Diploma Program
This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.
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Employment Rate
87%
*Jan-Dec 2023, CDI College BC
The Medical Office Assistant program will prepare you to run a medical office. It will teach you fundamental office procedures, including medical billing and insurance. You will also learn standard clinical procedures, such as taking vital signs, respiration rate, and blood pressure and assisting with medical examinations.
This program is approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of British Columbia. CDI College is designated by the Education Quality Assurance (EQA).
Student Success Strategies
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.
Microsoft Word
This course introduces the students to word processing with Microsoft Word 2016. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based simulations, training and assessments. The course starts with an overview of Microsoft Office 2016 where you will learn about the common features of the Office applications and file management fundamentals. The course then focuses on the core features of Microsoft Word where students learn proper document formatting, organization and editing using the tools and features of the ribbon. The course will then continue with more advanced topics such as working with tables, lists, objects, templates footnotes and endnotes and mail merges. Finally the course will explore the collaboration features of Word 2016 that allow users to share and collaborate on documents through the use of track changes, sharing and reviewing and the use of OneDrive.
Microsoft Excel
This course introduces the students to spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based simulations, training and assessments. The course starts with an overview of spreadsheets and how to use the common features and functions of Microsoft Excel. The course then focuses on the core features of Microsoft Excel where students learn how to enter and format data and use the various functions and formulas to manage and manipulate the data. The course will then continue with more advanced topics such as performing quantitative analysis with logical, lookup and various mathematical and financial functions. Depicting data visually is an important feature of Excel. Students will learn how to work with charts in Excel to produce a variety of different charts based on data housed in a spreadsheet. Finally students will learn to handle large volumes of data with DataSets and tables.
Keyboarding (Lab)
This assigned requirement provides the student firstly with an introduction to the fundamentals of keyboarding to help them reinforce their English language skills and develop their ability to key and compose information. Students will be introduced and guided through this assignment to help them develop both speed and accuracy while applying the proper keyboarding techniques and position, with a goal to reach a passing requirement of an accurate typing speed exceeding 50 wpm. Students will also develop their proofreading and word processing techniques. Computer labs are available to students during the college’s operating hours; the keyboarding software is web-based, so students can also practice off-campus as well. Regular monitoring by a facilitator will ensure students receive ample support and stay ‘on track’ to reach the required outcome.
Medical Language I: Medical Terminologies and Body Systems
This course will train students to apply the language of medicine to communicate information, in both written and verbal format, within the healthcare environment. Students will build a vocabulary of common medical terms and abbreviations applied in office administration/ assistant duties within a medical office and hospital.
Students will learn to identify body systems and their basic components and functions, distinguish basic medical terms, abbreviations and specialty of care by identifying the prefixes, suffixes or word root. Importance is placed on spelling and pronunciation of terms associated to the body cavities, body orientation, planes and surfaces of body. In addition, students will learn medical language associated with digestive system, urinary system and integumentary system (skin).
Health Care Communication & Interpersonal Skills
This is a specially designed course for the new health care professional in the medical field. In business, as in other interpersonal contacts, the impression formed is in the first 10- 15 seconds and is crucial to the success of the relationship. The importance of the customer and of customer relations to business success is examined through case studies and roleplaying. Students learn relevant techniques of human behaviour and how they may be applied to improve customer relations in the medical office. Learning basic communication skills especially relating to the medical field will assist the student in dealing with all patients. Understanding cultural differences and encouraging diversity can add a new dimension and safer patient health care delivery to the medical office. Some topics covered in this course include demonstrating respect in the health care field to co-workers/patients/clients, legal issues such as “The Scope of the MOA’s Realm,” defusing angry patients/customers, and customer values and how to deliver those values. Being knowledgeable about these topics keeps customers coming back due to excellent customer service skills
Medical Emergency – First Aid Procedures
This component provides students with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical emergencies within the Pharmacy. It will prepare students to assist the pharmacist in administering immediate care for the client in the pharmacy. Students also participate in the Lectures, reading assignments will provide a basic understanding of medical emergencies and the role of the pharmacy assistant in assisting with the administration of care used in the Pharmacy. This information permits the student to interpret and relay information and communicates with the pharmacist and emergency workers.
Medical Language II: Anatomy and Physiology
Students will learn to work with the specialized terminology of medicine, including the pronunciation and spelling of terms to describe medical circumstances and situations. Students will learn through descriptions, illustrations and exercises to identify the major anatomical features and systems of the body and the common pathologies, which can adversely affect these systems. This second course of three parts on medical language continues to focus on various body systems. Subjects include: female reproductive system: organs, menstruation and pregnancy, pathology, clinical tests and procedures; male reproductive system: anatomy, pathologic conditions, and laboratory tests/clinical procedures; nervous system: general structure; neurons, nerves, and glial cells; the brain; the spinal cord and meninges; pathology; cardiovascular system: blood vessels and the circulation of blood; anatomy of the heart; physiology of the heart; blood pressure; and pathology; respiratory system: anatomy and physiology of respiration; pathology; clinical procedures; blood system: composition and formation of blood; blood clots; pathology; lymphatic and immune systems: lymphatic system; immune system; pathology; musculoskeletal system: bones; pathology; joints; muscles; sense organs: the eye; errors of refraction; pathology; clinical procedures; the ear; endocrine system: thyroid gland; parathyroid glands; adrenal glands; pancreas; pituitary gland; ovaries; testes.
