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Medical Office Manager Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia

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

Exploring a career as a Medical Office Manager in Virginia Beach, Virginia, opens the door to a vital and fast-growing segment of healthcare administration. Medical Office Managers—often known as Certified Physician Practice Managers (CPPMs)—are responsible for overseeing the daily business operations of medical practices, ensuring compliance, optimizing revenue cycles, managing staff, and maintaining efficient workflows. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the education and certification pathways, local training options, employment opportunities, and requirements for those seeking to become a Medical Office Manager in Virginia Beach.

Medical Office Manager education paths vary widely. Many professionals begin with an associate or bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field. Specialized certificate programs and intensive training courses are also available, culminating in industry-recognized certifications such as the CPPM from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). For those interested in professional advancement, obtaining a CPPM or similar credential is a strategic step toward leadership roles in medical practice management.

About Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach, located on the southeastern coast of Virginia, is the state’s most populous city and a renowned center for healthcare, tourism, and military activity. The city is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which supports a diverse and expanding healthcare sector. Major neighborhoods include Town Center, Kempsville, Great Neck, and Oceanfront, each offering unique residential and professional opportunities. For more information about the city, visit the official Virginia Beach website.

Medical Office Manager Training Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Those pursuing a career in medical office management can find several quality training programs in and near Virginia Beach. While the city itself offers foundational programs, nearby institutions and remote options provide additional flexibility and depth for future CPPMs.

1. Tidewater Community College (Virginia Beach Campus)

  • Location: 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 (Kempsville area)
  • Program: Health Sciences Certificate and Associate of Science in Health Sciences
  • Description: Tidewater Community College offers a Health Sciences Certificate (60-62 credits, 4 semesters) and an Associate of Science degree. These programs provide foundational knowledge in healthcare administration, medical terminology, and business practices, preparing students for entry-level administrative roles and further specialization or certification.

2. South University – Virginia Beach

  • Location: 301 Bendix Road, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (Princess Anne area)
  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
  • Description: South University’s Bachelor’s program covers health care business management, financial management, and decision-making in healthcare settings. The program can be completed on-campus or online, providing flexibility for working students and those seeking a deeper dive into healthcare management.

3. AAPC Online CPPM Practice Management Training

  • Location: Online (accessible to Virginia Beach residents)
  • Program: CPPM Online Practice Management Training Course
  • Description: The AAPC offers a comprehensive online training program tailored for those pursuing CPPM certification. This self-paced course covers revenue cycle management, compliance, HR, and healthcare technology, and includes two exam attempts and a reference guide. The training is industry-standard for aspiring practice managers and can be completed in approximately two months.

If you are seeking in-person programs outside Virginia Beach, consider schools in the greater Hampton Roads area, such as Norfolk or Chesapeake, which are within a 30-minute drive.

Medical Office Manager Employment Opportunities in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach’s dynamic healthcare sector offers a range of employment opportunities for Medical Office Managers. Major employers in the area include:

Sentara Healthcare

  • Website: Sentara Healthcare Careers
  • Locations: Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital (Great Neck), Sentara Princess Anne Hospital (Princess Anne), multiple primary and specialty care clinics across the city.
  • Description: Sentara is one of Virginia’s largest health systems, employing thousands in the region. The system offers numerous medical office management positions in its hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician practices.

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD)

  • Website: CHKD Careers
  • Location: Main hospital in nearby Norfolk, with outpatient clinics in Virginia Beach (Town Center, Kempsville).
  • Description: CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia, providing specialized pediatric services and employing healthcare administrators and office managers across more than 40 locations.

Bon Secours Mercy Health

  • Website: Bon Secours Careers
  • Location: Bon Secours Health Center at Virginia Beach (Princess Anne area), with additional facilities in Hampton Roads.
  • Description: Bon Secours offers opportunities in both hospital and outpatient settings, supporting career growth in practice management and administration.

Additional opportunities exist in independent physician practices, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics throughout neighborhoods such as Town Center and Great Neck.

Prerequisites for Medical Office Manager Programs

Before enrolling in a Medical Office Manager program in Virginia Beach, candidates should be aware of common prerequisites:

  • Education: High school diploma or GED is required for most programs. An associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred for advanced study.
  • Work Experience: For certification programs like the AAPC CPPM, at least two years of healthcare experience is recommended.
  • Entrance Exams: Some degree programs may require college placement tests.
  • Background Checks: Healthcare employers and some programs may require background checks due to the sensitive nature of patient data.
  • Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in office software and healthcare IT systems is beneficial.

Certification Requirements for Medical Office Managers

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

  • Healthcare Experience: Two years of relevant experience recommended.
  • Education: Completion of preparatory coursework or equivalent experience.
  • Exam: Passing a comprehensive exam covering compliance, revenue cycle, HR, medical office accounting, and health IT.
  • Continuing Education: Maintain 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years and active AAPC membership.

Alternative certifications include the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) from Practice Management Institute, which has similar requirements and focuses on healthcare office operations, compliance, and financial management.

For further information about licensure and regulations, consult the Virginia Department of Health Professions.

Get Started Today

A career as a Medical Office Manager offers a pathway to leadership in healthcare administration and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care and practice efficiency. With accessible education and certification options in Virginia Beach and the strong demand for skilled managers, now is an excellent time to start your journey. Contact a local school or training provider to learn more about your options and take the first step toward becoming a Certified Physician Practice Manager.

For a detailed outlook on job growth and salaries in this field, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Medical and Health Services Managers job outlook.