Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk

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Program Description

Medical office assistants and unit clerks are integral members of the health care team and support professionals in both a hospital unit and medical office environment. The medical office assistant and unit clerk main duties include accessing, and transmitting health information in a secure environment while supporting and communicating with medical professionals. The Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program is an innovative program providing the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge required by those wishing to combine the skills of a unit clerk and a medical office assistant. Successful graduates will be proficient in medical office procedures; organization; structure and chart management functions of a patient record; computer software; emerging client care software; basic billing duties; office procedures and health information law in a client-care setting.

Courses in this program are conducted on SAIT campus and online. A four-week, unpaid practicum at a health care facility or medical office setting in or outside Calgary is required for successful completion of this program.

Certain courses are available by distance education or continuing education - COMP264, HILA200 and MEDT211. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the Program Outline. Please be advised that full-time student status requires the student to take 60 percent of a full course load per semester. Depending on the number of courses completed by distance education or continuing education, students may be considered a part-time student, which may impact their financial loan status.

As some of the content is delivered in an online environment, students will be required to have a personal computer with Internet access.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

This 19 week certificate is offered over the Fall/Winter semesters or the Winter/Spring semesters.

Your Career

Graduates are employed as medical office assistants and unit clerks in health care facilities, physician offices, regional health, chiropractic and rehabilitation centres.

Graduates of the Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program have a 94% employment rate.

Student Success

Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
Students who experience success in this program have proficient communication skills in English.
Health care practitioners are detail oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
Basic computer skills are essential for success in the program.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate.

Accreditation

There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. Please contact the School of Health and Public Safety for more information.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Admission Requirements

At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalents.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.