Gain the knowledge and skills to manage patient flow, health records, medical billing, scheduling, and to perform clinical procedures and other administrative duties in various health care environments.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate professionally with clients and members of the medical and health professional team.
- Work safely in a healthcare environment.
- Practice in a professional and ethical manner including cultural safety and humility.
- Use problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making and information literacy skills in practice.
- Practice effective quality management in healthcare environments.
- Manage patient records and perform medical billing procedures.
- Assist physicians by performing clinical procedures within MOA scope of practice.
- Collaborate with the medical team to implement and apply “Chronic Disease Management” protocols.
- Use medical and business computer applications related to word processing, data management, and electronic communication.
- Accurately transcribe medical correspondence and reports utilizing keyboarding skills at a speed level required by current employment standards.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is six months of full-time study. Students have three years to complete the program.
The program is divided into two (2) terms of integrated, blended learning. The theory component is delivered through lectures, group work, demonstrations, and student presentations. Students apply the theory component through case simulations, exercises, role practices, computer software learning, and practicum experiences.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
- English language proficiency demonstrated by one of the following:
- English 12 with a C+ grade, or
- English language proficiency, or equivalent
- Typing speed of 25 gross words per minute with 98% accuracy on a proctored 5-minute test.
Upon Acceptance:
- 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.
The following health precautions are highly recommended for students in this program and may be required by some practicum hosts:
- A 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, or immunity to
- Diphtheria/Tetanus,
- Polio
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella,
- Hepatitis B,
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Pertussis
- COVID-19
- Influenza, completed annually (highly recommended)
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.
Program Considerations
- Ability to relate 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
- Ability to complete tasks and skills required for medical dictation
- Attention to detail, accuracy, patience, and ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to organize, problem-solve, and set priorities
- Good human relation skills
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Basic computer literacy and ability to adapt to and learn new software
Courses *
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
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for the following courses:
- ?MEDC 1141 Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 1
- MEDC 1142 Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 2
- MEDC 1151 Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 1
- MEDC 1236 Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 2
Methods for assessing prior learning may include exams, portfolios, interviews, and other evaluations. Please contact the Department for details.
Tuition and fees will still apply to PLAR candidates. See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MEDC 1125 | Administrative Procedures for Medical Office Assistant | 3.0 |
| MEDC 1141 | Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 1 | 3.5 |
| MEDC 1151 | Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 1 | 1 |
| MEDC 1142 | Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 2 | 3.5 |
| MEDC 1132 | Human Relation Skills | 1 |
| MEDC 1160 | Electronic Communications for Medical Office Assistants | 1.5 |
| Credits | 13.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| MEDC 1236 | Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 2 | 2 |
| MEDC 1250 | Medical Documentation | 2 |
| MEDC 1270 | Medical Billing for Medical Office Assistant | 1.5 |
| MEDC 1259 | Clinical Procedures | 2 |
| MEDC 1260 | Medical Office Assistant Practicum | 3 |
| Credits | 10.5 | |
| 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 deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 13152 | |
| Student union | 145 | |
| College initiative | 76 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 132 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
| U-PASS | 282 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 972 | |
| Total |
* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. 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.
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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.