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PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog
Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk
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Our Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program offers an integrated approach to healthcare administration, blending practical skills with foundational knowledge.
This comprehensive program is designed for those aiming to excel in unit clerk and medical office assistant roles.
In this program, you will:
- learn the basic concepts of medical terminology, including suffixes, prefixes, root words and combining forms
- learn the day-to-day operations of a medical office, including appointment scheduling, health and safety techniques, public relations and clinical skills
- understand how to organize the workplace efficiently, manage time effectively and maintain professional workflow systems
- master the skills required to manage patient records accurately, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulations
- gain expertise in standard office software as well as specialized healthcare management applications
- get acquainted with emerging technologies that facilitate patient care and enhance service delivery
- acquire the ability to handle billing processes, insurance claims and understand the financial aspects of medicine and healthcare services
- learn the legal aspects of handling health information, focusing on record security, confidentiality and authorized disclosure of patient information
- create a cover letter and resume, and practice effective communication and conflict management skills.
You’ll get hands-on experience in an unpaid practicum in a healthcare facility, equipping you with administrative and clinical experience.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready for roles such as medical office assistant, secretary, and in-patient and out-patient unit clerk in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, radiology clinics and rehabilitation centers.
If you are detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills and a passion for healthcare administration, this program is your key to entering the workforce as a professional in the healthcare administration field.
Flexible learning options
A part-time intake (a course load of less than nine credits per semester) is offered for this program from January through September each year, broken into three semesters:
- Semester 1: January to April
- Semester 2: May to August
- Semester 3: September practicum
This intake is primarily completed online during evenings and weekends, with a face-to-face practicum at the end of the program. It is ideal for those who wish to work full-time while completing the program.
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Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those in the medical office assistance field tend to be social, objective and directive.
You need:
- discretion
- critical thinking
- communication, organizational and time-management skills
- attention to detail
- adaptability
- interpersonal skills to establish a professional rapport with and instil confidence in patients
- conflict-resolution skills to deal effectively with the sometimes-difficult behaviours of people in distress
- the ability to maintain accuracy while multitasking or working under pressure
- a mature attitude toward the human body, wellness and disease processes
- the ability to work independently or as part of a team
- the ability to type 30 words per minute (wpm)
- to be comfortable sitting for long periods.
You should enjoy dealing with people, be comfortable using different types of computers and tech, and like compiling and organizing information.
You may be exposed to latex and disinfection materials or assist in performing some patient care procedures, which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity to the patient.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for medical office assistants and unit clerks to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You will complete a required practicum at a healthcare facility or medical office.
You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate.
Program length
21 or 36 weeks
Not open to international applicants
This program is not available to international applicants at this time.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Medical administrative assistants (13112)
- Data entry clerks (14111)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents:
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate requires 18 credits (11 courses) to complete.
The program spans 21 weeks for those studying full-time or 36 weeks for those in our part-time intake, offered in January each year.
Your practicum placement occurs in the final semester.
Suggested schedule of study
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.
Semester 1: January - April
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $650 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
A portable personal computing device is required. A laptop is preferred over other devices.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Additional fees
- A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review your vaccine and medical history. Any vaccines you need to be administered will result in additional charges.
- A fee of approximately $50 to $100 is associated with an electronic student permit checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
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-centred 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 to excel in personal practice as a health information office assistant.
- Create a community of knowledge sharing and professional pride through education and preceptorship of students, peers, and inter-professional team members.
- Demonstrate proficient use of technology to promote best practices in health information office assistant duties.
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