Healthcare
Medical Office Administration
Gain comprehensive training in medical terminology, anatomy, and healthcare administration while developing practical and professional skills needed to manage medical offices, clinics, and hospital units. This program prepares you to confidently support healthcare teams through administrative expertise, clinical knowledge, and real-world experience
Type
Diploma
Duration
Remote: 46 Weeks
Self-Study: 32 Weeks
Internship
Remote: 8 Weeks
Self-Study: NA
Program Outline
View Outline
About Our Medical Office Administration Program
Graduate with the skills, certification, and confidence to thrive in today’s healthcare offices. The Medical Office Administration + Internship program combines hands-on administrative and clinical training, EMR simulations, and a 8-week (200-hour) internship to prepare you for real healthcare environments. You will learn medical terminology, anatomy, hospital and clinical procedures, billing, and digital record management while developing the professional and interpersonal skills that healthcare employers value.
As a graduate, you will be eligible to earn the Health Information–Certified Associate (HICA) credential through CHIMA, a nationally recognized certification that sets you apart and opens doors to advanced standing in Health Information Management programs. This program was designed with industry feedback to ensure you are job-ready for medical offices, clinics, and hospitals across Canada.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the Medical Office Administration program at triOS College, you will be prepared to work in a wide range of healthcare and administrative settings. Your specialized training in medical terminology, electronic medical records (EMRs), billing, and office procedures, along with your eligibility for the Health Information–Certified Associate (HICA) credential through CHIMA, will open doors to many rewarding roles, such as:
- Medical Office Administrator
- Medical Billing Clerk or Secretary
- Medical Receptionist
- Clinical Assistant
- Unit Coordination Assistant
- Hospital Unit Clerk
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Administrative Specialist
Employers Who Have Hired Our Medical Office Assistant Grads
- Grand River Hospital
- Hamilton Community X-ray & Diagnostic
- Toronto General Hospital
- Region of Waterloo
- Living Arts Medical Centre
- Hamilton General Hospital
- Canadian Red Cross
- Hand and Stone
Salary
80
%
Employment Rate*
$
23
Average Wage/HR**
$
31
High Wage/HR**
*Employment Rate based on 2023 contactable triOS graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 13112 - **Wage data is rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in March 2025.
Program Details
Medical Office Administrators play an essential role in Canada’s healthcare system. They are the organizational backbone of medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, providing vital administrative and patient support that allows doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals to focus on delivering quality care.
With healthcare being one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing sectors, pursuing a career in medical administration offers both stability and opportunity for long-term growth.
If you are organized, compassionate, and interested in working in a professional healthcare environment, the Medical Office Administration program at triOS College can help you build the skills and confidence to succeed.
Why Choose triOS College for Your Medical Office Administration Training?
Our 46-week Medical Office Administration + Internship diploma program was developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and industry advisors to ensure graduates are job-ready from day one. What makes this program stand out:
- Nationally Recognized Credential: Graduates are eligible to write the Health Information–Certified Associate (HICA) exam through CHIMA, setting you apart with a credential recognized by healthcare employers across Canada.
- Extended Internship Experience: Apply your skills through a 200-hour (8-week) internship, gaining real-world experience in medical offices, hospitals, and clinics.
- Simulation-Based Training: Develop confidence with EMR simulations, billing scenarios, and administrative exercises designed to mirror real healthcare settings.
- Strong Billing and Administrative Skills: Learn the ins and outs of medical billing, bookkeeping, and provincial health systems (such as OHIP), one of the most in-demand skills in the field.
- Clinical and Hospital Preparation: Train for both medical office and hospital unit procedures to expand your career opportunities.
- Digital and Professional Readiness: Receive training in Microsoft Office, digital literacy, and professional communication to help you excel in any healthcare environment.
- CPR and First Aid Certification: Included in your program to ensure you meet workplace readiness standards.
Course Listings: Medical Office Administration
Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
In this course you will gain a comprehensive understanding of medical language, including prefixes, suffixes, root words, and abbreviations, alongside anatomy and physiology concepts.You will develop the ability to analyze, spell, define, pronounce, and apply medical words that relate to specific body systems and their pathology. In addition, you will acquire the skills to accurately communicate medical information and understand the structure and function of the human body.
Business Communication
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of communication skills in the business environments. Focus will be placed on both written and spoken communications. Students will review the basic writing process with emphasis on the mechanics of writing. They will also learn the importance of effective spoken communication, deliver an oral presentation, and participate in a mock meeting.
