Healthcare
Medical Office Assistant
Get specialized training in medical terminology, healthcare administration, and clinical knowledge to help you succeed in a career as a healthcare professional.
Type
Diploma
Duration
Remote: 38 Weeks
Self-Study: 32 Weeks
Internship
Remote: 4 Weeks
Self-Study: NA
About Our Medical Office Assistant Program
triOS College’s Medical Office Assistant courses cover medical terminology, pharmacology, medical office and clinical administrative procedure, anatomy and physiology, and more. Cap off your learning journey with a 4-week internship to get real-world experience and become job-ready from the get go.
Our Medical Office Assistant program is offered in two online learning options:
- live, instructor-led sessions that combine the flexibility of online learning with real-time interaction and support from experienced instructors.
- self-study option that follows a set weekly pace but with the flexibility to complete your studies at any time of the day, along with facilitator support.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the Medical Office Assistant program at triOS, you may find employment in a variety of medical administrative settings including offices for doctors’ and specialists’, hospitals, clinics, health and wellness centres, dental offices, and long-term care facilities. Other employment opportunities as a medical office assistant can include employment with insurance agencies, pharmaceutical companies, medical sales organizations and government facilities.
Employers Who Have Hired Our Medical Office Assistant Grads
- Grand River Hospital
- Hamilton Community X-ray & Diagnostic
- Toronto General Hospital
- Region of Waterloo
- Living Arts Medical Centre
- Hamilton General Hospital
- Canadian Red Cross
- Hand and Stone
Salary
89
%
Employment Rate*
$
22
Average Wage/HR**
$
32
High Wage/HR**
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable triOS graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 1243/13112 - **Wage data is based on NOC 1243 and is rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Jan 2024.
Program Details
Medical Office Assistants (MOA) are an integral part of the Canadian healthcare system. They support doctors, nurses, and all other healthcare professionals with essential administrative support. With healthcare funding being one of the highest investments in the Canadian economy, pursuing a career in this sector is a great choice for your future.
If you are an organized individual, enjoy helping others and are looking to get established in a steady, in-demand profession in a short amount of time, then the Medical Office Assistant training at triOS College could be an excellent opportunity for you.
What sets the Medical Office Assistant diploma program at triOS College apart from any other college?
In only 38 weeks, you can gain comprehensive medical administrative knowledge, which includes medical terminology, pharmacology, medical office and clinical administrative procedure, anatomy and physiology.
Students enrolled in this program will receive:
- 1-month internship.
- CPR/First Aid Training.
- Training on PS Suite EMR (Canada’s Premier EMR provider) and MD Max.
- Software subscriptions for Microsoft Office and Windows included.
Topics covered in this program include:
- Medical terminology and transcription
- Validating health cards, patient filing methods and record keeping
- Healthcare law and PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act)
- Processing test results, performing urinalysis
- Medicine, ethics and cultural competence
- Medical office reception, customer service, patient registration and scheduling
- Provincial and federal health governing bodies
- Understanding OHIP billing, Insurance and WSIB claims processing
- Aseptic technique and infection control
- First Aid and CPR
- Measuring and Recording vital signs
- Clinical assisting and preparation of exam rooms
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Understanding an electronic health record (EHR) and electronic medical record (EMR)
Course Listings: Medical Office Assistant 
Introduction to Accounting (using Sage 50)
In this course students will be introduced to accounting concepts and procedures. Students will learn about debits and credits and how to analyze and record business transactions. In addition, students will look at banking procedures, cash control as well as payroll concepts and procedures, including employee taxes. They will also gain an understanding of the employer’s tax responsibilities. In this course, students learn how to set up and interact with the different ledgers in Sage 50 to support small business activities. In addition, students will perform General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll transactions.
Intermediate Accounting (using QuickBooks)
This course completes the accounting cycle and furthers the student’s knowledge of accounting procedures in payroll, pay cash and bank reconciliations. Central to this course is the merchandising firm and its accounting cycle, central to this is appropriate valuation of inventory and cost of goods sold calculations. This material will be presented manually are working on paper and using computerized accounting system of QuickBooks.
Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
This course will introduce the foundations of the language of medicine and will develop medical vocabulary through the study of the structures and functions of the major body systems. Topics include medical terminology; general body organization; and the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, nervous (including special senses and psychiatric disorders), integumentary, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
Business Communication
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of communication skills in the business environments. Focus will be placed on both written and spoken communications. Students will review the basic writing process with emphasis on the mechanics of writing. They will also learn the importance of effective spoken communication, deliver an oral presentation, and participate in a mock meeting.
Microsoft Outlook
This Microsoft Outlook course is created for students to build and validate the skills businesses need to succeed in today's information economy. It also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to use to effectively manage e-mails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. Outlook has become the corporate standard electronic personal organizer. These are the foundational skills needed to communicate using Outlook in a variety of positions within and organization. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of e-mail software. Students are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs.
Microsoft PowerPoint
This course is designed for students who are interested in learning the fundamentals needed to create and modify basic presentations by using Microsoft PowerPoint. Students will explore the PowerPoint environment and create a presentation, will format text on slides to enhance clarity, enhance the visual appeal, add graphical objects to a presentation and modify them, and finalize a presentation to deliver it.
Career Management
Our Career Management program introduces students to the strategies and components of an effective job search, including self-marketing and awareness, skills inventory, job search tools and the job market. The Career Management course is delivered by our on-campus Career Services Team who are there throughout the job search to assist and mentor students towards achieving their ultimate goal of employment in their field of study.
Our Team of Career Services Professionals maintain relationships in their communities with key employers and organizations that recognize the value triOS graduates have to offer. The skills learned throughout Career Management at triOS will continue to serve students in their job search as they navigate their new careers.
CPR and First Aid
Upon successful completion of this course, students will achieve the St. John's Ambulance Standard Level First Aid and Level C CPR.
Microsoft Excel
This Microsoft Office Excel course is created for students to build and validate the skills needed to succeed in today's economy. It also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to use Microsoft Office Excel effectively in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Excel is the world's most popular spreadsheet software. Whether you are managing a household or running a small business, Excel will help you develop useful techniques to help business processes. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of spreadsheet software. Students are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs as necessary.
Healthcare Fundamentals
This course is designed to introduce students to the Medical Office Assisting profession. Students will learn about the Canadian healthcare system in general including facilities, professionals, and legal and ethical considerations of the field. The course will also look at the roles and responsibilities of the MOA within the healthcare system.
Medical Office Assistant Clinical Procedures
In this course, students will learn the Medical Office Assistant’s role in clinical procedures commonly performed in a medical office. Students will develop clinical skills through demonstrations and labs. Areas of focus include infection control and workplace safety (WHMIS), prescription handling, diagnostic testing, and assisting with the patient exam.
Medical Office Assistant Internship (100 hrs)
At the completion of the in-class portion of this program, students are required to attend a 4 week Internship (minimum 100 hours) in a medical or healthcare office.
Pathology and Pharmacology
In this course, students will be introduced to pharmacology, and will learn about the different classes of drugs and their use in the treatment of a range of medical conditions. Routes of drug administration and drug effects will also be discussed. Diseases, diagnostic and treatment procedures relating to the major body systems will be explained throughout the course, with a focus on medical terminology. After completing the course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of common diseases and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Customer Service and Practice Administration
Students will be introduced to the administrative tasks of the healthcare environment. Office communications and customer service skills will be developed, as well as skills in scheduling and preparing patient records. Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of billing procedures for both OHIP and third-party payers. Computer application skills will be increased through the use of the PS Suite EMR program.
Introduction to Medical Transcription
This course will introduce students to the process of transcribing medical dictation. Students will use transcription equipment to create a variety of clinical documents. Challenges to dictation will be introduced including accents, background noises, muffled speaking, voice recognition software, etc. Students will also be expected to develop excellent proofreading skills.
