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Medical Office Assistant Program in Ontario

Online or On-Campus in Ottawa

Launch Your Career with ACA’s Medical Office Assistant Program in Ontario

If you're looking to step into a stable, people-focused career with real growth potential, the Medical Office Assistant program at Algonquin Careers Academy offers the training and support to get you there. This diploma program is designed for individuals who want to work in healthcare environments like clinics, dental offices, or hospitals, providing essential administrative and clinical support.

With flexible study options available both online and in-class at our Ottawa campus, you’ll develop the skills employers are hiring for, from patient intake and billing procedures to using industry-standard software like ABLEMed and ABLEDent. In just 33 weeks, you can be job-ready with real experience, a recognized diploma, and the confidence to succeed.

Medical Office Assistant Program and Career Courses

In-Class Diploma Program

  • 33 weeks total time to complete, including a 4-week full-time clinical placement
  • Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, 4 hours per day

Online Distance Education Diploma Program

  • 33 weeks total time to complete, based on 20 hours per week of scheduled online learning plus homework
  • Includes a 4-week full-time practical placement
  • The majority of the course content is completed online within pre-scheduled milestones
  • Instructor-led live online lectures are scheduled weekly

Our flexible medical assistant online course in Canada lets you balance your training with work or family responsibilities while earning the same diploma as in-person students.

Program Objective

The Medical Office Assistant (MOA) Diploma program at Algonquin Careers Academy is designed to equip students with medical, clerical, technical, and communication skills needed to become a valuable member of a healthcare or dental team. Our students graduate ready to manage real-world clinical and administrative responsibilities.

The four-week practical placement combined with 29 weeks of in-class/online instruction gives students confidence and competence. The focus of our medical assisting course is on preparing graduates to work effectively and efficiently in both medical and dental office environments.

Course Breakdown: What You’ll Learn

ACA’s medical assistant program includes the following modules and hands-on training areas:

  • Introduction to Healthcare & Office Procedures
  • Medical Terminology & Anatomy
  • Dental Terminology & Anatomy
  • OHIP billing and other types of billing in Medical and Dental practices
  • Bookkeeping fundamentals
  • Patient Registration and Charting
  • Electronic Medical Records (EMR) using ABLEMed software
  • Electronic Dental Records (EDR) using ABLEDent software
  • Customer Service & Communication in Healthcare
  • Medical Transcription
  • Keyboarding
  • Clinical Practices & Infection Control
  • Records & Inventory Management
  • Confidentiality, Legal Ethics, and Privacy Regulations (PIPEDA and PHIPA)
  • Safety, OHSA, WHMIS, First Aid, and CPR certification
  • Microsoft Office 
  • Job Search and Career Readiness Training
  • 4-Week Clinical Placement in a Real Medical/Dental Office

Clinical Placements: Real Experience Before You Graduate

During the final stage of your program, ACA arranges a clinical placement through our extensive network of medical and dental employers. This hands-on experience allows you to:

  • Apply your learning in real-world settings
  • Build your resume and professional network
  • Increase your confidence with practical, supervised work
  • Boost your chances of employment after graduation

✅ Successful completion of the 4-week placement is required for graduation.

Career Services to Help You Get Hired

At Algonquin Careers Academy, education is just the beginning. Our dedicated Career Services team helps you every step of the way:

  • Resume and cover letter building
  • Job search strategies
  • Mock interviews and interview coaching
  • Access to job postings
  • Ongoing support after graduation

Our goal is simple: help you launch your career confidently and quickly.

Is a Career as a Medical Professional Right for You?

Take the "Algonquin Academy Medical Professional Career Training Readiness Quiz"

The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete, and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your Medical Professional Career Training Readiness score now!

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Wondering how to become a medical office assistant in Ontario or what jobs you can get after graduating? Our program prepares you for a variety of entry-level roles across the healthcare sector.

