Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk

Program Description

The Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program is innovative in providing the necessary hands-on and theoretical expertise 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.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

Students require access to a personal computer and Internet in order to complete the required courses
This program includes an unpaid practicum in a healthcare facility or medical office setting
Based on the availability of the practicum sites, students may have to travel or re-locate outside of Calgary in order to complete their practica
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary

All courses must be completed within the program completion timeframe. Please be advised that for the purpose of student loans, full-time student status requires that learners are enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full course load per semester.

Your Career

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

Student Success

Job expectations for success in this profession include:

Critical thinking
Communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
Able to work independently
Able to work with others
Able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
Adaptable
Able to work well under stress
Able to use technology
Attention to detail
Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends, and shift work
Able to tolerate latex, disinfection chemicals
Able to sit for long periods of time (3-4 hours)
Comfortable performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Ability to type at 30wpm with high accuracy

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Medical Office Assistants and Unit Clerks for more information on this profession.

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

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

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.

Program Outline

Semester 1

COMP 264 - Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications 1.5 Credits
HCPP 220 - Healthcare Systems Fundamental 1.5 Credits
HILA 200 - Health Information Law 1 1.5 Credits
HRSC 206 - Patient Record Fundamentals 1.5 Credits
HRSC 220 - Unit Clerk Fundamentals 1.5 Credits
HRSC 231 - Electronic Medical Record 1.5 Credits
MDOF 203 - Medical Billing Bookkeeping 3 Credits
MEDT 211 - Medical Terminology 1 1.5 Credits
MDOF 240 - Medical Office Procedures 1.5 Credits
PROF 252 - Professional Practice 1.5 Credits

Semester 2

PRAC 279 - Practicum 1.5 Credits

Program Overview - Part-Time Stream

The part-time stream is primarily completed online during evenings and weekends, with a face-to-face practicum at the end of the program. This stream is ideal for students who wish to work full-time while completing the program.

Total Credits 18

Program Outcomes

Use effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills in all health information office assistant practice settings.
Demonstrate compassion and respect in all aspects of health information office assistant practice.
Adhere to legal and ethical requirements with personal and professional accountability and responsibility, to ensure the protection and safety of practitioners, patients, and the public.
Collaborate effectively within the interdisciplinary team to achieve a high standard of patient-centered care in all aspects of health information office assistant practice.
Use critical thinking and an evidence-based approach in all aspects of health information office assistant practice, to optimize patient care.
Plan for participation in lifelong learning and continuing education in order to excel in personal practice as a health information office assistant.
Create a community of knowledge sharing and professional pride though education and preceptorship of students, peers, and inter-professional team members.
Demonstrate proficient use of technology to promote best practice in health information office assistant duties.