Microsoft Word
This Microsoft Word course is created for students to build and validate the skills businesses need to succeed in today's information economy. It also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to use Microsoft Word effectively in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Word is the world's most popular word processing software. Learning how to create, edit, format and print documents, enhance work with formatting, use bullets and numbering, add simple borders, tables, headers/footers, organizing data columns, and styles, are the foundational skills needed in preform in many positions. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of word processing software. The course combines lecture/demonstration by an instructor with readings, trainings, projects, and a final exam for students to work on in a simulation-based environment. Students are expected to ensure they meet proficiency requirements for working in this environment.
Course Listings: Medical Office Administration Online
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation – Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional résumé, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced include the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
This course introduces the foundations of the language of medicine and will develop medical vocabulary through the study of the structures and functions of the major body systems. Topics include medical terminology, general body organization, and skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, nervous (including special senses and psychiatric disorders), integumentary, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
Business Communication
This course introduces basic understanding of communication skills in the business environment, with the focus being on both written and spoken communication.??Topics covered include critical reading and the basics for effective written communication, effective spoken communication, oral presentation, and effective agendas and minutes.?
Microsoft Outlook
This course is a combination of virtual training, assessments, and exams related to Microsoft Outlook. Skills covered include how to organize and manage communications, contacts, schedules, and tasks. Email and meetings are a major part of the professional world, learning how to compose, send, receive, store, and delete email messages, meetings, and appointments is crucial and covered in this module.
Microsoft PowerPoint
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft PowerPoint. Skills covered include the creation of attractive, professional-looking presentations, using and formatting animations, transitions, pictures, audio, video, charts, tables, and incorporating speaker notes and annotations into presentations.
Bookkeeping for Medical Office Assistants
This course introduces fundamental bookkeeping principles and practices for Medical Office Assistants (MOAs). In this course you will perform basic bookkeeping procedures, be able to use basic bookkeeping terminology, and manage accounts receivable and accounts payable. You will be able to make journal entries and record transactions in the General Ledger. You will also learn basic information about calculating sales tax, managing cash, reconciling banking, and managing purchasing and inventory. You will see how bookkeeping plays a part in the role of an MOA.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 1
Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 introduces tools for a successful job search. The course will help students maintain a career-focused approach throughout their academic program. Students will learn basic career preparation skills, such as how to research opportunities, network for industry contacts and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and cover letter, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Asynchronous class discussion on the discussion board on various career-planning topics will round out this module. This course is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation Level 2.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional resume, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced are the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. This course will cover the following elements: using devices and handling information, creating and editing information, communicating and collaborating, and being safe and responsible online.
Diversity in the Workplace
This course introduces diversity and its strengths in the workplace. Among the topics covered are the strengths of diversity, its occasional challenges, how to manage diversity in the workplace, and the value of diversity training. Diversity in group dynamics is also addressed, with an emphasis on the strengths of a heterogeneous group and types of diversity.
Microsoft Excel
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft Excel. Skills covered include working with workbooks and worksheets, inputting data into worksheets, formatting cells, using functions and formulas, and creating and editing charts.
Healthcare Fundamentals
This course introduces the medical office-assisting profession. Topics covered relate to the Canadian healthcare system in general, including types of facilities and professions, and legal and ethical considerations in the field. The roles and responsibilities of the MOA within the healthcare system are explored.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional resume, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced are the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Medical Office Assistant Clinical Procedures
This course addresses the Medical Office Assistant’s role in clinical procedures commonly performed in a medical office. Clinical skills covered through demonstrations and labs include infection control and workplace safety (WHMIS), prescription handling, diagnostic testing, and assisting with the patient exam.
Pathology, Pharmacology, and Treatment
This course introduces pharmacology and the different classes of drugs and their use in the treatment of a range of medical conditions. Routes of drug administration and drug effects are covered, as well as diseases and diagnostic and treatment procedures relating to the major body systems with a focus on medical terminology. After completing the course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of common diseases and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Customer Service and Practice Administration
This course introduces the administrative tasks of the healthcare environment and covers topics such as office communications and customer service skills, scheduling, preparing patient records, preparing agendas for meetings, and taking minutes. Topics also covered include healthcare funding in Canada, billing procedures for uninsured services, and third-party payers. Workplace skills, virtual assistant, the role of the clinical secretary, and some hospital procedures are also explored.
