Medical Office Assistant

This program will allow students to write the associate exam through the Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM). Accreditation with CCHIM is still pending and therefore we are not able to accept applicants at this time.
Program Overview
The Medical Office Assistant (MOA) diploma is designed to train students to become skilled and conscientious professionals ready to serve as Medical Office Assistants in various environments. Students will learn procedures on how to communicate effectively in a medical office, and deal with clients. Topics of study include: medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, administrative and clinical procedure, communication skills, billing procedures, and transcription. Students will also develop clinical skills by completing a practicum placement in a physician?s office or equivalent setting. This program will allow students to write the associate exam through the Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM).
Topics Covered/Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this certificate program, successful students will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Use medical terminology, with a firm grasp on anatomy and physiology
Accurately and effectively gather, record, and manage patient information
Demonstrate the ability to organize and run a medical office efficiently, including the ability to deliver basic medical office tests
Demonstrate proficiency in transcription, billing procedures, as well as handling a wide variety of insurance-related matters
Complete an 80-hour practicum of hands-on experience in the field
*In the event of a shortage of practicum placement spots, students will have the opportunity to complete a capstone project in place of their practicum experience.
Career Opportunities
This program is best suited for individuals with an interest in science, health care and the medical field and enjoy working with people. This course is also suited for individuals already in the industry to develop their skills further, or for international graduates to transfer their learning to Canadian standards of practice.
Graduates of the program might end up in these types of roles:
Medical office assistant in a physician?s office, clinic, public or private hospital, nursing home, or in a community health centre
Medical clerk
Electronic transcriptionist
Medical billing specialist

Course Descriptions
MOAD 01: Business Standards & Communication (60 Hours)
Brief Course Description
The study of formal and informal business communication formats including letters, memos and business presentations. They will study formal and informal documents, methods of communications, technological tools, and their proper, effective, and ethical use. They will also learn how to select the best method for communicating information based on purposes and audiences.
Students will also learn how to communicate with pharmacies, doctors? offices, and insurance companies. This includes professionalism in the workplace, understanding diversity in health care settings and the impact of health equity on different populations and obligations around confidentiality.
Course Prerequisites
None.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Write effectively using appropriate organization, mechanics, and style (word choice, tone, spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure)
Communicate ideas, issues, and conclusions clearly and effectively
Gather, incorporate, and interpret source material in their writing
Plan, draft and write professional communications effectively (reports, emails, faxes, instant and text messages, memos, letters, etc.)
Evaluate the importance of the principles of cross-cultural communication and the ethics of business writing and communications
Communicate effectively with pharmacies, doctors? offices and insurance companies
Use time management and problem-solving skills effectively
Demonstrate professionalism in the workplace
MOAD 02: Medical Terminology (60 Hours)
Brief Course Description
An introduction to medical terminology, intended to serve as a foundation for all subsequent courses, study, and practice. Students will become familiar with various medical word parts, their spelling, and develop fluent pronunciation. They will also become skilled at examining the structure of medical terms in order to effectively determine meaning.
Course Prerequisites
MOAD 01 ? Business Standards & Communication
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Describe the origins and purpose of medical terminology
Recognize medical terminology word parts such as root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms
Spell, pronounce, and use terminology accurately within written and spoken contexts
Understand medical abbreviations and acronyms found in health care documentation
Define and correctly utilize medical abbreviations and symbols correlated by body system
Define and correctly utilize medical terminology describing body structures, functions, conditions and disorders, body regions, cavities, areas, and landmarks
Understand and utilize proper resources to clarify medical terms and conditions, including: medical dictionaries, drug reference books, and electronic resources
MOAD 03: Anatomy and Physiology (60 Hours)
Brief Course Description
The study of body systems and sense organs. Instruction on each system and organ will involve both general and specific functions, parts, location, and relationships between systems. There will also be an exploration of common pathologies. This will involve developing familiarity with some lab diagnostic tests, as well as basic signs, symptoms, and the prognosis of these pathologies. At the discretion of the instructor, a discussion of pharmacology may be included.
