Medical Office Assistant FAQ

The Medical Office Assistant program prepares graduates to perform administration duties in a medical agency. 95% of graduates find work in medical offices and clinics, hospitals, health and chiropractic centres, insurance agencies, and private businesses. Duties can include: front desk reception, answering the telephone, making patient/client appointments, preparing charts, filing, billing clients, basic medical transcription, and handling basic clinical procedures such as collecting and preparing laboratory specimens.

In addition to a Medical Office Assistant Certificate what other qualities do I need to be successful in this profession?
In order to support the efforts of physicians and other health care professionals, medical office assistants should be highly organized and attentive to detail. Medical Office Assistants are responsible for performing many administrative tasks and providing customer service. Those who can prioritize, multi-task, are personable and can maintain their composure under stressful conditions, while addressing the needs of health personnel and the public, are most successful in this field.

What are the job prospects for graduates of this program?
According to Alberta Occupational Profiles, the expected growth in this occupation is 1.5 to 2.5 % each year from 2006 to 2011. Recent research also predicts that 40-70 NEW positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover and retirements.

What are the job prospects for mature learners?
Job opportunities for program graduates are significant regardless of age. Employers seek candidates who demonstrate maturity and sensibility.

Where can I expect to be placed for my practicum?
Work experience opportunities may be in hospital ambulatory facilities, community health clinics, outpatient care facilities, walk-in medical clinics and private medical offices, specialist offices, rehabilitation and diagnostic centres, and other professional medical centres.

How much can I expect to earn as a Medical Office Assistant?
Salaries are variable depending on years of experience and the employer's salary scale. Medical Office Assistants (Medical Secretaries) in Alberta currently earn $22,500 - $49,500 per year with an average of $35,900/year. (2007 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.)

What is the difference between the Medical Office Assistant and the Hospital Unit Clerk programs?
The Hospital Unit Clerk is prepared to work in a hospital setting. The program includes skills in processing medical orders, operating hospital information system software, and general skills for a hospital nursing unit. Some health regions will specify that a Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate is a job requirement. However, Hospital Unit Clerk graduates have transferable skills that enable them to find employment in other health settings.

The Medical Office Assistant is prepared to work in a medical or private office or clinic. The program includes training in specific clinical skills for the medical office or clinic, basic financial skills, medical billing, and the use of health care software for medical offices or clinics.

There are several courses that the identical in the two programs. If a learner completes one of the programs, and wishes to gain a Certificate in the other, the learner can apply for transfer credit for these identical courses.

Is this program suitable for mature learners with previous life and work experience?
Yes. The Business Department has many students that are returning to learning as adults and bring excellent life and work experience to their learning and their new careers.