“Medical Office Assistant”
Course Details
Length of Course
The medical office assistant program is seven months in length.
Program start dates
We offer four start dates throughout the year for your convenience.
April, August, October, February
Entrance Requirements
Applicants admitted to the program will have Grade 12 or equivalency, with an acceptable level of competence in the use of the English language. Mature admissions may also be considered.
How to apply
Donna, our Career Counsellor is ready to help you and answer any questions you may have. Application forms are available at the college or request an information online.
Financial Aid
McKay Career Training is designated for Canada and Saskatchewan student loans and is registered with the provincial government under Saskatchewan Learning. Contact the college for further information. Canada and Saskatchewan Student Loans may be available to qualified students.
School day schedule
The medical office assistant program classes run Monday through Friday. Class times may vary throughout the program.
Employment Opportunities
Students in the medical office assistant program are in high demand. We proudly boast a placement rate average of 90% per graduate class. Here are a few of the medical facilities that currently hired our graduates.
- Cancer Clinic
- Kenderdine Medical Clinic
- Lakeside Medical Clinic
- City Centre Family Physicians
- Mediclinic on 8th Street
Attendance
Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 percent of all classes.
Night Labs
We do offer computer night labs throughout the term for your convenience.
Job Placement/Practicum
Upon successful completion of the medical office assistant program, the student may qualify to participate in a voluntary two-week work experience at a medical facility. To quantify for a practicum, the student must posses excellent attendance, a good academic standing and maintaining a high level of professionalism. McKay Career Training is not only a school, but also a work training facility where professionalism is highly regarded by the school and potential employers.
Testimonials
As a recently graduated student from McKay Career Training in the Medical Office Assistant course, I would like to share my experiences with you. McKay is a wonderful career college. Not only does it have instructors that care about you, but they truly understand the program requirements and are very knowledgeable in the areas that students are educated in. However, at McKay you don’t only find professional instructors, you also find friendly and caring instructors who are willing and assist you in your educational and even personal needs. The program requirements for the Medical Office Assistant course were fulfilled beyond my expectations and were also taught in a very clear and consistent manner. As a student who came from university to enter into McKay, I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my educational career. Since I have graduated, I have had many career offerings and have chosen the one that suits me the most. Therefore, thanks to McKay I am not still thinking about my career, I am actually living my career. Thanks McKay!
Chantel Zelantin (graduated February 2007)
As a parent, a good job was very important. I chose the MOA program at McKay because I knew I wanted to help people. I couldn’t have made a better choice. Now I have an exciting career at RUH (Royal University Hospital), where each day I learn more and can do what I always wanted to do – help people.
Candi Strohan (graduated October 2005)
As an MOA graduate of McKay Career Training, there are many reasons I would urge anyone to apply. They encourage you to succeed and build your self esteem to give you the confidence to enter the work force. Their smaller classes allow the teachers to be more personable and give the students more one-on-one time. One of the things I will treasure from my course was the friendships I made with fellow students. One of McKay’s best attributes is their ability to provide hands on experience. The course you take can be used as a career, a career change, a stepping stone into another career; whatever you choose, McKay can give you the skills you need to succeed. In just a few short months, you could be making just as much as a University graduate! I loved my time at McKay. It gave me more confidence and fantastic memories that I will always be grateful for.
Stephanie Vindeg (graduated February 2006)
Program Overview
Administrative
Theory
- Medical ethics and law
- Patient communication and psychology
- Reception, filing techniques, appointments, telephone procedures
- Patient records, use of forms, maintenance
Applications
- Keyboarding – proper techniques on the alphabetical keyboard and number pad
- Microsoft applications
- Medical transcriptions (Dictaphone)
- Billing procedures and computerized billing – CBS (Complete Billing Systems)
- Manual and computerized scheduling
Business Communications
- Eight basic parts of speech, correct use of capitalization
- To write and proofread effectively
- Skills will be transfered to business writing; resume writing
- Listening skills and professionalism emphasized
- Develop portfolio emphasizing format, grammar, and content
Medical
Theory
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology and abbreviations
- Infection control and sterilization
- Emergency Cardiac Care Program, Basic Life Support Level C with defibrillator
- Red Cross Standard First Aid
- Electrocardiology (basic) – ECG Association
Clinic
- Patient information
- Temperatures, pulse, respiration, urinalysis, blood sugar, hemoglobin, and pregnancy testing
- Bandages, dressings, and slings
- Blood pressure and electrocardiography
- Assisting physician in examining room
- Sterilization, instrument recognition and set-ups
Success Strategies
Students gain the tools to change beliefs, habits, and attitudes in order to set higher goals and build a positive self-image. They learn:
- How to deal with conflict in personal lives and work place.
- How to turn conflict into an opportunity by looking at problems creatively from a new perspective.
- Job search training that prepares graduates for employment readiness.