Course Prerequisites
MOAD 01 ? Business Standards & Communication
MOAD 02 ? Medical Terminology
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Identify, locate, and describe the major body parts and their functions
Understand structural units of the body including cells, tissues, organs, and systems
Understand anatomical structures, their location, and associated physiological functions
Accurately discuss the relationships between parts of body systems
Accurately define and use the terms anatomy, physiology, and pathology in relation to the major body systems
Understand types of medical interventions including: counselling, pharmaceutical, surgical, radiological, biological
MOAD 04: Medical Keyboarding (42 hours)
Brief Course Description
Developing familiarity with medical keyboarding, advanced keyboarding, medical language, grammatical and office skills. This will involve the study of documents, such as forms and medical reports. In doing so, students will develop their overall keyboarding skills, progressing to a speed of at least 65 words per minute with 90% accuracy while using medical terminology.
Course Prerequisites
MOAD 01 ? Business Standards & Communication
MOAD 02 ? Medical Terminology
MOAD 03 ? Anatomy and Physiology
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Accurately type medical business correspondence, consultation reports, pathology reports, history and physical examination reports, operative reports
Analyzeweaknesses and work on corrective practices
Perform basic reception duties including: scheduling and managing appointments, standard mailing procedures, telephone etiquette, faxing, filing and electronic messaging
MOAD 05: Administrative and Clinical Procedures (72 Hours)
Brief Course Description
An introduction to the various administrative skills that will be required from an individual in the health clerical worker field. This will include reception skills and processes and the record management procedure. Other topics covered will be; scheduling, inventory control, and communication (phone, e-mail, and interpersonal) techniques.
Medical law and ethics will feature heavily in this course, given the nature of material and information that a medical office assistant will have access to and work with on a regular basis.
Basic clinical procedures will be approached, equipping students with an understanding of the most common procedures and tests completed in medical office settings. This is crucial due to the role of the medical office assistant as the link between medical professionals and external medical testing and treatment facilities. Students will also learn about common medical emergencies and how to respond to them.
Course Prerequisites
MOAD 01 ? Business Standards & Communication
MOAD 02 ? Medical Terminology
MOAD 03 ? Anatomy and Physiology
MOAD 04 ? Medical Keyboarding
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Explain general office policies, practices, and procedures with regards to written or electronic communication, face to face communication, and communication over the phone
Understand the health care system in Canada
Explain general hospital procedures and administrative structure of health care
Effectively organize, identify and locate components of the patient?s medical records
Manage the booking and confirming of patient appointments
Perform inventories of supplies and equipment
Perform routine maintenance of administrative equipment
Identify and perform correct sterilization and disinfection techniques
Create and present a medical record with history notes in the designated format
Perform selected diagnostic tests; screen and report test results
Demonstrate knowledge of triage procedures
Recognize and respond appropriately to emergencies
Demonstrate a command of de-escalation techniques
Assist the physician and other members of the health care team in clinical procedures related to the examination and treatment of patients, such as room preparation or preparation of surgical trays
Understand basic pharmacology
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician
Maintain medication records
Dispose of controlled substances in compliance with government regulations
Identify classification of drugs based on action and utilize the Physician?s Desk Reference
Understand the importance of and demonstrate specific knowledge of how to maintain patient confidentiality
Demonstrate an understanding of the Canadian healthcare system, common standards, and basic health information management
MOAD 06: Medical Billing Procedures (60 Hours)
Brief Course Description
An introduction to terminology and procedure unique to pharmaceutical and medical billing. This will involve, among other topics, exploring the communication of information between pharmacists and physicians regarding medications. The importance of classifications, spelling, and pronunciation of the most ordered prescription medications will be emphasized, as will the study of appreciations, symbols, and systems of measurements surrounding prescriptions. Students will also become familiar with procedures, forms, and processes related to all forms of billing. Students will also learn the procedure, forms, and processes related to alternate forms of billing. This will involve the specific study of ? though may not be limited to ? WCB (Workers? Compensation Board), ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia), Department of Veterans? Affairs, out-of-province billing, and medical-legal billing.
