Healthcare
Medical Office Assistant in Toronto
Have you been exploring online healthcare programs and wondering if they can help you kick-start a successful career? Our Medical Office Assistant diploma program in Toronto provides specialized training in medical terminology, healthcare administration, and clinical knowledge to set you up for success.
Type
Diploma
Duration
Remote: 38 Weeks
Self-Study: 32 Weeks
Internship
Remote: 4 Weeks
Self-Study: NA
About Our Medical Office Assistant Program
Comparing online programs in healthcare can be tough, especially when you want to gain the in-demand skills employers are looking for. triOS College’s Medical Office Assistant diploma program covers everything from medical terminology and pharmacology to administrative procedures, anatomy, and physiology. Plus, a 4-week internship gives you hands-on experience, ensuring you are job-ready from day one.
Our Medical Office Assistant diploma program is offered in two online learning options:
- live, instructor-led sessions that combine the flexibility of online learning with real-time interaction and support from experienced instructors.
- self-study option that follows a set weekly pace but with the flexibility to complete your studies at any time of the day, along with facilitator support.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the Medical Office Assistant diploma program at triOS, Toronto, you could be eligible for roles in medical administrative settings, including doctors’ and specialists’ offices, hospitals, clinics, health and wellness centers, dental offices, and long-term care facilities. You could also access opportunities at insurance agencies, pharmaceutical companies, medical sales organizations, and government facilities.
Employers Who Have Hired Our Medical Office Assistant Grads
- Grand River Hospital
- Hamilton Community X-ray & Diagnostic
- Toronto General Hospital
- Region of Waterloo
- Living Arts Medical Centre
- Hamilton General Hospital
- Canadian Red Cross
- Hand and Stone
Salary
89
%
Employment Rate*
$
22
Average Wage/HR**
$
32
High Wage/HR**
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable triOS graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 1243/13112 - **Wage data is based on NOC 1243 and is rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Jan 2024.
Program Details
Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) play a vital role in Canada’s healthcare system, offering essential administrative support to physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. With healthcare being one of the largest sectors of investment in the Canadian economy, a career in this field provides promising long-term opportunities.
If you’re detail-oriented, passionate about helping others, and looking for online programs in healthcare that are designed to quickly build a rewarding career, the Medical Office Assistant diploma program at triOS College, Toronto, could be the ideal choice for you.
What sets the Medical Office Assistant diploma program at triOS College apart from any other college?
In only 38 weeks, you can gain comprehensive medical administrative knowledge, which includes medical terminology, pharmacology, medical office and clinical administrative procedure, anatomy and physiology.
Students enrolled in this Medical Office Assistant diploma program will receive:
- 1-month internship.
- CPR/First Aid Training.
- Training on PS Suite EMR (Canada’s Premier EMR provider) and MD Max.
- Software subscriptions for Microsoft Office and Windows included.
Topics covered in this program include:
- Medical terminology and transcription
- Validating health cards, patient filing methods and record keeping
- Healthcare law and PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act)
- Processing test results, performing urinalysis
- Medicine, ethics and cultural competence
- Medical office reception, customer service, patient registration and scheduling
- Provincial and federal health governing bodies
- Understanding OHIP billing, Insurance and WSIB claims processing
- Aseptic technique and infection control
- First Aid and CPR
- Measuring and Recording vital signs
- Clinical assisting and preparation of exam rooms
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Understanding an electronic health record (EHR) and electronic medical record (EMR)
Course Listings: Medical Office Assistant in Toronto 
Accounting Technician Internship
On successful completion of the classroom hours of this program, you will be placed in a 200-hour internship at an outside organization. You will have the opportunity to apply their newly developed knowledge and skills in a real-world environment.
Introduction to Accounting with Quickbooks
This course introduces basic accounting concepts and procedures. This course addresses double-entry accounting, analysis of source information, classes of transactions, and the accounting cycle. Using these critical concepts, accounting skills are applied and integrated to record transactions using proper procedures and forms in both a manual and computerized accounting system, QuickBooks.
Intermediate Accounting with Sage 50
This course continues the exploration of accounting procedures in payroll, petty cash, and bank reconciliations. Central to this course is the merchandising firm and its accounting cycle, appropriate valuation of inventory, and cost of goods sold calculations. This material will be applied in both a manual and computerized accounting system, Sage 50.
