Medical Office Assistant Program Outline

(Please note that programs may be changed or upgraded to meet the demands of industry without notice)

Core Medical Skills:

Medical Transcription

• Review medical terminology and new vocabulary to begin the transcription process
• Transcription equipment is described and students are shown the correct transcription techniques
• Students will transcribe a variety of document types and styles, emulating the reality of a medical office

Psychology and Special Patients

• Emphasizes positive relationships, fostering the ideas of empathy, respect, and encouragement with a heavy focus on clear communication

Anatomy and Medical Terminology

• Explore the various body systems and how they function
• The differences between body systems and the complexities of the human body are shown using lectures, diagrams and videos; learn medical terms including those related to diagnosis and treatment
• Using word parts to quickly and accurately determine the meaning of a new word
• Standard medical abbreviations; medical terminology associated with the various body systems​

Bookkeeping Fundamentals

• Basic bookkeeping techniques for a medical office

Medical Office Procedures

• Learn patient registration and how to take family history, medical history and patient history
• Discusses the workplace environment and attitudes related to it
• Teamwork is an essential component in today’s business world and employers are looking for people that, in addition to the technical skills, can work together as part of “the team”
• All of the aspects of a busy office are addressed including: scheduling, filing, telephone protocol, letter writing, business communications, confidentiality and legal aspects, records and inventory management, handling mail and Ministry of Health billing
• Students will learn Accuro, Canada's number one electronic medical record (EMR) system used in the medical field
• Students will learn billing codes and how to supply OHIP with all applicable information needed to process billing; similar functions will also be learned for dental office billing

Dental Theory and Office Procedures

• ABELdent is an automated dental billing software packages commonly used in dentists offices

Workplace Skills:

CPR/First Aid/WHMIS Certification

• WHMIS training is also included on site in this portion of the program; this additional training is helpful during job interviews
• A two-day certified course in First Aid and CPR for adults is provided at the College

Student Success Strategies

Emphasis is placed on thinking about success from day one and developing the non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic and career success. Topics include: goal setting, time management, learning styles, memory techniques, note taking and test writing techniques.

Document Formatting and Grammar

• Clear and concise written communications is essential in a medical office

Microsoft Word Level 1 and Level 2

• Clear and concise written communications is essential in a medical office
• Enter, edit, and format text to create professional letters, resumes, reports, and research documents
• Apply advanced features: section breaks, footnotes, page numbering, table of contents
• Create and format tables
• Use styles and templates
• Insert, size, format, and position pictures
• Use mail merge to generate form letters and mailing labels
• Create newsletters with pull-quotes and graphics
• Create online forms, hyperlinks, and macros

Microsoft Excel Level 1

• Basic spreadsheet functions; useful for inventory, supplies and bookkeeping
• Create, modify, and print workbooks
• Format worksheet text and values
• Perform calculations using formulas, functions, data tables, and amortization schedules
• Create and format charts
• Work with ranges; sort data
• Add graphic elements

Career and Employment Strategies     

This module takes the students through the entire job search process including:

• Where and how to look for a job
• Effective resume preparation
• Creating a cover letter tailored to the position
• Interview preparation
• Job search management
• Self-confidence and self-esteem building
• Mock interviews 
• Follow up after the interview