Medical Office Manager Programs in Norfolk, Virginia

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

Navigating a career as a Medical Office Manager in Norfolk, Virginia, offers a pathway to a vital leadership role within the healthcare system. Medical Office Managers, sometimes referred to as Certified Physician Practice Managers (CPPM), oversee the daily operations of medical practices, clinics, and specialty healthcare offices. Their responsibilities span personnel management, regulatory compliance, financial oversight, patient relations, and health information technology. Whether entering the field through a certificate, associate degree, or advanced degree, aspiring managers in Norfolk can access a range of local and regional training options, each supporting their journey toward certification and professional advancement in healthcare administration.

About Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a historic coastal city at the heart of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. As the second-most populous city in Virginia, it features a thriving port, a robust healthcare sector, and a diverse economy. Notable neighborhoods include Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, Ocean View, and East Beach. The city is home to cultural landmarks such as the Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, and the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Norfolk’s proximity to major military installations and its vibrant healthcare sector make it a dynamic environment for healthcare professionals. Learn more about the city at the official Norfolk website.

Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Norfolk, Virginia

Several educational institutions in Norfolk and nearby regions offer programs relevant to medical office management and healthcare administration. These programs provide foundational knowledge and specialized training to prepare students for the CPPM credential and careers in medical practice management.

1. Norfolk State University – Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management

Located in the heart of Norfolk, Norfolk State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management (online and in-person). This 120-credit program equips students with business, leadership, and healthcare knowledge to lead health service organizations. The curriculum includes coursework in healthcare systems, management, ethics, and health information technology, plus a built-in internship for real-world experience.

2. Old Dominion University – Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Major in Health Services Administration

Old Dominion University, situated near the Larchmont-Edgewater and Lambert’s Point neighborhoods, features a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a focus on Health Services Administration. Available fully online, this program is certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration and covers topics such as healthcare finance, policy, global health, and epidemiology, preparing students for administrative roles in diverse healthcare settings.

3. Tidewater Community College – Health Sciences Certificate and Associate Degree

Tidewater Community College, with its main campus in Downtown Norfolk, offers a Health Sciences Certificate and an Associate of Science in Science with a Health Sciences specialization. These programs provide foundational coursework for those pursuing entry-level positions in medical office management or planning to transfer to a four-year program. The college also offers medical administrative assistant and billing/coding certificate programs.

Additional Option:

If seeking a direct CPPM preparation course, Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg (approximately 200 miles from Norfolk) offers a Medical Office Manager program that includes medical terminology, certified medical administrative assistant training, electronic health records, and CPPM preparation, with an exam voucher included.

Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Norfolk

Norfolk’s healthcare landscape is anchored by several major hospitals, outpatient centers, and healthcare systems that frequently hire Medical Office Managers and healthcare administrators:

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Careers): Located in the Ghent neighborhood, Sentara Norfolk General is a 525-bed tertiary care facility and the region’s only Level I Adult Trauma Center. Sentara Healthcare operates multiple hospitals and outpatient clinics throughout the area.
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) (Employment): This 206-bed pediatric hospital is centrally located and serves as Virginia’s only freestanding children’s hospital, offering a wide range of pediatric services in over 40 locations.
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center (Careers): In the Edgewater neighborhood, this hospital offers comprehensive services including emergency care, surgery, and specialty clinics.

Additional opportunities exist with regional networks such as Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, and with large outpatient medical practices, specialty clinics, and community health centers across Norfolk and the Hampton Roads area.

Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs

Admission requirements for Medical Office Manager and healthcare administration programs in Norfolk typically include:

Educational Background: High school diploma or GED for entry-level certificates and associate degrees; bachelor’s degree for graduate programs.
Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old.
Academic Prerequisites: Some programs may require coursework in English, math, or science.
Background Checks: Healthcare programs often require criminal background checks and drug screening.
Work Experience: While not always required for entry-level study, two years of healthcare administration experience is recommended for those attempting the CPPM certification exam.
Entrance Exams: Some colleges may require placement or entrance exams, especially for competitive programs.

Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers

The gold standard for Medical Office Manager certification is the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) credential, awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Key details include:

Eligibility: No mandatory experience, but two years in healthcare administration is strongly recommended.
Exam: 135 multiple-choice questions, four-hour time limit, 70% passing score.
Exam Delivery: Take in-person at Meazure Learning testing centers or online with live remote proctoring.
Membership: Current AAPC membership is required to register for the CPPM exam.
Continuing Education: 36 continuing education units (CEUs) required every two years to maintain certification.
Preparation: AAPC offers a self-paced online course ($1,195), and local colleges may offer CPPM prep as part of their curriculum.

Other professional organizations relevant to practice management and healthcare administration include:

Get Started Today

Becoming a Medical Office Manager in Norfolk, Virginia, positions you for a rewarding career at the intersection of healthcare and business management. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and diverse avenues for advancement, this field offers lasting professional fulfillment. Explore the local programs, review their prerequisites, and reach out to schools for more information. By taking the next step in your education and certification journey, you can build a successful future in healthcare administration. Contact a school today to get started on your path to becoming a Certified Physician Practice Manager.

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