Medical Office Assistant Certificate

Person in blue scrubs handing a clipboard with paperwork to another individual in a medical office setting

Credential

Certificate Certificates are short programs focused on specific skills or subjects. They are a fast and flexible way to start a new career, upgrade your qualifications or gain professional recognition.

Delivery mode

Online (blended) Online (blended)

Time commitment

Part-time You take fewer courses at once and progress more slowly. This option offers more flexibility for work or personal commitments.

Duration

1 year

Program codes

Code: ZMOA

Cost

$4,139.98 total program cost Domestic students: $4,140 total program cost

Location

Distance Partial program offered in Distance

Available for

Domestic students

Program features

TBD

Program overview

About the program

Prepare for a rewarding role in the healthcare sector with our Medical Office Assistant program. Designed to equip you with the knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience employers are looking for, this program combines comprehensive online learning with a 90-hour practicum in a medical office setting in your area.
Employment opportunities: doctor’s offices, medical centres, medical clinics, health units and complementary health offices (RMT, chiropractor, acupuncture, optometry, midwifery, physiotherapy, etc.).
Gain the confidence, practical experience, and industry-relevant skills to start your career as a Medical Office Assistant.

Want to learn more? Check out this info session:

Watch info session recording

What you'll learn

Medical terminology and pharmacology
Computerized medical billing and office systems
Professional communication with medical staff and patients
Medical/legal aspects of the healthcare industry
Office procedures and time management

Skills you'll learn

Patient-focused communication
Medical billing and records management
Computer proficiency in a medical office context
Time management and office organization
Workplace readiness for clinical environments

Tools you'll learn

Electronic Medical Record system

Already have experience in this area? This program qualifies for our Recognition of Prior Learning review. If some of your previous experience could apply to this program, please click here for more information.

Some employers require a typing speed of 40 - 50 wpm. Students are expected to attain this minimum speed independently and may utilize a number of free typing programs online. To meet an employer’s typing speed requirement, typing tests are available through your nearest Okanagan College, Continuing Studies office – see campus contact info here.

Program description

This 336-hour Medical Office Assistant (MOA) program prepares students for administrative and clinical duties of an office assistant in a medical office or clinical environment. Students will acquire skills to communicate accurately and professionally with medical professionals and patients, demonstrate knowledge of office procedures and time management, apply medical terminology throughout the program, obtain a good understanding on the use of computers in the office environment, perform computerized medical billing tasks, apply medical office guidelines and standards, and gain real-world experience through a practicum. Students will also learn about medical/legal aspects of the healthcare industry.

*Please note: This program is not student loan eligible.

Career overview

Graduates are prepared for administrative and clinical roles in a wide range of healthcare settings, with strong local and provincial demand expected over the next 5–10 years.

Job titles

• Medical Office Assistant
• Clinical Assistant

Education pathways

The Medical Office Assistant Certificate is a standalone program designed to get students into the workforce quickly. Students with prior related experience may be eligible for the Recognition of Prior Learning (PLAR).

Transfer credit

Students with prior OC coursework or experience in health or office administration may apply for PLAR review.

High school equivalencies

• B.C. secondary school graduation with English 12 at a minimum of 60% (or approved alternatives).
• Two Dual Credit students accepted in Fall term

Tuition and fees

Domestic students

$4,139.98

total program cost

Domestic students: $4,140 total program cost
plus applicable textbooks and/or materials
Check if this program is student loan eligible. View Financial Aid and Awards
All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
Detailed domestic tuition and fees information

Applicable textbooks and/or materials (amounts approximate and subject to change)

Admission and program requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.
Applicants must provide evidence of a negative tuberculin test, taken no more than six months before the date of application (or evidence of an appropriate follow-up if the test was positive).
A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's Admissions will provide applicants with instructions to submit the request to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline may result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

Negative tuberculin test taken no more than six months before the date of application (or evidence of appropriate follow-up if positive)
Criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office (initiated only when instructed by Admissions)
Good computer literacy recommended — the self-paced Computer Fundamentals course is available prior to program start
Typing speed of 40–50 wpm may be required by some employers — students are expected to attain this independently

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC.

Schedule and campus options

For the first 7 months of the program, all scheduled classes are online with a blend of synchronous live lectures and asynchronous self-study. The 90-hour practicum component is completed in-person within the subsequent two months in the student's home community. Students must have open availability for the practicum component.

Online classes are scheduled two week day evenings from 6pm-9pm and Saturdays between 9am-2pm. When applying online, choose Continuing Studies as the faculty.

Start date:

Jan. 2027

Location:

Distance

Delivery mode:

Online (blended)

Application status:

Open

Note:

Note: Part-time. Online Hybrid, Mon/Wed evenings and Saturdays + in-person practicum in student home community

Start date	Location	Delivery mode	Application status
Jan. 2027	Distance	Online (blended)	Open
Note: Note: Part-time. Online Hybrid, Mon/Wed evenings and Saturdays + in-person practicum in student home community

Program details

MOA 101 - Medical Terminology

MOA 102 - Pharmacology

MOA 103 - Computers and Transcription

MOA 104 - Medical Office Systems

MOA 105 - Medical Office Procedures

MOA 106 - Workplace Skills

MOA 107 - Practicum

FAQ

September 2026 intake (Kelowna); January 4, 2027 intake (Distance/Online). Online classes are scheduled Tuesday/Thursday evenings 6–9 pm and Saturdays 9 am–2 (Fall) pm or Monday/Wednesday 6-9pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm (Winter)

The first seven months of the program are delivered entirely online. You'll take part in live evening and Saturday classes while completing self-directed coursework on your own schedule.

To complete the program, you'll also participate in a 90-hour in-person practicum in your local community, giving you valuable hands-on experience close to home.

The program has two intakes: September (Kelowna) and January (Distance). Apply early, as spaces are limited.

No, this program is not currently student loan eligible. However, OC offers awards, scholarships, and bursaries — visit okanagancollege.ca/financial-aid-and-awards for more information.