Business Technology

About Business Technology

The Business Technology curricula are designed to provide students an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for assuming administrative assistant and other office positions in today\'s competitive workplace. The curricula are competency-based and organized to teach industry-driven educational outcomes. An A.A.S. degree in Business Technology has specializations in the following four areas: General Office Administration Specialization, Microsoft Office Technology Specialization, Legal Office Assistant Specialization and Medical Office Specialist Specialization. The Business Technology certificates have specializations in the following areas: Bilingual Business Technology Specialization, Human Resources/PeopleSoft Specialization, General Office Administration Specialization, Microsoft Office© Technology Specialization, Legal Office Assistant Specialization, Medical Coding/Transcription Specialist Specialization. All courses in the Business Technology Certificate programs may apply toward the A.A.S. in Business Technology. Students may also complete the Business Technology Enhanced Skills Certificate (TechPrep).

A Certified Administrative Professional (formerly Certified Professional Secretary) will be granted 15 semester hours credit for the following courses: POFT 1392, Special Topics: Introduction to Office Technology; POFT 2301, Document Formatting and Skill Building; ACNT 1303, Introduction to Accounting I; POFT 1325, Business Math and Machine Applications; POFT 2331, Administrative Systems. To receive credit, the applicant must: 1) request that direct notification be given to the College by the Institute for Certifying Secretaries that the applicant has passed all sections of the exam; 2) earn 15 hours of credit for courses within the Houston Community College System.

The capstone experience for the A.A.S. in General Office Administration Specialization is POFT 2380, Co-operative Education II; for the Bilingual Business Technology Specialization Certificate, POFT 2331, Administrative Systems; for the General Office Administration Specialization Certificate, POFT 1301, Computer Applications I; for the Human Resources/PeopleSoft Specialization Certificate, POFT 2331, Administrative Systems; for the Microsoft Office Technology Specialization A.A.S., POFI 2380, Cooperative Education II; for the Microsoft Office Technology Specialization Certificate, POFI 2331, Desktop Publishing for the Office; for the Legal Office Assistant Specialization A.A.S., POFT 2380, Cooperative Education II; for the Legal Office Assistant Specialization Certificate, POFI 1301, Computer Applications I; for the Medical Office Specialist Specialization A.A.S., POFT 2380, Cooperative Education II; for the Medical Coding/Transcription Specialist Specialization Certificate, POFT 2331, Administrative Systems. For more information, call 713-718-7807 or 713-718-7808 or e-mail Willie.Caldwell@hccs.edu.

Faculty : Business Technology

Course Descriptions: Business Technology

Syllabus
BMGT 1325 OFFICE MANAGEMENT
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Systems, procedures, and practices related to organizing and planning office work, controlling employees\' performance, and exercising leadership skills.

Syllabus
BMGT 1391 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RESOURCES/PEOPLESOFT APPLICATIONS
Prerequisites: POFI 1301 and POFT 1329
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab) (Computer Lab required)
A hands-on overview of the major areas of human resources/PeopleSoft as illustrated by PeopleSoft software applications . Some topics will cover accessing PeopleSoft, navigating the PeopleSoft interface, understanding PeopleSoft panels, using PeopleSoft panels, and creating queries.

Syllabus
MDCA 1313 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A study and practical application of a medical vocabulary system. Includes structure, recognition, analysis, definition, spelling, pronunciation, and combination of medical terms from prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms.

Syllabus
MRMT 1307 MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION I
Prerequisite: POFM 1313, POFT 1329
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Fundamentals of medical transcription with handson experience in transcribing physician dictation
including basic reports such as history and physicals, discharge summaries, consultations, operative reports, and other medical reports. Utilizes transcribing and information processing equipment compatible with industry standards . Designed to develop speed and accuracy.

Syllabus
POFI 1301 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Overview of computer office applications including current terminology and technology. Introduction to computer hardware, software applications, and procedures.

Syllabus
POFI 1341 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II
Prerequisites: POFI 1301 and POFT 1329
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Continued study of current computer terminology and technology. Advanced skill development in computer hardware, software applications, and procedures. The student will demonstrate proficiency in commonly used software applications and identify and explain the concepts involved in producing documents using advanced features of software applications. Emphasis is on developing end-user proficiency skills for office environments.