Advanced Accounting
In this course, you will build on principles learned in the intermediate accounting courses. You will be introduced to more advanced concepts regarding assets and liabilities including accounting for bad debt, depreciation and long-term assets, cash flow analysis, and temporary and long-term investments. In addition, you will learn how to record the effects of partnership and corporate activity and analyze financial statements for decision-making.
Business Communication
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of communication skills in business environments. Focus will be placed on both written and spoken communications. You will review the basic writing process with emphasis on the mechanics of writing. You will also learn the importance of effective spoken communication, deliver an oral presentation, and participate in a mock meeting.
Client Relations
In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of how a strong relationship with clients is developed and maintained. Professionalism, the importance of living up to obligations, and the various forms of prompt and attentive communication are discussed. The course will also provide you with the skills you need to articulate organization image and how to identify and adapt to specific client behavior styles and how to measure and take corrective actions to provide client satisfaction and ensure positive relations. The course also introduces practical techniques needed to deal with clients that are angry and upset and explains the significance of maintaining and encouraging the loyalty of clients.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 2
This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your résumé and LinkedIn Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-play. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. This course will cover the following elements: using devices and handling information, creating and editing information, communicating and collaborating, and being safe and responsible online.
Diversity in the Workplace
This course introduces diversity and its strengths in the workplace. Among the topics covered are the strengths of diversity, its occasional challenges, how to manage diversity in the workplace, and the value of diversity training. Diversity in group dynamics is also addressed, with an emphasis on the strengths of a heterogeneous group and types of diversity.
Microsoft Excel
This Microsoft Office Excel course is created to help you build and validate the skills needed to succeed in today's economy. It will also provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to use Microsoft Office Excel effectively in all aspects of your personal and professional lives. Excel is the world's most popular spreadsheet software. Whether you are managing a household or running a small business, Excel will help you develop useful techniques to help business processes. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of spreadsheet software. You are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs as necessary.
Financial Planning Essentials
You will develop vital mathematical skills applicable to financial planning. You will gain a practical understanding of economic and political concepts relevant to financial planning, enhancing your proficiency in effective business writing techniques. The course explores administrative aspects of financial plans and the regulated process of financial planning in Canada, fostering your comprehension of their future roles as successful financial planners.
Interpersonal Communication
Effective interpersonal communication is vital for the success of any organization. It impacts working relationships, productivity, and a variety of other business activities. This course introduces the concepts of effective interpersonal communication in the workplace, considering internal and external professional relationships. You will also will learn about telephone etiquette, which will prepare you to answer calls with confidence and professionalism, respond to customer/client inquiries effectively, and handle customer/client complaints. You will leave the course prepared to navigate the complexities of interpersonal communication with colleagues and clients.
Introduction to Business
This course builds understanding of the competitive business environment and the strategies businesses employ to succeed amidst changes in the dynamic business landscape. You will gain insights into ethical issues and economic challenges, the role of leadership, and the importance of enterprise in any business structure. You will also engage in HRM systems and identify factors that motivate and demotivate workers. You will learn the importance of focusing on customer needs to develop a marketing mix that effectively appeals to target customers.
Managerial Accounting
In this course, you will learn how to effectively use the accounting information that is required by managers to plan, direct, and control the operations of their business organization. You will gain an understanding of managerial accounting data pertaining to cost systems, cost behaviour, cost-volume-profit relationships, decision-making, and budgeting.
Microsoft Outlook
This Microsoft Outlook course builds and validates the skills businesses need to succeed in today's information economy. It will also provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to use to effectively manage emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. Outlook has become the corporate standard electronic personal organizer. These are the foundational skills needed to communicate using Outlook in a variety of positions within an organization. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of email software. You are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs.
Personal Income Tax
The course examines contemporary income tax policies, rules, and legislation concerning individual taxation. You will apply your foundational understanding of income taxation principles and practices, gaining hands-on experience in preparing tax returns. Practical application of the law to real-world issues is emphasized through exercises, problems, cases, and tax preparation software.
Microsoft PowerPoint
This course will show you how to create and modify basic presentations by using Microsoft Office PowerPoint. You will explore the PowerPoint environment and create a presentation; you will format text on slides to enhance clarity and visual appeal; and you will also add and modify graphical objects in order to finalize and deliver a presentation. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of PowerPoint software. You are expected to ensure you meet proficiency requirements for working in this environment.
