Medical Office Manager Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Exploring a career as a Medical Office Manager in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania opens doors to dynamic opportunities in healthcare administration and medical practice management. Medical Office Managers—often known as Certified Physician Practice Managers (CPPM)—play a crucial role in overseeing daily operations, managing staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and facilitating patient services within medical offices, clinics, and health systems.
Individuals pursuing this path may choose from several educational routes, including certificate programs, associate or bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration, or targeted training in medical office management. Many choose to pursue professional certification, such as the CPPM, to validate their expertise and enhance career prospects.
This guide provides an overview of the Medical Office Manager career, local training options, certification requirements, and employment opportunities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
About Philadelphia
Philadelphia, known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” is Pennsylvania’s largest city and a historical hub with a thriving healthcare sector. Home to iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the city offers diverse neighborhoods such as Center City, University City, and Fishtown. Philadelphia’s robust healthcare infrastructure and network of hospitals make it a prime location for aspiring Medical Office Managers. For more city information, visit the official City of Philadelphia website.
Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Several reputable institutions in Philadelphia offer Medical Office Manager, healthcare administration, and related programs. Below are three top options in or near the city:
1. Peirce College – Medical Office Manager Certificate
- Location: Center City, Philadelphia
- Program Overview: Peirce College provides a Medical Office Manager Certificate designed to prepare students for leadership roles in medical practices. The program covers medical terminology, billing and coding, healthcare law, and office management.
- Website: Peirce College Medical Office Assistant Certificate
- Features: Flexible online or hybrid classes, career-focused curriculum, and pathways to further degrees in healthcare administration.
2. Community College of Philadelphia – Healthcare Administration (Associate Degree)
- Location: Spring Garden neighborhood, Philadelphia
- Program Overview: The Healthcare Administration associate degree program offers foundational instruction in medical office procedures, healthcare law, and management skills. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level management roles or further study.
- Website: Community College of Philadelphia Healthcare Administration
- Features: Affordable tuition, transfer agreements with four-year universities, and support services for career placement.
3. Temple University – Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
- Location: North Philadelphia, Main Campus
- Program Overview: While not specifically titled “Medical Office Manager,” this bachelor’s program provides comprehensive training in healthcare information systems, compliance, data management, and administration—skills highly relevant to medical office management.
- Website: Temple University Health Information Management
- Features: Accredited curriculum, internship opportunities, and strong local healthcare connections.
If you are seeking additional options, some online programs such as the AAPC CPPM Online Training Course and Medical Office Manager (CPPM) Training at PCT are available to Philadelphia residents.
Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s healthcare sector is one of the largest in the nation, featuring world-renowned hospitals, group practices, and specialty clinics. The following organizations are leading employers for Medical Office Managers:
Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania Health System)
- Location: University City
- Overview: A leading academic health system with multiple hospitals and outpatient centers.
- Employment Opportunities: Penn Medicine Careers
- Notable Facts: Offers roles in practice management, administration, and patient services.
Jefferson Health
- Location: Center City
- Overview: Large healthcare network with hospitals and outpatient facilities throughout the region.
- Employment Opportunities: Jefferson Health Careers
- Notable Facts: Known for clinical innovation and diverse patient care settings.
Temple University Health System
- Location: North Philadelphia
- Overview: Major academic health system serving a broad urban population.
- Employment Opportunities: Temple Health Careers
- Notable Facts: A focus on both community health and cutting-edge clinical research.
Other significant employers include Einstein Healthcare Network, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and numerous multi-specialty practices across Center City and surrounding neighborhoods.
Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs
Before enrolling in a Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration program, prospective students should ensure they meet the following typical prerequisites:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED); some programs may require college coursework.
- Minimum Age: Generally 18 years or older.
- Background Check: Required for programs involving clinical internships or externships.
- Entrance Exams: Some colleges require placement tests in English and math.
- Work Experience: Not usually required for entry-level programs, but recommended or required for advanced certifications (such as CPPM).
Always review each school’s admissions page for specific requirements.
Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers
Earning a nationally recognized certification can give Medical Office Managers a competitive edge. The Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is a prominent credential. Other options include the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) and the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) from the Practice Management Institute (PMI).
How do you become CPPM certified?
- Education/Experience: At least two years of healthcare experience is recommended but not required.
- Exam: The CPPM exam consists of 135 multiple-choice questions covering financial management, HR, compliance, and operations.
- Maintenance: Ongoing continuing education and annual renewal are necessary to keep the certification current.
For more details, visit the AAPC CPPM Certification page.
Get Started Today
Philadelphia’s healthcare sector offers abundant opportunities for those with the skills and credentials to succeed as a Medical Office Manager. Whether you are new to the field or seeking career advancement, pursuing a Medical Office Manager certification can help set you apart in this growing profession. Review your program options, ensure you meet the prerequisites, and take the next step by reaching out to a school today.
For more information on job outlook and career statistics for Medical and Health Services Managers, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.