Syllabus
POFI 1349 SPREADSHEETS
Prerequisites: POFT 1329 and POFI 1301
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Skill development in the use of a spreadsheet software package. Topics include worksheet creation and manipulation functions, templates, macro programming database functions, data-table features, and graphics. The student will identify spreadsheet terminology and concepts, perform shortcut functions, modify worksheets, and insert graphics in worksheets. Study of computer applications from business productivity software suites. Emphasis is on developing end-user proficiency skills for office environments.

Syllabus
POFI 1380 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION-INFORMATION PROCESSING/DATA ENTRY TECHNICIAN
Prerequisite: 12 semester hours of Business Technology courses and program approval
Credit 3 (1 lecture, 20 lab)
Career-related activities encountered in the student\'s area of specialization offered through an individualized agreement between the college, employer, and student. Under the supervision of the college and the employer, the student combines classroom learning with work experience. Directly related to a technical discipline, specific learning objectives guide the student through the paid work experience . This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary.

Syllabus
POFI 2331 DESKTOP PUBLISHING FOR THE OFFICE
Prerequisite: POFI 1341, POFI 1349
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
In-depth coverage of desktop publishing terminology, text editing, and use of POFT 1329 design principles to create publishing material using word processing desktop publishing features . Emphasis on layout techniques, graphics, and multiple page displays with the advanced MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) certification review0.

Syllabus
POFI 2380 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION-INFORMATION PROCESSING/DATA ENTRY TECHNICIAN
Prerequisite: POFI 1380
Credit: 3(1 lecture, 20 lab)
Career related activities encountered in the student’s area of specialization are offered through a cooperative agreement between the college, employer, and student . Under supervision of the college and the employer, the student combines classroom learning with work experience. Directly related to a technical discipline, specific learning objectives guide the student through the paid work experience. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary.

Syllabus
POFL 1305 LEGAL TERMINOLOGY
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
An introduction to legal terminology including spelling, pronunciation, and definition of legal terms and an overview of the law and the professions.

Syllabus
POFL 1359 LEGAL TRANSCRIPTION
Prerequisite: POFL 1305
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Skill development in comprehensive vocabulary, listening, organizing, and transcribing client-quality documents used in a legal office.

Syllabus
POFL 2305 LEGAL RESEARCH
Prerequisite: POFL 1305
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Exploration of legal issues utilizing current and emerging research techniques.

Syllabus
POFM 1300 MEDICAL CODING BASICS
Prerequisite: POFM 1313
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Presentation and application of basic coding rules, principles, guidelines, and conventions utilizing various coding systems.

Syllabus
POFM 2333 MEDICAL DOCUMENT PRODUCTION (CODING II)
Prerequisite: POFM 1353
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Study of advanced concepts of medical office activities, practices, and procedures. Topics include advanced medical reports, transcription, coding, billing, insurance activities, and records management. This course is designed to provide practical applications of the linkage of the CPT-4 coding system. Medical references will be used for research and verification. MEDISOFT software applicable.

Syllabus
POFT 1319 RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT I
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Introduction to basic records and information management. Includes the life cycle of a record, manual and electronic records management, and basic filing procedures and rules. The student will identify the stages in the life cycle of a record; file and retrieve records using alphabetic, numeric, geographic, and subject filing systems, input, index, code, and cross-reference records; use tickler file, requisition, and charge-out procedures; and differentiate between manual and electronic filing.

Syllabus
POFT 1325 BUSINESS MATH AND MACHINE APPLICATIONS
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Skill development in the use of electronic calculators and business mathematical functions. Emphasis on business problem-solving skills using spreadsheet software and/or electronic calculator/keyboard.

Syllabus
POFT 1329 BEGINNING KEYBOARDING
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Skill development in the operation of the keyboard by touch applying proper keyboarding techniques. Emphasis on development of acceptable speed and accuracy levels and formatting basic documents.

Syllabus
POFT 1345 SHORTHAND/NOTETAKING
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
An introduction to shorthand/notetaking principles. Mastery of accurate reading and writing of notes to produce mailable documents from dictation.