Medical Office Procedures
This course presents complete and accurate coverage of the basic skills needed to perform effectively as a health office administrative assistant (MOA) in today’s fast-changing work environment. Study includes the use of real-life examples and scenarios to make key concepts come alive. Students learn about ethics, the transition of offices towards electronic environments, as well as discussions of future trends towards the role of technology in the field of medical office administration. From the knowledge and skills learned in this course, students also begin one of their term projects – a medical office procedure manual – the general section completed in this course, and an advanced practice, comprehensive manual that is constructed throughout the entire program and completed after the final practicum-work experience.
Medical Language III: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Intervention
The third and final course on medical language focuses on the specialized terminology of medicine, including the pronunciation and spelling of terms to describe medical circumstances and situations. This course will train students to apply the language of medicine to communicate information, in both written and verbal format, within the healthcare environment. Students will build a vocabulary of common medical terms and abbreviations applied in office administration/ assistant duties within a medical office and hospital. Students will learn to recognize, define and distinguish basic medical terms pertaining to different medical specialties and medical specialists such as oncology, radiology, pharmacology and psychiatry. Students will also be able to describe generally used diagnostic tests, therapeutic modalities for each specialty of care.
Medical Billing
All businesses need to invoice for services rendered and collect their revenues as quickly and efficiently as possible. Doctors’ revenue comes primarily from the provincial medical insurance scheme. Students will be introduced to the medical billing procedures in accordance with the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) requirements and create medical billing data using the BC Medical Association Guide to Fees and ICD-9 Diagnostic Codes. WorkSafe BC, the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC), and medical legal billing requirements are also discussed.
Students also learn to perform medical billing data entry and preparation of billing statements using the Regent Smart series application, as well as understanding the transmission and receipt of data from the BC MSP office in Victoria.
In the second section of this course, students will create patient databases and complete medical office billing procedures using the current software. Students will become familiar with all aspects of billing, including MSP, ICBC, WorkSafe BC, personal, and medical legal billing. They will also learn to schedule appointments, generate day sheets, and transmit claims. Course time is also dedicated to tutorials to learn the MSP system.
Medical Transcription
Transcription is integral to the efficiency of the medical doctor’s practice, providing the documentary records on patient cases that the physician is required by law to maintain. Students will become familiar with the various letters and reports routinely dictated by medical professionals by being introduced to the process of medical transcription using actual dictated medical data, in different accents. With an emphasis on speed and accuracy, students utilize transcription equipment and a variety of reference materials to learn the proper formatting, sentence and paragraph structure, punctuation, spelling, and grammar used in reports such as: admission and discharge summaries; chart notes; consultation letters; emergency room reports; history and physical examination reports; laboratory, radiology, and pathology reports; operative/procedure reports. In addition, the course is designed to enhance the student’s listening comprehension, editing and proofreading, again, with an emphasis on the speed and accuracy of their typing. The importance of confidentiality is also reinforced.
Electronic Health Records
Implementing electronic health records (EHRs) in Canada is a pan-Canadian initiative involving many stakeholders involved in the delivery of health care. Electronic health records (EHRs) are secure and private lifetime records that describe a person’s health history and care. They are made up of information from a variety of sources, including hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies, and laboratories. This information is critical for treatment and is accessible to health care professionals. BC is participating in a ten year plan led by the Federal Government's Canada Health Infoway to create a safer and more efficient healthcare system by creating electronic health records (EHRs). In the course, students are introduced to work with simulated health records and learn the ins and outs of the system as they apply in a medical office. It provides a thorough understanding of EHR tasks and functional benefits that is continuously reinforced by actual EHR experiences. Students are updated with the latest EHR rules, regulations and innovations, electronic orders and results, workflow examples, and billing codes.
Clinical Procedures I
Students will learn techniques and procedures used to prepare and administer basic procedures and tests utilized in medical offices. Topics include:
Career & Employment Strategies
In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.
This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:
MOA Practicum
This practicum will place students in actual workplaces related to their field of study where they are expected to act as a regular employee for the set time periods in order to gain the valuable “real world” experience, often sought by employers who are hiring. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience; however, once placed, continuation in the placement is a mandatory diploma requirement. This practicum is an unpaid work experience. Students and practicum hosts are provided with a practicum “package” that outlines the expectations of both the student and the host that need to be met to have a successful outcome. .
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
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Admission
AND
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Gain a distinct advantage by earning industry-recognized certifications that validate your expertise and skills in key areas such as digital marketing, project management, and CRM. Our program prepares you to succeed, whether you're advancing, switching careers, or starting your own business. Invest in yourself and join a community of certified professionals shaping the digital economy.
Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities. Elevate your career trajectory and secure your future with our program tailored to meet the demands of industry leaders.
The course was great; I made quite a few friends from all around Canada who were taking the course. My practicum coordinator was a huge help; together, we found a practicum for me where I was also offered a full-time position.
Angel C.
Medical Office Assistant program Graduate
I was so grateful for the opportunity to take part in this class. My instructors were amazing: professional, patient, intelligent, and knowledgeable! They encouraged me to believe in myself, which made it so much easier for me to speak in front of people, which I have struggled with.
Sydney C.
Medical Office Assistant program Graduate
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