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Please note:

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

This program is intended for individuals who have an interest in working in the Health Services field as the first point of contact for clients and patients. Graduates are expected to develop excellent customer services skills to effectively operate as a medical office administrator and will learn how to address front-line inquiries and document processes. The program provides a unique blend of experiences to prepare graduates to work in a variety of front-line health services settings such as dental, optical, physician, chiropractor environments, where a strong foundation in computer skills, communication abilities and knowledge of health care terminology is required.

This program is offered in full-time and part-time delivery.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or 19 years of age or older

  • Grade 12 compulsory English, C (65%) or U (55%) , or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270) (65%)

  • For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading

Note re: admission requirements

  • Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and research in the English Language.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Submit proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
  • An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. Minimum grade considered is 65%. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
  • Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
  • A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.

  • Submit proof of admission requirements.

  • 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.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Medical Office Practices program who wish to further their education in an administrative capacity will be well suited to apply to the Health Office Administration program at Conestoga with advanced standing. Successful graduates of the Medial Office certificate would be eligible for acceptance into the second year of the Health Office Administration diploma program.

On average, 80% of graduates from the last three years (2018 to 2020) found employment within six months of graduation.

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

  • Use a comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, and medical, dental, alternative care and insurance terminology to address client and patient needs specific to medical office situations.
  • Explain the history and organization of the health care system at both the federal and provincial levels and the roles and scope of practice of health care professionals operating within the Canadian health care system from a broad perspective.
  • Apply basic health office administrative skills, including entry-level keyboarding and document-production skills, transcription, word processing, and office procedures to complete medical office tasks and responsibilities.
  • Use software packages effectively for a variety of health office and business applications.
  • Perform the fundamental routines, responsibilities and practices required in various health office environments relating to appointments, reception duties, telephone, triage, mail, and other associated tasks
  • Produce accurate and timely financial and billing records for a variety of health office environments.
  • Produce accurate medical correspondence and reports using transcription and other manual and electronic methods at an introductory level.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
UpcomingRegistrations

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

Fall registration: Opens July 24, 2023
Winter registration: Opens November 27, 2023