Medical Office Assistant

Students in this program will receive training in general medical office procedures including scheduling appointments, patient records and filing. Students receive a sound basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology and an extensive knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical terminology. Hands-on training is given in clinical skills used in the medical office. Medical transcription, medical billing, and a variety of computer programs are included. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students will be eligible to apply for an Office Administration Certificate, Medical Office Assistant Option. After one year's experience, students will also be eligible to write the Medical Office Assistant of BC registration examination.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

Graduates of this program will have the knowledge and ability required for entry-level employment in the health clerical worker field. They may obtain employment as medical office assistants in physician's offices, clinics, public or private hospitals, nursing homes, or community health centres. Medical clerical positions are also available in research and care agencies, pharmaceutical firms, medical supply firms and related service businesses. Graduates of the Medical Office Assistant Program are encouraged to continue their education in the Office Administration Diploma Program. The Office Administration Diploma Program transfers to Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Program (BBA in Entrepreneurial Leadership.)

Location

Available at New Westminster Campus.

Intake Dates/Application Deadlines

**Application deadlines may be extended.

The program commences in September and January for full-time students and for part-time students.

Full-time Applicants: April 1 for Fall, September 1 for Winter.

Part-time Applicants: August 1 for Fall. December 1 for Winter. Part-time students are eligible to take as many courses as full-time students (up to 15 credits per semester); however, there is no guarantee that they will be able to register in all the courses that they require. Therefore, early application is important.

EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.

Admission Requirements

1. General Admission Requirements
2. Strong English skills are required. Students who are weak in English skills should consider upgrading through the Developmental Studies or English as a Second Language Program.
3. English 11 with a grade of "C" or better or the following exemptions:
   
   • EN 12 "P"
   • EN LIT 12 "P"
   • TPC 12 "P"
   • COMM 12 "C+"

   For more information on Minimum Language Competency Standard, please visit the Admissions section of the calendar.

4. Keyboarding speeds: Full-time students require 25 net words per minute. Part-time students do not require a specific keyboarding speed for entry; however, students must provide proof of keyboarding speed before registration in any course which has a keyboarding prerequisite (see the Course Descriptions section of this Calendar). Students with no previous keyboarding experience may take beginning keyboarding (OADM 1103) during their first semester at the College.

Program Duration

Full-time students should be able to complete this program in two four-month semesters plus a three-week practicum. Part-time students will need at least three semesters to complete but may take longer if they wish to take a lighter course load.

Credentials

Medical Office Assistant Certificate

Program Content

Semester I

Course	Title	Credits
OADM 1114	Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology I	3
OADM 1151	Medical Administrative Procedures	3
OADM 1256	Microcomputer Applications I	3
OADM 1303	Keyboarding Skill Development	3
OADM 1325	Clinical Office Procedures	3
		15

Semester II

OADM 1214	Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology II	3
OADM 1240	Business Communications and Procedures	3
OADM 1265	Pharmaceutical and Billing Procedures	3
OADM 1322	Medical Transcription	3
OADM 1400	Job Search*	2
		14

Job Search should only be taken duing your final semester in the program.

Semester III

OADM 1401	Office Practicum	1
Total credits		30

Successful completion of all courses is required with a grade of "C-" or better for graduation.