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About the program

In this fully online, part-time diploma program, you will develop the medical base of knowledge, technical and administrative skills and professional communication expertise required to take on more progressive responsibilities in today's increasingly complex and dynamic healthcare environment.

With a strong emphasis on problem solving, hands-on application and critical thinking, the Health Office Administration program prepares you to confidently assume administrative positions integral to the success of health care organizations. Coursework in medical and dental office management, hospital unit administration, insurance practices, and medical transcription, coupled with current business computing applications, bookkeeping, and office management procedures ensure that you will be well suited to work in a wide variety of health care settings. In addition to participating in health office simulations, you will have the opportunity to consolidate your skills in a seven-week (minimum 245 hour) unpaid work placement in a local health care organization.

This program is also offered in full-time delivery.

Program information

All courses must be successfully completed within 7 years of acceptance into the program.

Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$9,900.00.

*This is the estimated amount for domestic students and may differ if students take equivalent courses. Fees are paid when registering for each individual course and are subject to change each term.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older
  • Grade 12 compulsory English, C (min 65%) or U (55%) , or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251), or equivalent (min 65%)
  • For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading.

Note re: admission requirements

  • A previous course in biology is recommended.

Admission procedures

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

  • Students in the Health Office and Medical Office programs should demonstrate:

    • the physical ability to "touch type" to industry standards (NOTE: a graduation requirement).
    • the physical ability to read and complete standard industry documents.
    • a strong interest and aptitude in computer applications.
    • a solid base of written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
    • the ability to produce work-related documentation to time-sensitive deadlines.
  • Mandatory practicum health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student field/clinical placements. Successful placement completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical placement learning experiences, students must present the following in accordance with pre-admission information which will be provided by the College:

    • A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, varicella, and hepatitis B. Seasonal flu vaccination is required during flu season (October - March).
    • TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
    • Standard First Aid and CPR - HCP level
    • An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in field placement/clinical which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of placement start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates can expect to find employment in a variety of health facilities and organizations including hospitals, medical, dental, optometry and chiropractic offices, health clinics, community service agencies, and insurance companies. Athabasca University offers graduates a block of 45 out of 90 credits towards a post-diploma degree in Health Administration which is completed through distance education. Graduates of the Health Office Administration diploma who meet minimum GPA requirements will be eligible for advanced standing into the third year of Conestoga College's Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science (Honours) degree.

Unsure of which program best suits your long-term career goals? Student Recruitment Advisors can provide one to one advising for prospective domestic students looking to take a program at Conestoga College. Please reach out to SRA@conestogac.on.ca to book an appointment.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Integrate knowledge of human anatomy, and medical, dental, alternative care and insurance terminology to address client and patient needs specific to medical and wellness office environments
  • Conduct oneself professionally within scope of practice and adhere to relevant legislation, standards, and codes of ethics
  • Create, edit, and maintain business and health care documents, correspondence and reports proficiently using appropriate technologies and applications to comply with confidentiality, security, and accessibility standards
  • Implement current communication platforms, practice management and presentation software, and relevant applications for a variety of health office and business applications
  • Coordinate office procedures required in various health office environments relating to reception duties, telephone, triage, appointments, email, billing, scheduling, EMR, technical support, and other associated tasks
  • Integrate therapeutic and advanced verbal and written communication skills across a variety of modalities to address the needs of a diverse group of stakeholders within healthcare environments
  • Accurately interpret physician orders to prioritize and coordinate patient care in hospitals and other health-care environments, within scope of practice

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Opened November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 17, 2025