Clinincal Pathology
This course introduces you to the processes of disease and treatment in medicine. You will learn about common symptoms and pathologies of the 12 body systems. Diagnostic and treatment methodologies will also be introduced, including laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and pharmacology. Word building skills will be continually developed along with pronunciation and spelling.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1
This course will introduce you to and provide practice in using the tools required for a successful job search. The concepts covered in this course will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your studies so that you are better prepared to conduct a job search after graduating. Specifically, you will learn how to identify your soft and hard skills and how to articulate your abilities in a clear and concise Elevator Pitch that will appeal to employers and resonate with industry contacts. You will learn about the job search resources available to you including using career websites, creating LinkedIn profiles, accessing the “hidden” job market, and networking. You will examine sample résumés and cover letters and begin the process of creating your own professional résumés and cover letters that align with current conventions for content, organization, and formatting. You will also learn about the role of references, thank you letters, workplace philosophies, and strategies for success including maintaining a professional image and using proper etiquette when communicating with potential employers and industry contacts.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 2
This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your résumé and LinkedIn Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-play. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will also be covered.
Standard First Aid/CPR/WHIMIS
This course provides you with comprehensive CPR training. It includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines and meets federal and provincial regulations for Standard First Aid and CPR Level C. The course includes the following topics: preparing to respond; the EMS system; check, call, care; airway emergencies; breathing and circulation emergencies; first aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest; wound care; head and spine injuries; bone, muscle and joint injuries; sudden medical emergencies; environmental emergencies; and poisons. The WHMIS section of this course teaches you the basic elements of WHMIS 2015 and the Global Harmonization System. This covers the safety measures and guidelines to be followed when exposed to or working with hazardous materials.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course introduces essential concepts and principles for navigating and working in a digital environment. Key topics include using devices, managing information, creating and editing content, communicating and collaborating with digital tools, and ensuring online safety and responsibility. You will also apply best practices for folder organization and file naming conventions.
Microsoft Excel
This Microsoft Office Excel course is created for students to build and validate the skills needed to succeed in today's economy. It also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to use Microsoft Office Excel effectively in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Excel is the world's most popular spreadsheet software. Whether you are managing a household or running a small business, Excel will help you develop useful techniques to help business processes. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of spreadsheet software. Students are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs as necessary.
Concepts in Healthcare
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to essential healthcare concepts, including the definitions and distinctions between health, wellness, illness, disease, and disability. You will explore public and population health principles, examining how social determinants affect health outcomes. The module covers the foundational elements of the Canadian healthcare system, including an analysis of the Canada Health Act. By the end of the course, you will have a solid understanding of the frameworks and policies that guide health promotion, disease prevention, and healthcare delivery in Canada.
Hospital Unity Procedures
This course introduces you to the administrative roles, organizational structure, and operational procedures in a hospital setting. You will focus on applying procedures related to admitting, transferring, and discharging patients, along with documenting physician orders delivered throughout the hospital stay.
Medical Billing and Bookkeeping
This course introduces you to fundamental bookkeeping principles and billing practices for medical office administration. You will perform basic bookkeeping procedures, be able to use bookkeeping terminology, and manage purchasing and inventory. You will also make journal entries and record transactions in QuickBooks Online. You will learn about calculating sales tax, managing cash, reconciling banking, and managing purchasing and inventory. Skills in billing provincial medicare for services provided by general practictioners, specialists and surgeons will be developed through scenarios and simulations, as well as worker's compensation and private insurance billing. You will practice the billing and submission process using EMR software.
Medical Office Procedures with Simulation
This course introduces you to the administrative tasks required for medical offices and other healthcare settings. It explores areas such as the impact of the law on the medical office, communication and customer service skills, scheduling, creating patient records, preparing agendas for meetings, and taking minutes. You will learn important interpersonal skills relating to professionalism, time management, problem-solving, responding to change, and working effectively in a team environment. You will also explore practice management technologies, electronic medical record systems (EMRs), and the role of the medical office administrator in creating, transcribing, and maintaining records. There will be opportunities to practice communication; customer service and administration skills in simulation activities throughout the course; and applying best practices relating to privacy, ethics, sensitivity, and diversity.
Medical Ethics
This course examines the rights of patients and clients and the obligations of medical and other healthcare practitioners. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of ethical theory and decision-making, and will examine the ways in which moral decisions are made in practice. Issues to be addressed include disclosing information to patients, interfering with a patient’s liberty for their own good, limits to the protection of patient confidentiality, protections for humans and animals in experimentation, respect for cultural diversity, and fairness in the allocation of scarce healthcare resources.
Medical Office Administation Internship
This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your résumé and LinkedIn Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-play. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.
