Program Overview
The Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program cater to individuals with a keen interest in the healthcare sector, offering comprehensive training for roles as Medical Office Assistants in community and specialty clinics, as well as Unit Clerks in hospital settings. These professionals provide vital support to doctors and healthcare teams by executing an array of clerical and administrative duties, including appointment scheduling, word processing, bookkeeping, accounting, photocopying, filing, and managing correspondence. Operating across various healthcare settings, from clinics to hospitals, Medical Office Assistants and Unit Clerks may work standard office hours or be required to accommodate evening and weekend shifts. The program curriculum is meticulously designed to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills, considering the potential exposure to contagious diseases inherent in healthcare environments, thereby ensuring their preparedness and awareness of associated risks.
Ideal Candidate Characteristics
Candidates aspiring to excel in the role of a Medical Office Assistant or Unit Clerk should possess the following attributes:
- Ability to uphold patient confidentiality
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Capacity to maintain accuracy while multitasking under pressure
- Mature attitude towards the human body, wellness, and disease processes
- Aptitude for following instructions meticulously
- Skill in establishing professional rapport and instilling confidence in patients
- Capability to effectively manage challenging behaviors in distressed individuals
- Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Program Description
The Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk diploma program at MNM Maple College encompasses both theoretical and practical education components. Students embark on their educational journey with an IT Literacy module, focusing on keyboarding proficiency, essential computer software, and applications relevant to office operations. Subsequent modules delve into the fundamentals of medical assistance, encompassing theoretical knowledge and practical skills tailored to the Canadian healthcare context. The curriculum covers a spectrum of subjects, including Medical Language, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Document Processing, Administrative Medical Assisting, Professionalism, Medical Ethics, and Canada’s Health Care System. Practical components such as observational field trips, readiness for career modules, First Aid/CPR training, and a practicum experience further enhance students’ preparedness for real-world scenarios.
Program Duration
| Type | Delivery | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Component | Onsite/Online/Online-Self Paced | 680 hours |
| Practical Component | Co-op Work Experience | 240 hours |
Program Fees
| Description | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | $18000 |
| Books and Supplies | $750 |
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must meet the following admission criteria:
Possession of an Alberta Secondary School Diploma or equivalent (supported by transcript), or attainment of at least 18 years of age and successful completion of an entry test.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program are well-positioned for diverse career pathways within the healthcare industry, including but not limited to roles such as:
- Office Assistant
- Hospital Admitting Clerk
- Medical Billing Clerk
- Patient Coordinator
Employment opportunities abound across various healthcare settings, including:
- Doctors’ Offices
- Hospitals
- Medical Clinics
- Ambulatory/Outpatient Departments
- Diagnostic Labs/X-Ray Departments
- Health Records Departments
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Allied Health Care Centers
- Mental Healthcare Centers
- Research Facilities
- Insurance Companies
- Wellness & Fitness Centers
Wage and Salary
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.55 | $25.24 | $23.04 | $25.24 |
| Overall | $20.31 | $29.87 | $27.25 | $29.37 |
| Top | $23.07 | $34.94 | $31.83 | $34.86 |
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Experienced professionals may progress into supervisory positions within larger organizations, further expanding their career horizons and opportunities for advancement.