OST – Office Systems Technology

All courses are alphabetized by course code. All courses are to be pursued in a normal sequence with prerequisite courses taken as indicated. Provided for each course is the following information: course number and title; number of class, laboratory, clinical/shop/work experience (if any), and credit hours; and the semester in which the course is offered - FA (Fall), SP (Spring), and SU (Summer).

OST 122 Office Computations (1 2 0 2)

This course introduces the keypad and the touch method using the electronic calculator. Topics include mathematical functions in business applications. Upon completion, students should be able to use the electronic calculator to solve a wide variety of problems commonly encountered in business. (FA).

OST 131 Keyboarding (1 2 0 2)

This course covers basic keyboarding skills. Emphasis is placed on the touch system, correct techniques, and development of speed and accuracy. Upon completion, students should be able to key at an acceptable speed and accuracy level using the touch system. Credit by proficiency exam is available. (FA and SP).

OST 134 Text Entry & Formatting (2 2 0 3)

This course is designed to provide skills needed to increase speed, improve accuracy, and format documents. Topics  include letters, memos, tables, and business reports. Upon completion, students should be able to produce documents and key timed writings at speeds commensurate with employability. Prerequisite: Take OST 131. (SP).

OST 135 Adv Text Entry & Format (3 2 0 4)

This course is designed to incorporate computer application skills in the generation of office documents. Emphasis is  placed on advanced document production. Upon completion, students should be able to make independent decisions regarding planning, style, and method of presentation. Prerequisite: Take OST 134. (FA).

OST 136 Word Processing (2 2 0 3)

This course is designed to introduce word processing concepts and applications. Topics include preparation of a variety of documents and mastery of specialized software functions. Upon completion, students should be able to work effectively in a computerized word processing environment. Prerequisite: Take OST 131. (SP and SU).

OST 137 Office Software Applications (2 2 0 3)

This course introduces the concepts and functions of software that meets the changing needs of the community. Emphasis is placed on the terminology and use of software through a hands-on approach. Upon completion, students should be able to use software in a business environment. Students will build on previously acquired basic skills in presentation software. Prerequisite: Take CIS 110. (SU).

OST 141 Med Terms I-Med Office (3 0 0 3)

This course uses a language-structure approach to present the terminology and vocabulary that will be encountered in medical office settings. Topics include word parts that relate to systemic components, conditions, pathology, and disorder remediation in approximately one-half of the systems of the human body. Upon completion, students should be able to relate words to systems, pluralize, define, pronounce, and construct sentences with the included terms. (FA).

OST 142 Med Terms II-Med Office (3 0 0 3)

This course is a continuation of OST 141 and continues the study, using a language-structure approach, of medical office terminology and vocabulary. Topics include word parts that relate to systemic components, conditions, pathology, and disorder remediation in the remaining systems of the human body. Upon completion, students should be able to relate words to systems, pluralize, define, pronounce, and construct sentences with the included terms. Prerequisite: Take OST 141. (SP).

OST 148 Med Coding Billing & Insu (3 0 0 3)

This course introduces fundamentals of medical coding, billing, and insurance. Emphasis is placed on the medical billing cycle to include third party payers, coding concepts, and form preparation. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the life cycle of and accurately complete a medical insurance claim. (SP).

OST 149 Med Legal Issues (3 0 0 3)

This course introduces the complex legal, moral, and ethical issues involved in providing health-care services. Emphasis is placed on the legal requirements of medical practices; the relationship of physician, patient, and office personnel; professional liabilities; and medical practice liability. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of current medical law and accepted ethical behavior. (FA and SP).

OST 164 Text Editing Applications (3 0 0 3)

This course provides a comprehensive study of editing skills needed in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, proofreading, and editing. Upon completion, students should be able to use reference materials to compose and edit text. Prerequisite: Take ENG 090 or acceptable placement score. (FA and SP).

OST 181 Intro to Office Systems (2 2 0 3)

This course introduces the skills and abilities needed in today’s office. Topics include effectively interacting with coworkers and the public, processing simple financial and informational documents, and performing functions typical of today’s offices. Upon completion, students should be able to display skills and decision-making abilities essential for functioning in the total office context. (SU).

OST 184 Records Management (2 2 0 3)

This course includes the creation, maintenance, protection, security, and disposition of records stored in a variety of media forms. Topics include alphabetic, geographic, subject, and numeric filing methods. Upon completion, students should be able to set up and maintain a records management system. (FA).

OST 223 Admin Office Transcript I (2 2 0 3)

This course provides experience in transcribing documents. Emphasis is placed on appropriate formatting, advanced text editing skills, and transcription techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to transcribe office documents. Prerequisites: Take OST 164; OST 134 or OST 136. (SP).

OST 233 Office Publications Design (2 2 0 3)

This course provides entry-level skills in using software with desktop publishing capabilities. Topics include principles of page layout, desktop publishing terminology and applications, and legal and ethical considerations of software use. Upon completion, students should be able to design and produce professional business documents and publications. Prerequisite: Take OST 136. (SP).

OST 236 Adv Word/Information Proc (2 2 0 3)

This course develops proficiency in the utilization of advanced word/information processing functions. Emphasis is placed on advanced word processing features. Upon completion, students should be able to produce a variety of complex business documents. Prerequisite: Take OST 136. (SU).

OST 241 Med Ofc Transcription I (1 2 0 2)

This course introduces machine transcription techniques as applied to medical documents. Emphasis is placed on accurate transcription, proofreading, and use of reference materials as well as vocabulary building. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare accurate and usable transcripts of voice recordings in the covered specialties. Prerequisites: Take one: MED 121 or OST 141. (FA).

OST 243 Med Office Simulation (2 2 0 3)

This course introduces medical systems used to process information in the automated office. Topics include traditional and electronic information resources, storing and retrieving information, and the billing cycle. Upon completion, students should be able to use the computer accurately to schedule, bill, update, and make corrections. Prerequisite: Take OST 148. (SP).

OST 247 Procedure Coding (1 2 0 2)

This course provides in-depth coverage of procedural coding. Emphasis is placed on CPT and HCPCS coding systems. Upon completion, students should be able to properly code procedures and services performed in a medical facility. Prerequisites: Take one: MED 121 or OST 141. (SU).

OST 248 Diagnostic Coding (1 2 0 2)

This course provides an in-depth study of diagnostic coding. Emphasis is placed on ICD coding system. Upon completion, students should be able to properly code diagnoses in a medical facility. Prerequisites: Take one: MED 121 or OST 141. (SU).

OST 286 Professional Development (3 0 0 3)

This course covers the personal competencies and qualities needed to project a professional image in the office. Topics include interpersonal skills, health lifestyles, appearance, attitude, personal and professional growth, multicultural awareness, and professional etiquette. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate these attributes in the classroom, office, and society. Prerequisites: Take one: OST 181 or MED 130. (SP).

OST 289 Administrative Office Mgt (2 2 0 3)

This course is designed to be a capstone course for the office professional and provides a working knowledge of modern office procedures. Emphasis is placed on scheduling, telephone procedures, travel arrangements, event planning, office design, and ergonomics. Upon completion, students should be able to adapt in an office environment. Prerequisites: Take one set: Set 1: OST 134 and OST 164; Set 2: OST 136 and OST 164; and CTS 130 and OST 137. (SP).