Medical Office Assistant

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

A smiling woman with braided hair is on the phone at a reception desk, wearing blue scrubs. In the background, another person in scrubs is holding a clipboard.

In this page

Overview

Gain the knowledge and skills to manage patient flow, health records, medical billing, scheduling, and to perform clinical procedures and other administrative duties in various health care environments.

Tuition	N/A
Credential	Certificate
Length	The program is six months of full-time study. Students have three years to complete the program.
Hours	Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the exception of practicum experiences.
Delivery	Class-based and Online
Campus	Downtown
Start Dates	Jan, Sep

Tuition	N/A
Credential	Certificate
Length	The program is six months of full-time study. Students have three years to complete the program.
Hours	Classes are generally held on Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except during the practicum when students work Monday through Friday for the hours assigned by the practicum host.
Delivery	Class-based and Online
Campus	Downtown
Start Dates	Jan, Sep
PGWP	Not listed as eligible

My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.
John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

Two terms of integrated training
Lectures, seminars, and demonstrations
Group work and student presentations
Case simulations, exercises, and role practice
Computer lab work
Written exams
Quizzes
Assignments
Journal writing
Three-week practicum experience

What you will learn

Communicate professionally with clients and members of the medical and health professional team.
Work safely in a healthcare environment.
Practice in a professional and ethical manner including cultural safety and humility.
Use problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making and information literacy skills in practice.
Practice effective quality management in healthcare environments.
Manage patient records and perform medical billing procedures.
Assist physicians by performing clinical procedures within MOA scope of practice.
Collaborate with the medical team to implement and apply “Chronic Disease Management” protocols.
Use medical and business computer applications related to word processing, data management, and electronic communication.
Accurately transcribe medical correspondence and reports utilizing keyboarding skills at a speed level required by current employment standards.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The program is six months of full-time study. Students have three years to complete the program.

Job prospectives

STATIC CONTENT

Dental Technologist / Dental Technician
Dental Lab Quality Control Specialist
Dental Materials Sales Representative
Dental Equipment Technician or Specialist
CAD / CAM Designer for Dental Restorations
Dental Laboratory Manager
Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
English language proficiency demonstrated by one of the following:
- English 12 with a C+ grade, or
- English language proficiency, or equivalent
Typing speed of 25 gross words per minute with 98% accuracy on a proctored 5-minute test.

Upon Acceptance:

Criminal Record Check (CRC): Students in this program may be required to complete a CRC prior to their practicum placement. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions.

The following health precautions are highly recommended for students in this program and may be required by some practicum hosts:

A negative TB skin test, or if the skin test is positive, then proof of a negative TB chest X-ray
An immunization record showing current vaccinations for, or immunity to
- Diphtheria/Tetanus,
- Polio
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella,
- Hepatitis B,
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Pertussis
- COVID-19
- Influenza, completed annually (highly recommended)

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

Ability to relate with clients, colleagues, and staff in a tactful and courteous manner
Personal hygiene, grooming, and appearance acceptable to a medical environment
High standard of honesty, integrity, and professionalism
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to complete tasks and skills required for medical dictation
Attention to detail, accuracy, patience, and ability to work well under pressure
Ability to organize, problem-solve, and set priorities
Good human relation skills
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Basic computer literacy and ability to adapt to and learn new software

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Courses

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

Application fee	$36
Tuition	$2,513	Year 1 - $1,414 Year 2 - $1,100
Student union	$145
College initiative	$73
Materials		not including textbooks
Campus resource	$101
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental		Provided by Student Union
U-Pass	$282	Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation	$45
Total	$3,192

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
Additional costs:
- Textbooks – Approx. $500
- Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

Open Educational Resources(OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Tuition deposit	$14,500	$10,000 non-refundable Tuition deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Application fee	$145
Tuition	$13,152
Student union	$145
College initiative	$76
Materials		not including textbooks
Campus resource	$101
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental		Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance	$149	Medical Insurance for International Students
U-Pass	$282	Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation	$45
Total	$14,124

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
Additional costs:
- Textbooks – Approx. $500
- Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.

Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.

Application Process

Application information is not available at the moment.

International students must contact International Education advisors to confirm their study eligibility and the Continuing Studies (CS) department to verify their program eligibility.

Please note that even though the program is 6 months, a valid study permit is required as there is a mandatory practicum placement in the program which would require both a study permit and a co-op work permit.

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