Microsoft Outlook
This Microsoft Outlook course is created for students to build and validate the skills businesses need to succeed in today's information economy. It also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to use to effectively manage e-mails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. Outlook has become the corporate standard electronic personal organizer. These are the foundational skills needed to communicate using Outlook in a variety of positions within and organization. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of e-mail software. Students are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs.
Microsoft PowerPoint
In this course students learn the fundamentals needed to create and modify basic presentations by using Microsoft Office PowerPoint. Students explore the PowerPoint environment and create a presentation. In so doing they learn to format text on slides to enhance clarity, and to boost the visual appeal by adding graphical objects to a presentation. In addition, students explore how to add tables and charts to a presentation to present data in a structured form, and how to finalize a presentation for delivery.
Records Management
In this course, you will learn about the content and requirements for patient records, as well as how to manage records within a healthcare system. You will also learn about the storage and retention of records, and the role of healthcare professionals in protecting the privacy, security, and confidentiality of patient information.
Student Success Strategies
This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. The course will address strategies that are important for all adult learners, such as managing finances, maintaining health and wellness, understanding learning styles, setting goals, and honing practical study skills (such as memory, reading, and test-taking techniques). In addition, this course emphasizes strategies needed to succeed in your program, such as navigating technology efficiently, interacting and engaging with peers and facilitators/instructors, and managing learning time and space.
Microsoft Word
This Microsoft Word course is created for students to build and validate the skills businesses need to succeed in today's information economy. It also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to use Microsoft Word effectively in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Word is the world's most popular word processing software. Learning how to create, edit, format and print documents, enhance work with formatting, use bullets and numbering, add simple borders, tables, headers/footers, organizing data columns, and styles, are the foundational skills needed in preform in many positions. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of word processing software. The course combines lecture/demonstration by an instructor with readings, trainings, projects, and a final exam for students to work on in a simulation-based environment. Students are expected to ensure they meet proficiency requirements for working in this environment.
Course Listings: Medical Office Administration Online
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation – Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional résumé, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced include the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
This course introduces the foundations of the language of medicine and will develop medical vocabulary through the study of the structures and functions of the major body systems. Topics include medical terminology, general body organization, and skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, nervous (including special senses and psychiatric disorders), integumentary, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
Business Communication
This course introduces basic understanding of communication skills in the business environment, with the focus being on both written and spoken communication.??Topics covered include critical reading and the basics for effective written communication, effective spoken communication, oral presentation, and effective agendas and minutes.?
Microsoft Outlook
This course is a combination of virtual training, assessments, and exams related to Microsoft Outlook. Skills covered include how to organize and manage communications, contacts, schedules, and tasks. Email and meetings are a major part of the professional world, learning how to compose, send, receive, store, and delete email messages, meetings, and appointments is crucial and covered in this module.
Microsoft PowerPoint
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft PowerPoint. Skills covered include the creation of attractive, professional-looking presentations, using and formatting animations, transitions, pictures, audio, video, charts, tables, and incorporating speaker notes and annotations into presentations.
Bookkeeping for Medical Office Assistants
This course introduces fundamental bookkeeping principles and practices for Medical Office Assistants (MOAs). In this course you will perform basic bookkeeping procedures, be able to use basic bookkeeping terminology, and manage accounts receivable and accounts payable. You will be able to make journal entries and record transactions in the General Ledger. You will also learn basic information about calculating sales tax, managing cash, reconciling banking, and managing purchasing and inventory. You will see how bookkeeping plays a part in the role of an MOA.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 1
Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 introduces tools for a successful job search. The course will help students maintain a career-focused approach throughout their academic program. Students will learn basic career preparation skills, such as how to research opportunities, network for industry contacts and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and cover letter, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Asynchronous class discussion on the discussion board on various career-planning topics will round out this module. This course is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation Level 2.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional resume, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced are the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Diversity in the Workplace
This course introduces diversity and its strengths in the workplace. Among the topics covered are the strengths of diversity, its occasional challenges, how to manage diversity in the workplace, and the value of diversity training. Diversity in group dynamics is also addressed, with an emphasis on the strengths of a heterogeneous group and types of diversity.
Microsoft Excel
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft Excel. Skills covered include working with workbooks and worksheets, inputting data into worksheets, formatting cells, using functions and formulas, and creating and editing charts.
Healthcare Fundamentals
This course introduces the medical office-assisting profession. Topics covered relate to the Canadian healthcare system in general, including types of facilities and professions, and legal and ethical considerations in the field. The roles and responsibilities of the MOA within the healthcare system are explored.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional resume, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced are the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Medical Office Assistant Clinical Procedures
This course addresses the Medical Office Assistant’s role in clinical procedures commonly performed in a medical office. Clinical skills covered through demonstrations and labs include infection control and workplace safety (WHMIS), prescription handling, diagnostic testing, and assisting with the patient exam.
