Medical Office Assistant
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.
Not open to international students at this time.
| Tuition | $2,513 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 6 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Credential | Certificate |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Downtown |
| PGWP | Not listed as eligible |
| Program status | Closed |
What to expect
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.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- 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)
Learn more about VCC's 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
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Application deadline | |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Oct 1, 2026 |
Not currently available.
Courses
International students
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MEDC 1125 | Administrative Procedures for Medical Office Assistant | 3.0 |
| MEDC 1141 | Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 1 | 3.5 |
| MEDC 1151 | Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 1 | 1 |
| MEDC 1142 | Medical Terminology for Medical Office Assistant 2 | 3.5 |
| MEDC 1132 | Human Relation Skills | 1 |
| MEDC 1160 | Electronic Communications for Medical Office Assistants | 1.5 |
| Credits | 13.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| MEDC 1236 | Medical Speed & Accuracy for Medical Office Assistant 2 | 2 |
| MEDC 1250 | Medical Documentation | 2 |
| MEDC 1270 | Medical Billing for Medical Office Assistant | 1.5 |
| MEDC 1259 | Clinical Procedures | 2 |
| MEDC 1260 | Medical Office Assistant Practicum | 3 |
| Credits | 10.5 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
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
Not open to international students at this time.
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $2,513 |
Term 1 - $1,414 Term 2 - $1,100 |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $73 | |
| Campus resource | $101 | |
| 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.
* 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.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Technical requirement
How to apply
International students
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.Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
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