Graduates can work in:

  • General / Family Practices
  • Medical Specialist Clinics
  • Dental Clinics
  • Diagnostic Imaging Centres
  • Physiotherapy / Chiropractic Offices
  • Seniors’ Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Hospitals (various departments)
  • Government Health Agencies

Job titles may include:

  • Medical Receptionist
  • Dental Office Assistant
  • Health Office Manager
  • Medical Transcriptionist
  • Medical Billing Clerk
  • Hospital Ward Clerk
  • Patient Registration Coordinator

Medical Office Assistant Salary in Ontario

💰 Wage Information for Medical Office Assistants in Ontario:

Median Hourly Wage High Hourly Wage
$20.50 $28.00

Source: Medical Office Assistant (NOC 14101), Ontario, JobBank.gc.ca, March 2026

Medical Office Assistant Program Admission Requirements

To apply for this Medical Office Assistant program in Ontario, students must:

  • Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent,
    OR
    Be 18+ and apply as a mature student via an entrance exam
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency
  • Complete a medical report with up-to-date immunizations for placement
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold approved immigration status
  • Complete an assessment interview to determine suitability
  • Have a positive attitude and a genuine interest in helping others

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

  • Tuition: $10,300
  • Textbooks & Materials: $1,040
  • International Student Fee: $2,000

Financial Aid:

Eligible domestic students may apply for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program). ACA also offers flexible payment plans and support in applying for other funding opportunities. Speak to our admissions team for guidance tailored to your needs.

Program Endorsement

The Medical Office Assistant Diploma Program at Algonquin Careers Academy is:

  • Approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005
  • Offered by a registered private career college in Ontario
  • Designed to meet current industry standards and employer expectations

Software Training: Real Tools for Real Workplaces

Students in the Medical Office Assistant program receive practical training in two of Canada’s leading software systems:

  • ABLEMed: Learn how to create and manage digital patient records, schedule appointments, process billing, and communicate with healthcare teams in real-time.
  • ABLEDent: Get hands-on training in dental-specific patient management, billing, and charting software used in dental offices across Ontario.

This training ensures you graduate confident in your ability to step into modern healthcare environments with the digital skills employers expect.

Education Pathways After the MOA Diploma

Graduates of the ACA MOA program often continue into specialized roles or advanced training. You may choose to pursue:

  • Intra Oral Dental Assisting
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Personal Support Worker (PSW)
  • Pharmacy Technician

Your training as a medical office assistant in Ontario gives you a strong foundation for long-term career growth in the healthcare industry.

Meet Your Instructors

Our instructors are industry professionals with years of hands-on experience in medical and dental office environments. They bring real-world knowledge to the classroom and are committed to your success.

Ready to Start Your Career in Healthcare?

Take the first step toward a rewarding, people-first career as a Medical Office Assistant. Whether you're ready to enroll or just exploring options, we're here to help.

🎓 Start your application today
📞 Contact our admissions team now
💡 Take the Career Training Readiness Quiz
to find out if you're a fit!

👉 Apply Now | Request More Info | Take the Quiz

FAQs: Medical Office Assistant Programs in Ontario & Canada

How do I become a certified medical office assistant in Ontario?

Enroll in a registered diploma program like ACA’s, complete the required training and placement, and pursue optional certification to enhance your employability.

How long is a medical office assistant course in Canada?

ACA’s program takes 33 weeks, including a 4-week placement.

What are the requirements to be a medical office assistant in Canada?

Most programs require a high school diploma or mature student status, English proficiency, and immunization for placement eligibility.

What is the fastest you can become a medical office assistant?

With full-time study, you can graduate in under 9 months at ACA.

What is the average medical office assistant salary in Ontario?

Medical Office Assistants earn a median wage of $20.50/hr, with top earners making $28/hr.

What are the top skills for a medical office assistant?

Communication, organization, attention to detail, multitasking, and software proficiency (e.g., ABLEMed/ABLEDent).

Is ACA’s program available online?

Yes, you can complete your medical office assistant online course in Ontario, with weekly live instructor online classes and a 4-week placement.

Course Outline

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