Syllabus
POFT 1380 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION I- Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Services, General
Prerequisite: Completion of 12 semester hours and Department Approval
Credit: 3 (1 lecture/seminar and 20 hours a week employment)
Career related activities encountered in the student\'s area of specialization offered through a cooperative agreement between the college, employer, and student. Under the supervision of the college and the employer, the student combines classroom learning with work experience. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary.

Syllabus
POFT 1392 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT-INTRODUCTION TO OFFICE TECHNOLOGY
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledges, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. An introduction to present and future resources used to facilitate handling of office information. Study of equipment, applications, procedures, terminology and environmental factors affecting productivity and career paths.

Syllabus
POFT 2301 INTERMEDIAT KEYBOARDING
Prerequisite: POFT 1329
Credit 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
A continuation of keyboarding skills in document formatting, speed, and accuracy. Emphasis on proofreading, editing, following instructions, and keying documents from various copy.

Syllabus
POFT 2331 ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS
Prerequisite: POFT 1329
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Experience in project management and office procedures utilizing integration of previously learned office skills.

Syllabus
POFT 2359 RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT III
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 3 lab)
Study of advanced records and information management systems and applications. Includes software and systems evaluation, integration of records and information management technologies, and advanced case studies. Student will recommend database software and systems, analyze current records and information management operations and propose applications appropriate for an organization, and use a problem-solving approach to evaluate records and information management systems and determine applicable management strategies using database software.

Syllabus
POFT 2380 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION II – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND
SECRETARIAL SERVICES, GENERAL
Prerequisite: POFT 1380 and Department Approval
Credit: 3 (1 lecture/seminar and 20 hours a week employment)
An experience external to the college for an advanced student in a specialized field involving a written agreement between the educational institution and a business or industry. Mentored and supervised by a workplace employee, the student achieves objectives that are developed and documented by the college and that are directly related to specific occupational outcomes. This may be a paid or unpaid experience. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary.

Degrees and Certificates: Business Technology

Degree Plans : Business Technology

Career Pathway: Business Technology

Career Opportunities: Business Technology

Bilingual Business Technology

Opportunities will abound for the graduates who combine their knowledge of both the English and Spanish languages and their business skills. Trained in Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Microsoft Office applications, their high-tech computer technology know-how, plus fluently speaking and understanding two languages, allows them to provide valuable assistance to employer, co-workers, consumers and vendors.

Human Resource/PeopleSoft Specialist

Houston area Human Resources departments and executives in corporations and in independently owned businesses, continuously search for trained PeopleSoft end-users, qualified to successfully integrate PeopleSoft software and effectively demonstrate Human Resources processes, using PeopleSoft functions. These secure positions offer good working conditions and numerous fringe benefits.

General Office Administration

The Houston market offers jobs for individuals trained in the general area of business technology, including receptionists, clerk typists, word processors, data entry clerks and stenographers.

Microsoft Office Technology

Common use of electronic office systems today creates an ever-increasing demand for skilled computer operator end-users. Frequent positions found in the field include correspondence secretaries, proofreaders, computer processing center supervisors, computer processing managers and computer processing operators.

Legal Office Assistant

The local legal and business communities continuously search for well-trained legal secretaries, as do government offices. Secure positions, the jobs include good working conditions and numerous fringe benefits.

Medical Coding/Transcription Specialist

Rapidly growing insurance companies and health care facilities enable graduates to find a variety of employment opportunities in ambulatory care centers, hospitals and physicians\' offices.

Medical Office Specialists

Exceptionally good opportunities are found in Houston because of the number of medical facilities in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions: Business Technology

Are computers used in Business Technology courses?

Yes, computers are used in all of the Business Technology courses.

As a student will I have access to a lab and to a lab assistant?

If at all possible, our campuses have a lab and a lab assistant available for Business Technology students. Each semester a lab schedule is posted as the times and labs may change. Also, at most campuses, there are labs for the student body as a whole to utilize.

Do I have to take the TASP in order to sign up for a Business Technology certificate?

No. TASP is not required for certificates.

What types of jobs are available for training in your program?

