Medical Office
Assistant Program
Gain the knowledge and skills to manage patient records, medical billing, and scheduling, and to perform duties in hospitals, urgent care, medical offices, and specialist offices such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, optometrist, and naturopathic clinics.
PTIRU Approved
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Program Hours: Program Months: | Program Weeks: |
60 hours – Computer Essential Skills
This course introduces students to essential computer skills required in medical office settings. Topics include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook preparing students to manage digital tasks efficiently in healthcare environments.
60 hours – Business Communications
Students will learn effective communication techniques, including professional and empathetic communication with patients and colleagues. The course covers listening skills, conflict resolution, and strategies for managing challenging interactions in medical settings.
80 hours – Medical Terminology
An essential foundation for any healthcare career, this course teaches the language of medicine. Students will learn the meaning, spelling, and usage of medical terms, enabling them to understand medical documentation and communicate accurately within healthcare environments.
40 hours – Healthcare Office Procedures
This course covers the day-to-day administrative tasks of a medical office including appointment scheduling, record-keeping, and office protocol. Students will learn to handle office calls, manage mail, and maintain patient confidentiality.
50 hours – Medical Health Records
Students will gain hands-on experience managing electronic health records (EHR). This course covers the skills required to input, access, and maintain patient records while adhering to privacy regulations and office protocols.
40 hours – Medical Transcription and Typing Skills
In this course, students develop transcription skills to produce accurate medical documentation. Emphasis is placed on listening, typing speed, accuracy, and understanding medical language to create clear and concise records.
40 hours – Medical Billing
This course introduces students to medical billing procedures, including processing claims and managing billing records for various healthcare settings. Topics include understanding insurance processes and following office billing protocols.
20 hours – Career and Employment Skills
Designed to prepare students for the job market, this course includes resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies, helping students confidently step into their roles as Medical Office Assistants.
10 hours – Certifications – First Aid, WHMIS
Students will complete First Aid and WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) certifications, equipping them with the knowledge to ensure a safe work environment in healthcare settings.
What is a Medical Office Assistant (MOA)?
A Medical Office Assistant (MOA) is a healthcare administrative professional who supports medical offices by managing front-desk operations, patient records, scheduling, and communication.
What does a Medical Office Assistant do?
Medical Office Assistants handle tasks such as patient reception, appointment scheduling, medical billing, record management, and general office administration in healthcare settings.
What skills are important for a successful Medical Office Assistant?
Important skills include strong communication, organization, attention to detail, professionalism, time management, and the ability to work in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Do I need prior healthcare experience to enroll in the program?
No prior healthcare experience is required. The program is suitable for beginners entering the healthcare administration field.
What is the Medical Office Assistant Certificate program at Kootenay Columbia College?
The Medical Office Assistant Certificate program at Kootenay Columbia College prepares students with the administrative, technical, and professional skills needed to work in medical offices.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply and understand commonly used healthcare terminology.
- Utilize current computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Transcribe medical letters and reports.
- Understand administrative components and features of electronic medical records
- Follow office protocol relating to professionalism, confidentiality, communication, and dispute resolution.
- Practice empathic listening and customer service skills when communicating with patients or clients.
- Handle difficult clients.
- Manage incoming and outgoing mail (postal and electronic)
- Understand and utilize office procedures for scheduling appointments, maintaining appointment records, and receiving office calls.
- Understand and utilize procedures for answering, transferring, and screening office calls.
- Understand and utilize billing procedures for various offices.
- Understand Release of Information Regulations
Admission Requirements:
Students are required to be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program or possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), and provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
- Completion of grades 9-11, including English 10 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT – Minimum overall score of 46
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum overall score of 40
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) – Minimum overall score of 95
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
- Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
- Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
- LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
- The Michigan English Test (MET) – Minimum overall B2 level
- iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
- EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Upon successful completion of this program, students can expect to work as:
A Medical Office Assistant in:
- Private and public medical clinics
- Hospitals
- Allied health practitioner clinics.
