Unit Clerk / Medical Office Assistant — INTL
Length: 28 Weeks
Credential: Certificate
Program Delivery: Online
In-Class
Blended
Practicum: 4 Weeks
Intakes: Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Total Program Cost: CAD $14,500
When you visit the doctor, there’s always someone at the front desk waiting to greet you and make sure the doctor is ready for your appointment. Sometimes this person will also check your weight, height or blood pressure. Who are they? They’re the medical office assistant. At City College, we offer a Medical Office Assistant diploma program to prepare you for a rewarding job in the medical field where you can make a difference in every patient’s medical experience.
Graduates of City College’s Unit Clerk/Medical Office Assistant program develop the office administration and medical knowledge needed to manage the front-office operations of a medical clinic, nursing home or hospital unit. Over the length of this 6-month program, students:
Effective Business Communication
This course teaches students the essential skills for basic business writing and professional interaction. This course also emphasizes the role technology to write business messages-letters, emails and memos to enhance communication.
Microsoft Office Applications
This course will prepare students to perform functions common to all Microsoft Windows applications. Elements include the ability to create and manipulate Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook applications, modify the display of toolbars and other on-screen elements, use online help, and perform file management, editing, formatting and printing functions common to most Windows applications.
Keyboarding
In this course, students will understand how to use a keyboard properly, and develop greater keyboarding speed and accuracy.
Medical Terminology
Medical Terminology introduces learners to industry accepted language and conventions in health care. This course provides learners an opportunity to interpret and apply commonly used medical terms, symbols, and abbreviations. integrates word components into exploring body systems, pathological conditions, lab and diagnostic procedures, and medication/drug classifications .
Medical Office Procedures
Students will learn the necessities required for operating a smooth and efficient office environment. Topics covered include basic filing techniques,
telecommunications, time management and organizational skills and the use of general office equipment. Students will also learn the techniques of both manual and computer-based appointment scheduling by learning to assess and prioritize calls. Escorting patients to exam or treatment rooms and preparing patients for physician. Students will learn about ethics as it relates to operations and information dissemination.
Financial Management
This course covers basic accounting principles including debits and credits, balance sheet and Income statements. It outlines and explains the normal balances in accounts and explains in depth accounts payable procedures.
Electronic Medical Record and Medical Billing
This course includes the application of basic medical office skills, medical records, financial transactions, and medical billing in the computerized medical office. Practice is provided by use of practice management software and Patient Care Information Systems.
Medical Transcription
Students will become familiar with the various letters and reports routinely dictated by medical professionals by being introduced to the process of medical transcription using actual dictated medical data, in different accents. Emphasis will be on speed and accuracy as well as learn the proper formatting, sentence and paragraph structure, punctuation, spelling, and grammar used in reports.
Career Preparation
This course teaches job search skills and helps students understand the labour market. It includes coaching in writing effective resumes and cover letters. Students also participate in mock interviews to correct and refine skills, increasing employment readiness.
Topics include
- Portfolios
- Job search strategies
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Mock interviews and retrospective reviews
- The role of social media in job hunting
Practicum
Students gain practical and hands-on experience to apply the knowledge and skills learned in class to real-world experiences in a professional capacity.
Medical Office Assistants, Medical Secretaries and Unit Clerks are core members of most healthcare teams. Our graduates can find employment in:
- Hospital
- Nursing Homes
- Continuing Care Facilities
- Medical Clinics and Physicians’ Offices
- Rehabilitation Institutes
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging Offices
- Dental Offices
Program Admission Requirements for International Students
An applicant who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a landed immigrant is considered an International Student. An International Student must meet ALL of the following requirements to be considered for admission:
- Meet English Requirements: Because English is the language of instruction at City College, International Students must demonstrate their English language competence by submitting a letter from a College/University stating that student completed a Diploma, Certificate, Undergraduate Degree at a College or University in which English Language is the primary language of instruction.
- IQAS/WES: Students must submit the verified transcripts of international students who have received their High School Diploma/Grade 12/Secondary School Education outside of Canada, through International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or World Education Services (WES) to be eligible for admissions.
- Students must have a minimum of a High School Diploma/Grade 12/Secondary School level of education.
- Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age prior to applying.
- English Language Proficiency Requirements: Completed within the last two years one of the following language proficiency tests with the marks listed below or higher:
| English Proficiency Test | Minimum English Proficiency Scores Accepted |
|---|---|
| TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language | IBT Overall: 80 |
| IELTS – International English Language Testing System (Academic) | Overall: 6 |
| CAEL – Canadian Academic English Language | Overall: 60 |
| PTE – Pearson Test of English Academic | Overall: 50 |
| MELAB – Michigan English Language Assessment Batter | Overall: 70 |
International Student Policies
City College is committed to adapting reasonable policies and procedures to ensure Students have the opportunity to successfully complete their studies. The College maintains a professional setting by assuring a safe, respectable, and fair environment for all Students and staff members. Students and Staff are required to support the academic and ethical standards of City College. Violation of Student policies may be subjected to suspension and/or expulsion under the conditions of inadequate performance and unacceptable actions.
Student Academic Policy
Students are expected to complete assignments in the time allowed by instructors. Assignments are to be completed individually. There is zero tolerance at City College regarding plagiarism/academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty or plagiarism will result in a zero result in the assignment or exam and may include suspension or termination from the program.
Student Expulsion Policy
City College has a zero-tolerance policy regarding academic dishonesty, the non-payment of tuition fees, harassment, and/or discrimination of any form.