Pathology, Pharmacology, and Treatment
This course introduces pharmacology and the different classes of drugs and their use in the treatment of a range of medical conditions. Routes of drug administration and drug effects are covered, as well as diseases and diagnostic and treatment procedures relating to the major body systems with a focus on medical terminology. After completing the course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of common diseases and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Customer Service and Practice Administration
This course introduces the administrative tasks of the healthcare environment and covers topics such as office communications and customer service skills, scheduling, preparing patient records, preparing agendas for meetings, and taking minutes. Topics also covered include healthcare funding in Canada, billing procedures for uninsured services, and third-party payers. Workplace skills, virtual assistant, the role of the clinical secretary, and some hospital procedures are also explored.
Introduction to Transcription
This course introduces the process of transcribing medical dictation. Using transcription equipment to create a variety of clinical documents while managing challenges to dictation, such as accents, background noises, muffled speaking, voice recognition software, and so on. The development of excellent proofreading and editing skills is addressed.
Microsoft Word
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft Word. Skills covered include formatting text for layout and appearance, formatting document parts, using styles, working with header/footer content, inserting and formatting tables, graphics and pictures, and working with templates and themes.
Admission Requirements
– Student has an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, OR is 18 years of age or older on or before the program begins AND can pass a qualifying test that has been approved by the Superintendent.
– The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test. A passing score for this program is 14.
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!
Testimonials
I had the right resources and support from the college’s staff. It is a place that you not only thrive but can excel -- the skills and education you obtain at triOS will give you a solid backbone for when you get into the workforce. In less than two weeks after I completed my program, I had a job offer from one of the hospitals in the region.
Demand for workers in the healthcare field today is very high. Students in triOS' Medical Office Assistant program will graduate with practical, organizational, and communication skills to keep offices, units, and facilities running efficiently with an emphasis on respect and patient-centered care.
How Our Medical Office Assistant Program Can Help You
Discover why this triOS grad chose our Medical Office Assistant diploma program and what she thinks of her triOS experience.
What is a medical office assistant?
A medical office assistant contributes to the day-to-day functions of hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, clinics, and various other medical establishments. Functioning as the initial point of interaction for patients, a medical office assistant handles a range of administrative and clerical duties to ensure that patients receive excellent services and personalized attention.
How much does a medical office assistant make?
According to Job Bank, the average hourly wage for a medical office assistant in Canada is $23, with the potential to reach $33. In Ontario, the median salary is $22 per hour, with the upper limit reaching $32 per hour.
Can a medical assistant work in a dental office?
A medical assistant has the potential to be employed in a dental office, contingent upon the prerequisites and guidelines of the province or territory. The criteria for medical assistants and dental assistants in Canada differ across provinces and territories, so verify the specific regulations applicable to the dental office’s location.
Medical office assistants in Ontario are permitted to work in dental offices. However, they should seek positions designated as Dental Office Administrator or Dental Office Assistant, rather than Dental Assistant, which requires specific certification. If their responsibilities are confined to administrative tasks, they would meet the eligibility criteria.
Medical office assistants in Ontario are permitted to work in dental offices. However, they should seek positions designated as Dental Office Administrator or Dental Office Assistant, rather than Dental Assistant, which requires specific certification. If their responsibilities are confined to administrative tasks, they would meet the eligibility criteria.
What does a medical office assistant do?
Medical office assistants play a crucial role in facilitating the operations of healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities encompass welcoming patients, handling phone calls and emails, arranging client appointments, establishing and organizing patient files, processing payments, and overseeing the management of office and medical supply inventory.
Is medical office assistant a good career?
Working as a medical office assistant can be a good career choice if you enjoy working in healthcare, possess strong organizational and communication skills, and enjoy administrative duties. As a medical office assistant, you can play a critical role in ensuring that medical offices run efficiently and effectively.
Some potential benefits of pursuing a career as a medical office assistant include job stability, competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and the satisfaction of helping patients to receive quality healthcare.
Some potential benefits of pursuing a career as a medical office assistant include job stability, competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and the satisfaction of helping patients to receive quality healthcare.
Where can a medical office assistant work?
Medical office assistants can work in diverse settings within the healthcare industry. Common places of employment for them include nursing homes, hospitals, medical billing companies, clinics, insurance companies, optometry clinics, public health agencies, and chiropractic and naturopathic clinics. The choice of a specific work setting depends on the individual's skills, experience, and interests.