Course Prerequisites
MOAD 01 ? Business Standards & Communication
MOAD 02 ? Medical Terminology
MOAD 03 ? Anatomy and Physiology
MOAD 04 ? Medical Keyboarding
MOAD 05 ? Administrative and Clinical Procedures
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:?
Interpret the preambles to the payment schedule of fees and Workers? Compensation
Identify services covered by the medical plan and Workers? Compensation
Interpret Medical Legal guidelines
Record charges and payments using the computer
Perform medical billing
Complete Workers? Compensation claim forms
Prepare insurance claims
Explain business standards for efficiency and quality of work
Familiarize with various medical billing software
Apply ethical standards with respect to privacy, confidentiality, and personal behaviour
Explain standards regarding privacy and confidentiality with regards to the billing process
MOAD 07: Medical Office Transcription (60 Hours)
Brief Course Description
Students will learn the skill of preparing medical documents through the use of transcription. They will be exposed to various reports, forms, and formats used in preparing medical-related documents. This will involve developing familiarity and skill with transcription equipment and software, as well as demonstrating their comfort with the application of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology as previously learned. Legality and accuracy will serve as overarching themes throughout.
Course Prerequisites
MOAD 01 ? Business Standards & Communication
MOAD 02 ? Medical Terminology
MOAD 03 ? Anatomy and Physiology
MOAD 04 ? Medical Keyboarding
MOAD 05 ? Administrative and Clinical Procedures
MOAD 06 ? Medical Billing Procedures
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:?
Adequately understand the use of common used Electronic Medical Record software such as: Accuro EMR, Med Access EMR, Oscar EMR
Analyze the application of the fundamentals of medical transcription
Identify, locate and apply correct spelling, use and dosage of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, remedies, and treatment modalities
Apply knowledge of disease processes in the human body when transcribing medical reports
Apply knowledge of basic physiologic functions of the human body when transcribing medical reports
Operate word processing and medical transcription equipment
Transcribe medical dictation
Explain legal and ethical responsibilities, with an emphasis on privacy and confidentiality of information
MOAD 08: Practicum Experience (80 Hours)
Brief Course Description
Students will spend 80 hours in a clinical environment under the supervision of a practicing professional, demonstrating their aptitude in the various skills developed over the course of the program.
*In the event of a shortage of practicum placement spots, students will have the opportunity to complete a capstone project in place of their practicum experience.
Course Prerequisites
MOAD 01 ? Business Standards & Communication
MOAD 02 ? Medical Terminology
MOAD 03 ? Anatomy and Physiology
MOAD 04 ? Medical Keyboarding
MOAD 05 ? Administrative and Clinical Procedures
MOAD 06 ? Medical Billing Procedures
MOAD 07 ? Medical Office Transcription
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:?
Integrate and apply knowledge associated with the clerical and clinical responsibilities of a medical office assistant
Develop interpersonal skills and collaborative relationships with an office team that facilitates delivery of patient-centred care
Perform responsibilities competently and safely in the practice clinical environment
Document practice experiences through reflective journal writing

Admission Requirements
General Admission Requirements for Domestic Students
Are you a domestic student?
You must prove the following:
You have successfully completed a B.C. Secondary School diploma or the equivalent of one
You are at least 19 years old before the first day of your program
English Language Proficiency Requirements for Domestic Students
Are you a domestic student?
