COURSES OFFERED: Office Technology (OFT)

The Office Technology Department provides students with the opportunity to acquire the skills and competencies necessary to use computers for professional and personal use and to obtain employment in an administrative support, legal, medical or health information technology environment.

Using state-of-the-art computers and various software applications, students develop expertise in word processing, desktop publishing, Web page formatting, e-commerce and business presentations. Emphasis is placed on administrative support, legal, medical and health information technology. The Office Technology Department boasts an excellent placement record for its graduates; there is no fee to students or employers for job placement. In addition, students who wish to continue their education are able to transfer some or all of their credits to four-year institutions.

Each semester students meet on an individual basis with an Office Technology faculty advisor. This advisement process allows students to become familiar with the specific requirements of their chosen program of study and provides them with an opportunity to review their academic progress and career options.

Along with the career-specific programs listed below, the Office Technology Department offers the following courses to the general public: OFT 100 Fundamentals of Keyboarding, OFT 102 College Keyboarding I, OFT 109 Word Processing Applications I, OFT 110 Word Processing Applications II, OFT 113 Word Processing Basics, OFT 114 Presentation Software Basics, OFT 115 Spreadsheet Basics, OFT 116 Database Basics, OFT 119 Word Processing Applications III, OFT 120 Desktop Publishing, OFT 230 Web Page Formatting, OFT 235 E-Commerce for Office Professionals, OFT 240 Formatting Business Presentations, OFT 244 Business Writing and OFT 245 Administrative Management.

The Office Technology Department is proud to offer our newest certificate program in Health Information Technology (HIT).  There is a nationwide shortage of medical coders and the demand for credentialed coders is high. Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, large group practices, insurance companies, government agencies, ancillary care facilities and many other venues. Students earn 37 credits upon completion of the HIT Certificate program. These credits can be transferred to a two- or four-year degree program in Health Information Management.

Online courses: OFT 244 Business Writing and OFT 245 Administrative Management

The following curricula are offered by this Department:

Office Technology/Administrative Support (A.A.S. and Cert.) - This curriculum provides students with a broad conceptual framework in office automation and information systems combined with a strong learning experience in communication skills and computer applications. This program includes an up-to-date curriculum that incorporates word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation applications, desktop publishing, Web page formatting and e-commerce. During the final semester, all students participate in a work/study program.

Office Technology/Health Information Technology (HIT) Certificate: Health Information Technology (HIT) is designed for individuals who are interested in working in the field of medical coding. Instruction includes courses in medical terminology, CPT coding, ICD coding, computer software applications in healthcare, reimbursement methodologies, healthcare data structure and delivery systems, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. During the final semester, all students participate in a medical coding work/study program. They intern in hospitals, physician offices, ambulatory care centers and other health care facilities. At the completion of the 12-course certificate, HIT students will earn 37 credits and will be qualified to sit for the national coding certification exam. Please note that the HIT courses are listed in the College catalog under the extension HIT.

Office Technology/Legal (A.A.S. and Cert.) - The legal option offers students the opportunity to acquire computer and legal procedures skills and to learn about the Federal and New York State Court Systems. Legal office technology instruction concentrates on the areas of civil litigation, wills and probates, and real estate. Graduates are qualified to work in law firms, which are engaged in general or specialized practice, or in legal departments of large corporations, civil service, insurance companies, law publishers or the courts. During their final semester, all students participate in a legal work/study program. They intern in law firms, the District Attorney's office, the Probation Department or the Courts.

Office Technology/Medical (A.A.S. and Cert.) - The medical curriculum offers students the opportunity to acquire skills necessary to seek employment in doctors' offices, hospitals, research institutions, insurance and pharmaceutical companies and other health facilities. Students take courses in medical terminology, medical transcription, medical coding, billing and office procedures. During the final semester, all students participate in a medical work/study program. They intern in doctors' offices, hospitals, research institutions, insurance and pharmaceutical companies and other health facilities.

Course Sequence: ENCORE - ENCORE is designed for individuals who want to strengthen and learn new office skills to obtain an administrative-support position.  Individuals seeking to upgrade computer skills or seeking re-entry into the workforce will find that this program enhances their employability in today’s job market. Instruction includes courses in word processing, administrative management, spreadsheets, business presentations and office procedures. At the completion of the ENCORE program, students will earn 15 credits. These credits may be applied to either a certificate or a degree program in the Office Technology Department.

Reinforcement Learning Center (Cluster A, Room 115) This facility is open Monday through Saturday and is staffed by technical assistants who offer reinforcement for all subjects taught in the Office Technology Department. Students in need of assistance in various software programs or who wish to reinforce skills are encouraged to use the Reinforcement Learning Center.