The Business Technology Department trains students for employment in all office settings.

What areas of specialization do you train students?

Areas of specialization include the medical coding/billing and transcription, legal office assistant, bilingual office technology and human resource/PeopleSoft on Campus.

Do the semester hour credits I earn for the level I certificate apply toward an A.A.S. degree?

Yes. All semester credits earned in a certificate in business technology apply toward a two-year degree in business technology.

Do you offer internships or externships for your students?

Unpaid internships/externships are available in some training areas. Check with the Department Chairs for further details.

Do you have job placement for Business Technology students?

Yes. Students in our program have the option to go to the Job Connections placement online services. Students should to http://hccs.edu Select Coleman; under related links on the left side click: Job Placement; under services for students: Select Job Connections; on the Jobs Connections page: Select new applicant register here; Enter all relevant information. An HCC Student ID is required. Or contact Christopher Caldwell at (713) 718-7145 or christopher.caldwell@hccs.edu

Why do I have to file a degree plan?

Filing a degree plan early in the program gives you direction as to what courses you need to take in future semesters. Course requirements and course names may change from time to time. Filing a degree plan assures a student of the courses for their plan for a specific period of time.

Degree plans are never unlimited in the time that the student has to complete the course requirements or the course requirements and semester hours needed to complete the degree or certificate.

Business Technology Related Links

CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL

A Certified Administrative Professional (formerly Certified Professional Secretary) will be granted 15 semester hours credit for the following courses: POFT 1392, Special Topics: Introduction to Office Technology; POFT 2301, Document Formatting and Skill Building; ACNT 1303, Introduction to Accounting I; POFT 1325, Business Math and Machine Applications; POFT 2331, Administrative Systems. To receive credit, the applicant must:

1. request that direct notification be given to the College by the Institute for Certifying Secretaries that the applicant has passed all sections of the exam;
2. earn 15 hours of credit for courses within the Houston Community College System.

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Business Technology is an articulated career path program, offering an associate degree, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities that prepares individuals for life and work in today\'s competitive workplace.

Vision -

Business Technology will be:

• A program of choice for those who seek skilled training for the workforce, academic advancement leading to professional careers, upgraded skills to enhance preparedness for economic opportunity, and life long learning.
• An integral part of the economic and educational life of the community\'s various partnerships.
  
• Known for quality, competency, diversity and commitment to an open environment that fosters trust and confidence.
  

Values -

The Business Technology affirms these values:

• Integrity
  
• Team Work
  
• Trust
  
• Mutual Respect
  
• Enthusiasm

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Pat Clark
Executive Administrative Assistant
Exxon/Mobil Upstream Technical Computing

Bonnie S. Bakal
Medical/AAMT
SINGERMedScript

Joyce Cameron
Owner
Career Placement

Ofelia Cuellar
Executive Assistant
Marathon Oil Company

Carolyn Ecton
Senior Executive Portfolio Management
Shell US Gas & Power

Jeannett Geiman
Global Santa Fe Corp.

Theresa Gibson
TWC
Texas Workforce Commission

Maureen Hengst
Senior Secretary, CPS
Global Santa Fe Corp

Susan Howard
Office Manager
Houston Community College

Sandra Irabor
Computer Consultant CEO
Compu Versity

Etta Jones
Assistant Professor
U of H Downtown

Fatimar Jones
Data Manager
Exxon Mobil Expl. Company

Joyce Lawson
TechPrep Representative/Dual Credit
Stafford Municipal School District

Tilly Manning
IAAP
CGG Corporation

Sandra Matthews
TechPrep Representative
Stafford Municipal School District

Beth McLaughlin
Medical Transcriptionist
Adept Word Management

Francisco Ramirez
Attorney-at-Law

Terrance Ransfer
Senior General Manager
HISD Maintenance Operation

Judy Roehm
Executive Administrative Assistant
Exxon USA

Linda Rose
Office Manager
Weisser, Johnson & Company

Kerrie Spriggs
Regional Recruiter
The Connection Group

Roland Shaw
PeopleSoft Project Manager
HISD

Marketable Skills Achievement Awards : PeopleSoft

Southwest College: Business Technology Site