Medical Office Assistants (MOA) are relied upon by physicians, medical staff, and patients to keep office operations running smoothly. In addition to performing administrative and supportive functions, they must know medical terminology and be familiar with various medical procedures and health care business practices. They often assist physicians by preparing treatment rooms for clinical examinations, help with medical procedures, take vital signs, and provide pre-emptive care.
MOAs are the first point of contact for a physician’s office, medical clinic, hospital, diagnostic centre, or health care agency. They welcome patients to a physician’s office, answer the phones, schedule appointments, assist with submitting prescriptions, referrals, and handle insurance forms, claims, and handle drug manufacturer calls.
Medical Office Assistants process all information pertaining to a patient’s file, including payments, and insurance claims, manage the office database and manage the physician’s schedule. They write and prepare reports, transcribe and type medical reports, submit specialist referrals, and coordinate diagnostic tests, treatments, and other necessary care with appropriate facilities and professionals.
Theory: 30 weeks
Internship: 4 weeks
Potential Career Paths After Completing the Program
Medical Office Assistants can make on average $19.92 – $23.00 per hour
*(source: ca.indeed.com 2020)
Candidates must submit a copy of their Secondary School Diploma (OSSD, GED, or better), if this is not available they will be required to pass the Scholastic Level Exam (SLE).
Candidates must also submit a Pre-Admission Medical Report and Immunizations may be required for practicum.
This module will provide students with an overview of computer applications, the Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Students will develop the professional skills needed in modern business world through a series of projects and simulations in an interactive digital environment.
This module will provide students the tools to develop business English and interpersonal communication skills necessary to function in the modern business setting. In addition, this module provides a review of English grammar, sentence structure and punctuation as they apply to business communications. Students will develop effective interpersonal communication skills for managing personal and working relationships. The importance of diversity inclusion and teamwork will also be explored.
This module provides students with the fundamentals of a Medical Office Assistant. Students will learn about the career opportunities, ethical and legal concepts, the history of medicine, patient education, nutrition, health promotion and an overview of Medical Office Assistant management responsibilities.
This module provides students with medical terminology and basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of body systems and their associated disorders. Topics covered include medical terminology, the 24 hour clock, normal body system structure and function, recognition of various homeostatic imbalances, common diseases and disorders. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of medical specialties such as pharmacology, oncology, radiology, nuclear medicine and psychiatry.
This module provides students with the fundamentals of reception procedures, telephone techniques, appointment scheduling, filing reports, documentation, and medical records, and medical billing. Students will be introduced to medical office management software systems and the role of computers in medical practice. Students gain hands-on experience using practice management software. Students are also introduced to basic medical transcription procedures.
This module provides students with the theory and practice of the clinical procedures that medical assistants perform in a medical office. Students will learn asepsis, infection control, patient assessment, vital signs, assisting with primary physical examinations, review of pharmacology and medications. Students will also learn to assist with specialty examinations, and understanding diagnostic procedures.
This module provides students with a certification in Emergency First Aid and Basic Rescuer (Level C) CPR. Modules are taught by WSIB authorized providers.
This module will provide students with the skills to prepare for employment, research employment opportunities within their field of study and be successful in their future career. Some of the topics included will be the preparation of a resume, interview and cover letter.
Students will complete a 100 hour clinical work placement under the direct supervision of a Medical Doctor. Sites include hospitals, physiotherapy/sports medicine, rehab centres, LTC facilities, and other agencies.