Academic Dishonesty
Outstanding Fees
Failure to pay tuition or other fees due to the College is considered a debt to the college. Students may be expelled if fees are not paid after the College has provided a written warning.
Cheating, plagiarism, unapproved collaboration, alteration of records, bribery, falsification of information, use of aids that have not been expressly permitted by instructors, theft or solicitation of another Student’s assignments, paperwork, tests, or personal belongings, and intentionally attempting to assist another Student to commit any act of academic dishonesty.
Harassment or Discrimination
Harassment and discrimination is a serious offense, there is a zero tolerance policy at City College. Students are required to be respectful to their peers/instructors/staff. Students participating in harassment or discriminatory activities are subject to suspension under pending investigation. Expulsion will be automatic for any Student who will be deemed, after the result of the investigation, to have engaged in harassment or discriminatory activities.
Significant Omissions in Admissions Documentation
Students who knowingly misrepresent their personal information on their application forms are subject to immediate expulsion.
Academic Failure
Re-test are available for some courses. Please refer to your course syllabus regarding academic failure and re-write requirements. Programs offering re-test will only award the passing mark (70%) on the final transcript regardless of mark attained on the exam.
Practicum Placement
A Student who does not qualify in the classroom will not be sent out for Practicum in the designated program until all theory, lab, and exam requirements have been met.
Misuse of College Property
Students who damage, misuse, steal or otherwise use the property in a manner prohibited by common sense may be expelled and will be required to make restitution to the College.
Student Evaluation Policy
These Student Evaluation Policies cover topics in relation to academic progress, participation, homework, projects, course assignments, tests, quizzes, exams, make-up work, exam retakes, and graduation requirements.
Academic Progress and Grading System
All City College courses are divided into individual modules, and module durations vary based on course material. Final marks for a module are determined by varying combinations of Assignments, Quizzes, Midterms, and Final Exams.
Module Test Security
Under NO circumstances are Module Tests returned to the students. After the test is written and marked, Instructors will review the correct answers with the class. The tests are then retained in a locked file at the school until the student has graduated, at which time they may be shredded.
Rewrite Policy
The policy of City College is to ensure that all of our Students receive a fair evaluation of their academic performance. The College understands that unforeseen circumstances may prevent a Student from writing a scheduled exam or may negatively affect the outcome thereof.
Missed Tests (including assignments and performance demonstrations)
- A student who misses a test will receive a grade of zero.
- With acceptable documentation (i.e., a doctor’s certificate), the Instructor may provide a make-up test.
- The make-up test must be written outside of regularly scheduled class hours.
- The maximum mark the student can attain for a make-up test is 80%.
- Only one date will be offered for a student to write a make-up test.
- Failure to write the make-up as scheduled will result in a zero grade.
Failed Tests (including assignments and performance demonstrations)
- Students who fail to attain a passing grade of 70% in a Module activity may rewrite the test or redo the assignment/performance demonstration.
- The module test to be used for the rewrite must be different from the original test.
- The maximum mark the student can attain for a rewrite / redo Module activity is 80%.
- A student who fails the rewrite / redo must re-enroll in the course.
- Failed assignments and exams are automatically reread and reviewed to ensure appropriate credit has been awarded to the student.
Practicum Completion Requirements
City College is committed to ensuring that its graduates have completed the program requirements and training necessary to excel in their chosen career. For most of our programs, that includes a practicum placement. As a graduation requirement, it is important that the practicum be completed successfully, and within an acceptable time frame.
One of our practicum coordinators will work to place you in an approved work environment. The following outlines the college policies and student expectations of this placement. In order to complete your course and graduate, you must successfully meet all of the following practicum requirements:
- Submit all required documents to practicum coordinators before your practicum start date.
- Complete and pass all of your academic courses prior to commencing the practicum.
- Demonstrate a high level of professionalism at all times.
- Complete 40 working hours a week at your designated organization.
- Submit weekly attendance every Friday to your practicum coordinator.
- Finish your total practicum hours before your contract termination date.
- Pass your final practicum evaluation.
If you cannot attend your provided schedule, you will need to seek approval from your placement supervisor and inform your practicum coordinator. You are directly responsible for any warnings or discipline issued by your practicum supervisor for tardiness, unapproved absence, and/or any unacceptable workplace behavior.
Please contact your practicum coordinator with any questions or concerns regarding your practicum experience.
Program Completion Date
All programs must be completed within their allotted timeframe, this includes any mandatory Practicums. As extenuating circumstances may arise, the program completion date may be extended for up to four (4) weeks beyond the original end of term date. All extensions are at the discretion of, and must be approved by City College.
Excused Extensions
Extensions will only be provided as per the requirements established in the Student Attendance Policy available in the Student Handbook. Any extensions for medical reasons must be accompanied by a doctor’s note clearly stating the reason for the extension, and the date the Student will be cleared to start or resume their practicum.
Valid extension reasons include:
- Severe Illness or Medical Issues (including Maternity related reasons)
- Severe Psychological Issues
- Personal Emergencies (such as a death in the family)
In the event of an emergency, Students can extend their completion date by up to thirty (30) days with proper documentation. If an extension requires more than thirty (30) days, a new application is required.
Consequences
A Student who fails to meet any of the above requirements will be ineligible for graduation and will receive a failing grade for the program.
Graduation Requirements
Unless otherwise indicated by program specific requirements, the student MUST meet all of the following requirements in order to qualify for graduation:
Minimum Grades:
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 70% in each course. If their final mark for the course is below 70%, they must redo the course before they can complete the program and receive their diploma or certificate. Refer to our Policy on Rewrites for Failed Modules for eligibility and procedure.
