Gain the knowledge and skills to manage patient records, medical billing and scheduling, and to perform clinical procedures and other administrative duties in various health care environments.
What you will learn
- Professional communication
- Health care terminology
- Safety in a health care environment
- Professionalism and ethics
- Problem solving, critical thinking, decision making
- Information literacy and medical transcription
- Quality management in a health care environment
- Patient records management and medical billing
- Physician assistance and clinical procedures
- Chronic disease management protocols
- Medical and business computer applications
- Word processing and data management
- Keyboarding skills
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is twenty-four (24) weeks of full-time study. Students have three years to complete the program.
- Two terms of integrated training
- Lectures, seminars, and demonstrations
- Group work and student presentations
- Case simulations, exercises, and role practice
- Computer lab work
- Written exams
- Quizzes
- Assignments
- Journal writing
- Three-week practicum experience
Admission requirements
Program-specific
-
Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
- English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:
- English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
or - English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘C+’ level
- English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
- A tested keyboarding speed of a minimum of 25 gross words per minute on a 5-minute test with a maximum of 5 errors using the touch-typing method (using the appropriate fingers for each key on the keyboard and not looking at your fingers as you type).
Some practicum hosts will require their practicum students to have the following (and it is strongly recommended that all students have the following, for their own protection and the protection of patients):
- Negative TB skin test, or if the skin test is positive, then proof of a negative TB chest X-ray
- An immunization record showing current vaccinations for diphtheria/tetanus, polio, measles/mumps/rubella, hepatitis B, chicken pox, and pertussis
- An immunization record showing a current influenza vaccination
- A properly fitted respiratory mask with a N95 rating, with a valid certificate not more than one year old
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): Students in this program may be required to complete a CRC prior to their practicum placement. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements [PDF].
Recommended Characteristics
- Ability to deal with clients, colleagues, and staff in a tactful and courteous manner
- Personal hygiene, grooming, and appearance acceptable to a medical environment
- High standard of honesty, integrity, and professionalism
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Good hearing and vision in order to be able to interpret medical dictation
- Attention to detail, accuracy, patience, and ability to work well under pressure
- Good command of written and spoken English
- Ability to organize, problem-solve, and set priorities
- Good human relation skills
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Basic computer literacy
Courses
*Program general hours
Classes are generally held on Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except during the practicum when students work Monday through Friday for the hours assigned by the practicum host.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Available for the following courses:
MEDC 1121 Medical Speed & Accuracy 1
MEDC 1236 Med Speed & Accuracy for MOA 2
See course outlines for more information.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MEDC 1102 | Medical Administrative Procedures | 2 |
| MEDC 1135 | Medical Terminology for MOA 1 | 2.5 |
| MEDC 1121 | Medical Speed & Accuracy 1 | 2 |
| MEDC 1136 | Medical Terminology for MOA 2 | 2.5 |
| MEDC 1132 | Human Relation Skills | 1 |
| MEDC 1140 | E-Communications Management | 2 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term Two | ||
| MEDC 1236 | Med Speed & Accuracy for MOA 2 | 2 |
| MEDC 1250 | Medical Documentation | 2 |
| MEDC 1201 | Medical Transcription for MOA | 2 |
| MEDC 1210 | Medical Billing | 1 |
| MEDC 1259 | Clinical Procedures | 2 |
| MEDC 1260 | Practicum | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs
*Tuition Deposit: $13,050 ($5,000 non-refundable)
Tuition deposits are payable usually within two weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 12273 |
Tuition Breakdown
0 - 1
0 - 2
0 - 3
0 - 4
|
| Student union | 128 | |
| College initiative | 71 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 123 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 266 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
MONTH/TERM APPLICATION
OPEN DATE APPLICATION STATUS*
STATUS INFORMATION
- Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
- Closed: Applications are not accepted.
- For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.
Please note that even though the program is 6 months, a valid study permit is required as there is a mandatory practicum placement in the program which would require both a study permit and a co-op work permit.
For more information and tips, see Apply page