Medical Office Assistant Certificate

Looking to work in a medically-focused reception or clerical setting? This program features new curriculum and a 90-hour practicum. It offers skills training to effectively work and communicate in a variety of tasks within medical offices.

Employment opportunities: Hospitals, medical offices, care facilities, health authorities, health units, health service agencies and complementary health offices (RMT, chiropractor, acupuncture, etc.). 

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Medical Office Assistant with team of health care professionals

Campus

  • Distance
View schedule and campus details
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Certificate

Delivery options

Part-Time

Tuition and fees

2023-24: $3,848.50

Program details

This 336-hour Medical Office Assistant (MOA) program prepares students for administrative and clinical duties of an office assistant in a medical office or clinical environment. Students will acquire skills to communicate accurately and professionally with medical professionals and patients, demonstrate knowledge of office procedures and time management, apply medical terminology throughout the program, obtain a good understanding on the use of computers in the office environment, perform computerized medical billing tasks, apply medical office guidelines and standards, and gain real-world experience through a practicum. Students will also learn about medical/legal aspects of the healthcare industry.

Already have experience in this area? This program qualifies for our Recognition of Prior Learning review. If some of your previous experience could apply to this program, please click here for more information.

Some employers require a typing speed of 40 - 50 wpm. Students are expected to attain this minimum speed independently and may utilize a number of free typing programs online. To meet an employer’s typing speed requirement, typing tests are available through your nearest Okanagan College, Continuing Studies office – see campus contact info here.

Good computer literacy is required to be successful in this program and career. If you have not recently taken an introductory computer course or would like to ensure you have the basic skills, we encourage you to take our self-paced Computer Fundamentals course prior to September or January through Distance Education.

Tue & Thu evenings plus Saturdays. When filling out your application, choose Continuing Studies as the faculty.

Campus Start date Schedule
Distance Jan. 09, 2024

Online, synchronous

Distance Sep. 2024

Online, synchronous

Distance Jan. 2025

Admission requirements

  • B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.

  • English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.

  • Applicants must provide evidence of a negative tuberculin test, taken no more than six months before the date of application (or evidence of an appropriate follow-up if the test was positive).

  • A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

Program outline

MOA 101 - Medical Terminology
MOA 102 - Pharmacology
MOA 103 - Computers and Transcription
MOA 104 - Medical Office Systems
MOA 105 - Medical Office Procedures
MOA 106 - Workplace Skills
MOA 107 - Practicum
  • Students must pass the practicum and attain a minimum grade of 70% in each of the other courses in the program.
Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page

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