-certified professionals must earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, with at least 16 in practice management.
  • Alternative Certifications: Other certifications include the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and the Medical Office Manager Certification from the Practice Management Institute (PMI).

Additionally, joining professional organizations such as the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) can enhance your professional development and networking opportunities.

Get Started Today

The demand for skilled Medical Office Managers in New Orleans is on the rise, with excellent career prospects and competitive salaries. Whether you are just starting your journey or seeking to advance in healthcare administration, now is an ideal time to pursue your certification and training. Contact a local school or training provider today to learn more about program options, discuss prerequisites, and take the next step toward a rewarding career in medical practice management.

For more information about job outlook and salary data, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Medical and Health Services Managers page.