When a medical office runs well, patients feel it. That’s the thinking behind a new University of Mary Washington opportunity that pulls double duty for the Fredericksburg area – meeting the educational needs of healthcare professionals while addressing the medical needs of the broader community.
The Certified Medical Office Manager certification course, presented by UMW Career and Professional Development, is scheduled to take place Fridays, April 10 through May 8, at the Stafford Campus. It’s specifically designed for those aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare administration, offering a national, industry-standard credential for practice managers, medical office administrators and healthcare supervisors.
“This course is the latest example of how UMW is reaching out to address the educational needs of healthcare professionals in our community,” said Associate Provost of Career and Workforce Kimberly Young. “Having these certified professionals working locally will not only help their careers but address the need for improved healthcare services available to the public.”
Delivered in partnership with the Practice Management Institute (PMI), a nationally recognized credentialing body specializing in medical practice administration, the course combines UMW’s academic frameworks with PMI’s real-world, industry-specific training across five modules and 24 hours of instruction.
Topics include healthcare regulations and compliance, revenue cycle and billing management, human resources in medical offices, patient relations and workflow efficiency, and financial and operational management. Candidates should have a minimum of one year of medical office experience.
“We are excited to launch this important program and bring opportunities for professional development to Region 6,” said Director of Continuing and Professional Studies Teresa Segelken. “The investment from the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula communities, and the Department of Housing and Community Development through the Growth and Opportunity Grant, demonstrates the need for a well-trained administrative workforce in our healthcare system.”
The course is the direct result of a GO Virginia Region 6 grant awarded to UMW in 2025 – the first GO Virginia grant focused on healthcare in the Commonwealth. It was established to research the impact of the current healthcare infrastructure on economic development in Region 6, and develop and pilot a Practice Management Certificate Program.
That public-private collaboration extends to the course itself, where the partnership between UMW and PMI gives participants structured training plus a nationally recognized credential to strengthen career mobility and salary potential while building a more efficient, accessible healthcare system for the broader community.
For more information about the Certified Medical Office Manager course or other professional development courses, including registration details, visit UMW’s Continuing and Professional Studies website.
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