You must show your language proficiency in ONE of the following ways:
You achieved a C+ (67%) or higher in BC English Studies 12 , English First Peoples 12 or Literary Studies 12 or an equivalent course in Canada
You have completed two or more years in a row of full-time post-secondary education in English in one of the approved countries listed below OR you have completed three or more years in a row of full-time secondary school education in English in one of the approved countries listed below
You achieved a minimum score on one of the approved tests listed below
Approved Countries
American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierre Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, US Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Approved English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): minimum score of 58 or C
The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): minimum score of 60
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): academic level 4L
Duolingo: minimum score of 110 (temporary due to COVID)
International English Language Testing (IELTS): academic level with a minimum overall score of 6.0
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test: academic level with a minimum score of 79-80 and a minimum of 19-20 on each band
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based test: minimum score of 550 and a minimum of 23 each for reading, writing, and listening
General Admission Requirements for International Students
Are you an international student?
You must prove the following:
You have successfully completed a B.C. Secondary School diploma or the equivalent of one
You are at least 19 years old before the first day of your program
English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students
Are you an international student?
You must show your language proficiency in ONE of the following ways:
You achieved a C+ (67%) or higher in BC English Studies 12 , English First Peoples 12 or Literary Studies 12 or an equivalent course in Canada
You have completed two or more years in a row of full-time post-secondary education in English in one of the approved countries listed below OR you have completed three or more years in a row of full-time secondary school education in English in one of the approved countries listed below
You achieved a minimum score on one of the approved tests listed below
Approved Countries
American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierre Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, US Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Approved English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): minimum score of 58 or C
The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): minimum score of 60
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): academic level 4L
Duolingo: minimum score of 110 (temporary due to COVID)
International English Language Testing (IELTS): academic level with a minimum overall score of 6.0
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test: academic level with a minimum score of 79-80 and a minimum of 19-20 on each band
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based test: minimum score of 550 and a minimum of 23 each for reading, writing, and listening
General Admission Requirements for Mature Students
Do you identify as a mature student?
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
You are at least 19 years of age
You have not completed a B.C. Secondary School diploma or the equivalent of one
Application Requirements
Mature Students must submit ALL of the following:
At least one letter of reference from a person who is not related to you
A statement of intent clearly outlining your career goals and your reasons for believing you will succeed in the program
A personal profile of 250 words or less
?
Additional Requirements
First Aid Certification (including CPR and AED)
Applicants will also need to provide the following additional documents. These additional mandatory requirements apply prior to commencing practicum and not at the time of admission.
Criminal record check.
Up-to-date Immunization(s).
Students for practicums will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, regardless of the province, and may have to show proof depending on their province.

Dates
Live Online
Full Time:
November 07, 2022 ? April 14, 2023
Webinars are held Monday to Friday from 5:00 pm ? 8:30 pm ?PST
Students must devote at least 23 hours per week to attending webinars, seminars, and laboratories online
Seminars and laboratory times are decided at the start of the cohort
494 hours, including: 414 hours of instruction, 80 hours practicums
Practicum:March 27, 2023 ? April 14, 2023
In-Class
Full Time:
November 07, 2022 ? April 14, 2023
Classes are held Monday to Friday from 4:00 pm ? 8:30 pm ?PST
Students must devote at least 23 hours per week to attending classes, seminars, and laboratories in person
Seminars and laboratory times are decided at the start of the cohort
494 hours, including: 414 hours of instruction, 80 hours practicums
Practicum: March 27, 2023 ? April 14, 2023
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Fees
Tuition fees for this program are due and payable at least 30 days prior to the cohort start date. Students with guaranteed funding arrangements will be exempt from this requirement provided that they produce documentary proof at least 30 days prior to the cohort start date.
All formats of the program are eligible for Canada Student Loans, other forms of government funding, and bank financing. However, students are responsible for making their own funding arrangements and are advised to contact the relevant funder well in advance of the start date to make an application.
Application and tuition fees for this program are as follows:
Application fee: $40 (Domestic Students) or $140 (International Students)
Tuition fee (Domestic): $5,928
Tuition fee (International): $7,706
Note:?Tuition fees do not include the cost of the required textbooks. The approximate textbook fee is $450
We are currently accepting enquiries regarding the Diploma program but not applications at this time. Program start dates, times, and application information will be made available in the near future.