Foundations of Small Business
This course introduces the contemporary management skills required to manage small businesses. Students will examine the role of management, identify effective management, and explore techniques aimed at improving management skills in an ever-changing business environment.
Student Success Strategies
This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. The course will address strategies that are important for all adult learners, such as managing finances, maintaining health and wellness, understanding learning styles, setting goals, and honing practical study skills (such as memory, reading, and test-taking techniques). In addition, this course emphasizes strategies needed to succeed in your program, such as navigating technology efficiently, interacting and engaging with peers and facilitators/instructors, and managing learning time and space.
Microsoft Word
This Microsoft Office Word course is created for you to build and validate the skills businesses need to succeed in today's information economy. It also provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to use Microsoft Office Word effectively in all aspects of your personal and professional lives. Word is the world's most popular word processing software. Learning how to create, edit, format and print documents, enhance work with formatting, use bullets and numbering, add simple borders, tables, headers/footers, organizing data columns, and styles, are the foundational skills needed to perform in many positions. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of word processing software. The course combines Theory/demonstration by an instructor with readings, trainings, projects, and a final exam for you to work on in a simulation-based environment. You are expected to ensure you meet proficiency requirements for working in this environment.
Course Listings: Medical Office Administration Online
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation – Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional résumé, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced include the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Business Communication
This course introduces basic understanding of communication skills in the business environment, with the focus being on both written and spoken communication.??Topics covered include critical reading and the basics for effective written communication, effective spoken communication, oral presentation, and effective agendas and minutes.?
Microsoft Outlook
This course is a combination of virtual training, assessments, and exams related to Microsoft Outlook. Skills covered include how to organize and manage communications, contacts, schedules, and tasks. Email and meetings are a major part of the professional world, learning how to compose, send, receive, store, and delete email messages, meetings, and appointments is crucial and covered in this module.
Microsoft PowerPoint
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft PowerPoint. Skills covered include the creation of attractive, professional-looking presentations, using and formatting animations, transitions, pictures, audio, video, charts, tables, and incorporating speaker notes and annotations into presentations.
Bookkeeping for Medical Office Assistants
This course introduces fundamental bookkeeping principles and practices for Medical Office Assistants (MOAs). In this course you will perform basic bookkeeping procedures, be able to use basic bookkeeping terminology, and manage accounts receivable and accounts payable. You will be able to make journal entries and record transactions in the General Ledger. You will also learn basic information about calculating sales tax, managing cash, reconciling banking, and managing purchasing and inventory. You will see how bookkeeping plays a part in the role of an MOA.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 1
Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 introduces tools for a successful job search. The course will help students maintain a career-focused approach throughout their academic program. Students will learn basic career preparation skills, such as how to research opportunities, network for industry contacts and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and cover letter, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Asynchronous class discussion on the discussion board on various career-planning topics will round out this module. This course is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation Level 2.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional resume, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced are the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Diversity in the Workplace
This course introduces diversity and its strengths in the workplace. Among the topics covered are the strengths of diversity, its occasional challenges, how to manage diversity in the workplace, and the value of diversity training. Diversity in group dynamics is also addressed, with an emphasis on the strengths of a heterogeneous group and types of diversity.
Microsoft Excel
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft Excel. Skills covered include working with workbooks and worksheets, inputting data into worksheets, formatting cells, using functions and formulas, and creating and editing charts.
Healthcare Fundamentals
This course introduces the medical office-assisting profession. Topics covered relate to the Canadian healthcare system in general, including types of facilities and professions, and legal and ethical considerations in the field. The roles and responsibilities of the MOA within the healthcare system are explored.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional resume, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced are the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Medical Office Assistant Clinical Procedures
This course addresses the Medical Office Assistant’s role in clinical procedures commonly performed in a medical office. Clinical skills covered through demonstrations and labs include infection control and workplace safety (WHMIS), prescription handling, diagnostic testing, and assisting with the patient exam.
