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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

The demand for community-based healthcare services has never been higher. The Medical Office Practices Certificate program is ideal if you want to assume front-line roles in medical, dental, and wellness offices or clerical support roles in long-term care or the insurance industry.

You will gain a working knowledge of the medical terminology, computer technologies, and office practices vital to today's busy medical, dental, and wellness offices. Through hands-on application with industry Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software and simulated scenarios, you will practice a variety of medical and wellness office tasks such as patient scheduling, billing, and medical document production, as well as hone your professional verbal, written communication, and customer service skills.

Students who complete the Medical Office Practices certificate may apply to the second year of the Health Office Administration diploma with advanced standing. They may also apply for roles like administrative assistant, medical administrative assistant, health information management occupations, general office support worker, or data entry clerk.

Space in the second year of the Health Office Administration program may be limited; students who wish to complete the diploma are encouraged to apply directly to that program to ensure acceptance to the second year.

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

Program information

All courses must be successfully completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or 19 years of age or older
  • Grade 12 English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251)
  • 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.
  • Attach proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
  • 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.

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!

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

  • Apply 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
  • Produce a variety of documents by using keyboarding skills, proofing, and editing techniques, using current technologies to complete medical office tasks and responsibilities
  • Use current communication platforms, practice management and presentation software, and relevant applications effectively for a variety of health office and business applications
  • Perform office procedures required in various health office environments relating to reception duties, telephone, triage, appointments, email, billing, scheduling, EMR, and other associated tasks
  • Communicate professionally using both verbal and written techniques with a variety of audiences to facilitate efficient functioning of the healthcare team

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

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

Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024
Winter registration: Opens November 4, 2024