Medical Office Assistant
Guided online learning with a 3-week Consolidated Practice Experience (practicum)
$21.00 – $32.97/hr in B.C. (median $25.00/hr)
Start: September & April
24 weeks, full-time, including a 3-week practicum
BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PTIRU) — EQA designated
About the Career
Medical Office Assistants are the backbone of a well-run medical practice. They keep the front desk running, the records accurate, and the day moving, all while being the first friendly face a patient sees. From family practices and walk-in clinics to specialists' offices and allied care facilities, MOAs are in steady demand across British Columbia's healthcare system. It's a people-focused role that blends administrative precision with hands-on patient support.
Career Highlights:
- Be part of the primary healthcare team
- Work directly with patients of all ages and backgrounds
- Combine administrative work with hands-on clinical duties
- Earn $21.00 to $32.97/hr in B.C.
- Strong demand across clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices
- Office-based role with regular weekday hours
Potential Employers
Medical Office Assistants are in steady demand across British Columbia's healthcare system. Here's where you could work:
Family Practices & Walk-In Clinics
Specialist & Primary Healthcare Offices
Long-Term Care & Extended Care Homes
Allied Health Clinics (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Naturopathic)
Private Surgical Centres & Medical Billing Services
About the Program
Stenberg College's Medical Office Assistant Program is a 24-week diploma program that prepares you for entry-level employment in medical offices, clinics, and healthcare facilities. You'll build the medical knowledge, administrative skills, and professional communication abilities that today's medical offices need, from medical terminology and pharmacology to billing, scheduling, electronic health records, and basic clinical procedures. You'll learn from instructors with real-world experience, not just textbook knowledge, and finish with a 3-week practicum that puts your training into practice.
Why Choose Stenberg's Medical Office Assistant Program?
- Be work-ready in 24 weeks, including a 3-week practicum
- Cohort-based learning, you progress with the same group of peers from day one
- Instructors are subject-matter experts with hands-on industry experience
- Curriculum is regularly reviewed with industry input to stay current with employer needs
- Includes WHMIS certification as part of the program
Related Programs
Is This Program For You?
This program is a fit if you:
- Like working with people and being part of a team
- Want to contribute to the wellness of others
- Have an eye for detail and can multi-task
- Have good communication skills and a professional attitude
- Are comfortable working on computers, IT is a growing part of the role
- Can be trusted to maintain confidentiality
- Can see yourself working in a clinic, hospital, or specialist's office
Accreditation and Recognition
Stenberg College is designated by the BC government's Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). This program is approved by the PTIRU of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. PTIRU is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC's brand or "seal" of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions.
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 graduation or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)
- Grade 11-level English course or higher, or one of the following: Acceptable score in one of the approved LPR tests as noted below. Accuplacer: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4 CLBPT: No component less than 6 English challenge exam (minimum 70%)
- Minimum typing speed of 20 wpm
- Successful completion of the online Computer Skills Entrance Test (minimum 70%)
- Completion of Stenberg College informational interview as part of the admissions procedure
- Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act as part of the admissions procedure
English is the language of instruction at Stenberg College. Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency to ensure success in their chosen program and courses by meeting ONE of the following requirements:
- 1) Evidence of completion of 3 years of full-time Secondary if Grades 8-12, or 2 years of Secondary if Grades 10-12, or 2 years of Post-Secondary education in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. (Language courses cannot be included in this calculation)
- OR 2) Submit the results of one of the accepted English language proficiency tests at the score level specific to the program: IELTS Academic – Overall band score of 6.0 with no component less than 5.5 Duolingo – Overall score of 105 with no component less than 85 CELPIP – Overall score of 7 with no component less than 6 TOEFL – Minimum overall score of 68 CAEL – Minimum overall score of 50 Pearson PTE Academic - Minimum overall score of 50
- OR 3) Mature students that are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above can: a. Complete an English Language Attestation to confirm completion of 3 years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, AND b. Complete an Accuplacer Next Generation English Assessment with minimum scores of: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4
Evidence may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a provincial Adult Graduation program, permanent student record, GED, or by providing international education credentials confirming medium of instruction in English as recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS. Alternatively, where 2 years of post-secondary education are being determined based on credits, it is expected that the student has taken studies with a minimum of 18 credits per academic year and/or indicates completion of a minimum of 36 credits in total. For regulated programs, language proficiency requirements, including permitted tests and scores dictated by the regulatory body, will supersede all else.
Program Courses
Orientation and Student Success Skills
This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you are enrolled in. In addition to orienting you to Stenberg College resources, policies, and procedures, this course will explore the transition to postsecondary education, learning styles, critical thinking, and citation and referencing. You will undertake self-evaluation, set learning and study strategy goals, and investigate the resources available to support you in achieving those goals.
Computer Fundamentals
This course is designed to provide you with a detailed introduction to correct typing technique and the computer skills required to work in a fast-paced environment. Throughout the course, you will work to improve proficiency with the Internet, Windows environment, and Microsoft Word and Outlook. You will also learn how to use an online calendar.
Customer Service & Client Relations
This course introduces you to the principles and practices of professional customer service and client relationship management in an office setting. Emphasis is placed on effective communication, active listening, problem-solving, and conflict resolution strategies that foster positive client interactions. You will learn how to manage diverse customer needs, maintain professionalism under pressure, and support organizational goals through high-quality service delivery. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills to enhance customer satisfaction, strengthen workplace relationships, and represent an organization with confidence and professionalism.
Administrative Procedures
This course provides you with a comprehensive overview of the core administrative functions required to effectively support daily office operations. You will develop practical skills in records management, scheduling, correspondence, file organization, and the use of office technologies. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, efficiency, attention to detail, and adherence to organizational policies and professional standards. You will learn how to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain confidentiality in the workplace. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to perform a wide range of administrative duties that contribute to the smooth functioning of a modern office environment.
Medical Terminology / Anatomy / Physiology / Pathology
This course will cover Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. Whilst learning medical terminology you will begin to work with various medical word parts and learn how to break down medical terms to determine meaning. With this knowledge you will move on to learn about each body system's general function and common pathologies including lab and diagnostic tests, signs and symptoms and prognosis of those pathologies.
Pharmacology
You will gain the knowledge necessary to communicate pharmacology information between patients, pharmacists and physicians. Emphasis is on the classifications, spelling, and pronunciation of the most commonly ordered prescription medications.
Medical Office Procedures
This course will introduce you to the duties and procedures necessary to work in a healthcare setting. Topics covered include reception skills, appointment scheduling, telephone techniques, interpersonal skills, stress management, inventory control, mail processing, filing, and record management procedures. Medical law, ethics and financial records will also be covered.
Clinical Procedures
This course is designed to provide you with the skills to perform basic clinical procedures, including the use of medical equipment and managing payments, billing, and insurance.
Personal & Professional Development
The Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Skills Certificate is a combination of interactive online modules. In addition to the Soft Skills Development module, you will develop your ability to work with diverse clients, patients, and colleagues through the Gender Diversity and Sexual Orientation; Disability, Neurodiversity, and Accessibility; Anti-Indigenous Racism Response and Indigenous Gender Diversity; and Anti-Racism modules.
Student Support
- Academic tutoring
- Assessment and skill development support
- Open study skills tutorials
- Typing practice support
- One-on-one student support coaching sessions
- English language learning support
- Online learning resources
- Online academic journals and databases
- Campus life events
Stories from our Medical Office Assistant grads
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