Introduction to Transcription
This course introduces the process of transcribing medical dictation. Using transcription equipment to create a variety of clinical documents while managing challenges to dictation, such as accents, background noises, muffled speaking, voice recognition software, and so on. The development of excellent proofreading and editing skills is addressed.
Microsoft Word
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft Word. Skills covered include formatting text for layout and appearance, formatting document parts, using styles, working with header/footer content, inserting and formatting tables, graphics and pictures, and working with templates and themes.
Admission Requirements
– High school graduation diploma, or Mature Student Status (for more information please refer to the Program Outline at the top of this page or speak to your Education Consultant
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!
Testimonials
I had the right resources and support from the college’s staff. It is a place that you not only thrive but can excel -- the skills and education you obtain at triOS will give you a solid backbone for when you get into the workforce. In less than two weeks after I completed my program, I had a job offer from one of the hospitals in the region.
Demand for workers in the healthcare field today is very high. Students in triOS' Medical Office Assistant program will graduate with practical, organizational, and communication skills to keep offices, units, and facilities running efficiently with an emphasis on respect and patient-centered care.
How Our Medical Office Assistant Program Can Help You
Discover why this triOS grad chose our Medical Office Assistant diploma program and what she thinks of her triOS experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Medical Office Assistant Career
What is a medical office assistant?
A medical office assistant contributes to the day-to-day functions of hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, clinics, and various other medical establishments. Functioning as the initial point of interaction for patients, a medical office assistant handles a range of administrative and clerical duties to ensure that patients receive excellent services and personalized attention.
How much does a medical office assistant make?
According to Job Bank, the average hourly wage for a medical office assistant in Canada is $23, with the potential to reach $33. In Ontario, the median salary is $22 per hour, with the upper limit reaching $32 per hour.
Can a medical assistant work in a dental office?
A medical assistant has the potential to be employed in a dental office, contingent upon the prerequisites and guidelines of the province or territory. The criteria for medical assistants and dental assistants in Canada differ across provinces and territories, so verify the specific regulations applicable to the dental office’s location.
Medical office assistants in Ontario are permitted to work in dental offices. However, they should seek positions designated as Dental Office Administrator or Dental Office Assistant, rather than Dental Assistant, which requires specific certification. If their responsibilities are confined to administrative tasks, they would meet the eligibility criteria.
Medical office assistants in Ontario are permitted to work in dental offices. However, they should seek positions designated as Dental Office Administrator or Dental Office Assistant, rather than Dental Assistant, which requires specific certification. If their responsibilities are confined to administrative tasks, they would meet the eligibility criteria.
What does a medical office assistant do?
Medical office assistants play a crucial role in facilitating the operations of healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities encompass welcoming patients, handling phone calls and emails, arranging client appointments, establishing and organizing patient files, processing payments, and overseeing the management of office and medical supply inventory.
Is medical office assistant a good career?
Working as a medical office assistant can be a good career choice if you enjoy working in healthcare, possess strong organizational and communication skills, and enjoy administrative duties. As a medical office assistant, you can play a critical role in ensuring that medical offices run efficiently and effectively.
Some potential benefits of pursuing a career as a medical office assistant include job stability, competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and the satisfaction of helping patients to receive quality healthcare.
Some potential benefits of pursuing a career as a medical office assistant include job stability, competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and the satisfaction of helping patients to receive quality healthcare.
Where can a medical office assistant work?
Medical office assistants can work in diverse settings within the healthcare industry. Common places of employment for them include nursing homes, hospitals, medical billing companies, clinics, insurance companies, optometry clinics, public health agencies, and chiropractic and naturopathic clinics. The choice of a specific work setting depends on the individual's skills, experience, and interests.
