Trade School Programs

Medical Office Manager Programs in Chesapeake, Virginia

Becoming a Medical Office Manager (CPPM) in Chesapeake, Virginia

Medical office management is a rewarding and in-demand career, especially in Chesapeake, Virginia—a thriving hub for healthcare in the Hampton Roads region. As a Medical Office Manager, also known as a Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), professionals are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of medical practices, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, managing staff, and optimizing financial performance. There are multiple educational paths to enter this career, including certificate programs, associate degrees in healthcare administration, and specialized training designed for the CPPM credential.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to become a Medical Office Manager in Chesapeake, including local education options, certification requirements, and employment opportunities.

About Chesapeake, Virginia

Chesapeake is a dynamic city located in southeastern Virginia, known for its blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. As part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, Chesapeake offers proximity to beaches, waterways, and a variety of neighborhoods such as Greenbrier, Great Bridge, and Western Branch. The city’s diverse population and strong healthcare infrastructure make it an excellent location for pursuing a career in healthcare administration. To learn more about Chesapeake’s community, services, and resources, visit the official City of Chesapeake website.

Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Chesapeake, Virginia

Finding the right education is a crucial step toward becoming a successful Medical Office Manager. While Chesapeake itself does not host a large number of dedicated Medical Office Manager programs, several excellent options are available nearby and within the broader Hampton Roads region.

1. Tidewater Community College (TCC) – Chesapeake Campus
Located in the Greenbrier area, Tidewater Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management and Medical Administrative Support Specialist programs. These programs cover essential topics such as healthcare administration, medical billing, coding, and office management—ideal foundations for a CPPM career.

2. Centura College – Norfolk Campus (Approximately 15 miles from Chesapeake)
Centura College offers a Medical Assistant diploma program with a focus on administrative and clinical skills. While not a dedicated Medical Office Manager program, graduates gain hands-on experience in medical office procedures, billing, and records management, which are valuable in a management role.

3. ECPI University – Virginia Beach Campus (Approximately 20 miles from Chesapeake)
ECPI University provides a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. This program prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare settings and covers management, compliance, and administrative functions relevant for aspiring Medical Office Managers.

If you are willing to consider online programs, the AAPC’s CPPM Certification Course is highly recommended. It is self-paced, fully online, and designed specifically to prepare students for the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) exam.

Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Chesapeake

Chesapeake supports a robust network of healthcare facilities, medical practices, and hospitals where Medical Office Managers play a vital role. Some of the area’s top employers include:

  • Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (Employment Opportunities)
    Located in the heart of Chesapeake, this independent community-based hospital is a major employer and offers a range of administrative and management roles within departments such as patient services, revenue cycle, and clinical administration.

  • Sentara Healthcare (Sentara Careers)
    With multiple facilities in and around Chesapeake, Sentara is one of Virginia’s largest integrated healthcare systems. The organization frequently posts openings for Medical Office Managers, administrative coordinators, and healthcare administrators.

  • Bon Secours Health System (Bon Secours Careers)
    Bon Secours operates several hospitals and clinics in the Hampton Roads region, including nearby Portsmouth and Suffolk. The network offers career advancement, tuition reimbursement programs, and a wide range of leadership opportunities in medical office management.

  • Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) (CHKD Careers)
    CHKD is a leading pediatric hospital in the region, providing opportunities for those interested in managing pediatric or specialty medical practices.

These organizations span neighborhoods such as Greenbrier, Great Bridge, and Western Branch, providing diverse settings for career growth.

Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs

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

  • Education: Most programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some advanced programs may require prior college coursework or a degree.
  • Minimum Age: Applicants are typically required to be at least 18 years old.
  • Background Check: Due to the sensitive nature of healthcare data and patient interaction, a criminal background check may be required.
  • Entrance Exams: Some colleges may ask for placement tests in English and math.
  • Experience: For advanced certifications like the CPPM, prior experience in a healthcare setting or foundational training in medical office administration is highly recommended.

Always verify specific prerequisites with your chosen program or school.

Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers

Certification is a key step to advancing your career and demonstrating your expertise to employers. The most recognized credential for this field is the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

CPPM Certification Highlights:

  • Administered by: AAPC
  • Exam: 135 multiple-choice questions, four-hour duration, 70% passing score
  • Content Areas: Revenue cycle management, compliance, human resources, health information technology, business operations, and more
  • Eligibility: Recommended for those with foundational knowledge or experience in medical office management; preparatory courses are available
  • Continuing Education: 36 continuing education units (CEUs) required every two years to maintain certification

Other relevant certifications include:

Staying certified and engaged in continuing education is essential for career advancement and compliance.

Get Started Today

Chesapeake, Virginia offers a wealth of opportunities for those interested in medical practice management. Whether you are just starting your journey or seeking to advance your current career, the path to becoming a Medical Office Manager begins with quality education and professional certification. Reach out to a local school to learn more about their Medical Office Manager or healthcare administration programs, and take the next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare administration today.

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