Medical Office Administrator (MOA)

This fast-track, intensive program provides a strong foundation in medical office skills and knowledge. Students are provided the opportunity to learn specific skills related to working in a medical office. Curriculum is woven throughout 105 hours. Note: There are no exemptions for similar course material taken elsewhere.

• MEDICAL OFFICE PROCEDURES (8HR) Students learn the basic skills needed in order to perform effectively in a medical office. A wide variety of topics is covered including, reception, scheduling, filing, ethics, law, professional communication, and health care in Canada.
• CLINICAL PROCEDURES (8HRS) This module examines the clinical aspects of the medical office. Learn the names of basic instruments and equipment used in a medical office and the processes and steps to assist the physician and develop a beginning competency in selected clinical skills. Topics covered include vital signs, visual acuity, clinical supplies, collecting specimens, and patient assessments. Infection control is covered, including how infection is spread, routine precautions and various methods used to control infection.
• MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION (10HRS) This unit covers the different types of documents used in the medical office, as well as the MOA’s role in handling these documents. Gain an understanding of the policies and procedures for documenting in the medical office, as well as how to sort, prepare and file specific documents. Learn to complete forms, draft memos, take messages, write patient letters and develop information sheets.
• MEDICAL BILLING (12HRS) Receive an introduction to the medical billing procedures in accordance with the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) requirements, and create medical billing data entry and preparation of billing statements, as well as understanding the transmission and receipt of data from the BC MSP office in Victoria. Practice creating patient databases and complete medical office billing procedures using the current software. Students will become familiar with aspects of billing, including MSP, ICBC, WorkSafe BC, personal, and medical legal billing. Also learn to schedule appointments, generate day sheets, and transmit claims.
• ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS-EMR (12HRS) Introduction to theoretical and practical EMR experience working with simulated health records. Students are updated with the latest Electronic Medical Record applications, rules, regulations, innovations, electronic orders, and results, workflow examples, and billing codes. Students will use MedAccess as the Management System in class, and receive an understanding of transitioning to similar EMR programs.
• MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION (12HRS) Transcription is integral to the efficiency of the medical office. Students will become familiar with medical transcription and the various letters and reports routinely dictated by medical professionals using actual dictated medical data.
• MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY LEVEL 1 AND 2 (20HRS) Learn to work with the specialized terminology of medicine, including the pronunciation and spelling of terms to describe medical circumstances and situations, and basic terms included in cancer medicine (oncology); radiology and nuclear medicine; and psychiatry.
• PHARMACOLOGY BASICS FOR THE MOA (10HRS) This module will provide an introductory examination of pharmacology and a working knowledge on a variety of drugs and their interactions. Students will examine drug legislation, the use and abuse of prescription drugs, and the role of the MOA in regards to assisting with medication. An introduction to key pharmacology terms and concepts, as well as the names of common drugs and their classifications.
• ANATOMY TERMINOLOGY FOR THE MOA (8HRS) Students will learn through descriptions, illustrations and exercises to identify the major anatomical features and systems of the body and the common pathologies, which can adversely affect these systems. Information will be provided on common disease processes and symptoms that affect each body system. Learn to use terminology related to the organs and diseases of each body system and how this applies to your role as an MOA.
• STUDENT SUCCESS/CAREER PREPARATION STRATEGIES (5HRS) Students will be introduced to resume building, in-office and client communication, and a skills review to provide guidance for students’ success in this career. Please note that this program does not include a practicum component however career preparation knowledge will be shared in this class.