Pathology, Pharmacology, and Treatment
This course introduces pharmacology and the different classes of drugs and their use in the treatment of a range of medical conditions. Routes of drug administration and drug effects are covered, as well as diseases and diagnostic and treatment procedures relating to the major body systems with a focus on medical terminology. After completing the course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of common diseases and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Customer Service and Practice Administration
This course introduces the administrative tasks of the healthcare environment and covers topics such as office communications and customer service skills, scheduling, preparing patient records, preparing agendas for meetings, and taking minutes. Topics also covered include healthcare funding in Canada, billing procedures for uninsured services, and third-party payers. Workplace skills, virtual assistant, the role of the clinical secretary, and some hospital procedures are also explored.
Introduction to Transcription
This course introduces the process of transcribing medical dictation. Using transcription equipment to create a variety of clinical documents while managing challenges to dictation, such as accents, background noises, muffled speaking, voice recognition software, and so on. The development of excellent proofreading and editing skills is addressed.
Microsoft Word
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft Word. Skills covered include formatting text for layout and appearance, formatting document parts, using styles, working with header/footer content, inserting and formatting tables, graphics and pictures, and working with templates and themes.
Admission Requirements
– High school graduation diploma, or Mature Student Status (for more information please refer to the Program Outline at the top of this page or speak to your Education Consultant
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!
Testimonials
I had the right resources and support from the college’s staff. It is a place that you not only thrive but can excel -- the skills and education you obtain at triOS will give you a solid backbone for when you get into the workforce. In less than two weeks after I completed my program, I had a job offer from one of the hospitals in the region.
Demand for workers in the healthcare field today is very high. Students in triOS' Medical Office Assistant program will graduate with practical, organizational, and communication skills to keep offices, units, and facilities running efficiently with an emphasis on respect and patient-centered care.
How Our Medical Office Assistant Program Can Help You
Discover why this triOS grad chose our Medical Office Assistant diploma program and what she thinks of her triOS experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Medical Office Assistant Career
What is a medical office assistant?
A medical office assistant contributes to the day-to-day functions of hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, clinics, and various other medical establishments. Functioning as the initial point of interaction for patients, a medical office assistant handles a range of administrative and clerical duties to ensure that patients receive excellent services and personalized attention.
How much does a medical office assistant make?
According to Job Bank, the average hourly wage for a medical office assistant in Canada is $23, with the potential to reach $33. In Ontario, the median salary is $22 per hour, with the upper limit reaching $32 per hour.
Can a medical assistant work in a dental office?
A medical assistant has the potential to be employed in a dental office, contingent upon the prerequisites and guidelines of the province or territory. The criteria for medical assistants and dental assistants in Canada differ across provinces and territories, so verify the specific regulations applicable to the dental office’s location.
Medical office assistants in Ontario are permitted to work in dental offices. However, they should seek positions designated as Dental Office Administrator or Dental Office Assistant, rather than Dental Assistant, which requires specific certification. If their responsibilities are confined to administrative tasks, they would meet the eligibility criteria.
Medical office assistants in Ontario are permitted to work in dental offices. However, they should seek positions designated as Dental Office Administrator or Dental Office Assistant, rather than Dental Assistant, which requires specific certification. If their responsibilities are confined to administrative tasks, they would meet the eligibility criteria.
What does a medical office assistant do?
Medical office assistants play a crucial role in facilitating the operations of healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities encompass welcoming patients, handling phone calls and emails, arranging client appointments, establishing and organizing patient files, processing payments, and overseeing the management of office and medical supply inventory.
Is medical office assistant a good career?
Working as a medical office assistant can be a good career choice if you enjoy working in healthcare, possess strong organizational and communication skills, and enjoy administrative duties. As a medical office assistant, you can play a critical role in ensuring that medical offices run efficiently and effectively.
Some potential benefits of pursuing a career as a medical office assistant include job stability, competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and the satisfaction of helping patients to receive quality healthcare.
Some potential benefits of pursuing a career as a medical office assistant include job stability, competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and the satisfaction of helping patients to receive quality healthcare.
Where can a medical office assistant work?
Medical office assistants can work in diverse settings within the healthcare industry. Common places of employment for them include nursing homes, hospitals, medical billing companies, clinics, insurance companies, optometry clinics, public health agencies, and chiropractic and naturopathic clinics. The choice of a specific work setting depends on the individual's skills, experience, and interests.
