Academic Calendar

Medical - Office Assistant Certificate

Overview

The medical major provides students with the computer and medical software skills necessary for today’s health care field. Students will receive a solid foundation in medical and pharmaceutical terminology, patient care, and medical office procedures which will prepare graduates for a variety of medical office assistant positions.

Career Potential

Graduates work as medical office assistants, medical receptionists in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and government agencies, as well as general areas such as insurance.

Office Assistant Certificate

School of Continuing Education
MacEwan.ca/OfficeAssist

Today’s office assistants have strong technical skills to support other staff in a digital office. In addition, office assistants are involved in managing the organizational affairs of their areas that include handling public enquiries, managing computer and paper files, organizing schedules, arranging meetings of senior staff, as well as providing strong customer service and problem-solving skills.

The Office Assistant program is ideal as a foundation for other careers or as a complement to prior training and experience. It runs from September to June plus a 4 week field placement. It is a comprehensive program that offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of the following three majors:

  • Administrative
  • Legal 
  • Medical

The program is well suited for individuals with strong organizational skills, familiarity with computers and software, a professional manner, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Graduates are often required to work independently and in a team environment, so students who are positive and self-motivated do exceptionally well. The program has built a solid reputation with employers, resulting in a high job placement rate.

Contact Information

T: 780-497-4400
E: office@macewan.ca

Program Requirements

Core Courses:
OADM 110Office Procedures3
OADM 114Office Technology I 3
OADM 115Business Communication I 3
OADM 116Business Math3
OADM 117Bookkeeping & Accounting3
OADM 125Business Communication II3
OADM 128Office Technology II 3
OADM 131Office Assistant Field Placement 13
OADM 135Business Communication III3
WRIT 101First Year Writing3
Required courses for Medical major:
OAMS 110Medical Office Procedures I3
OAMS 113Medical Terminology I3
OAMS 120Medical Office Procedures II3
OAMS 123Medical Terminology II3
OAMS 129Medical Office Procedures III3
Total Credits45
1

Students can register for the field placement (OADM 131) in their final term of study.

The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study

Course Substitutions

 

Student Plan

Year 1
Term 1CreditsTerm 2CreditsTerm 3Credits
WRIT 1013OADM 1173OADM 1103
OADM 1143OADM 1253OADM 1353
OADM 1153OADM 1283OAMS 1203
OADM 1163OAMS 1103OAMS 1293
OAMS 1133OAMS 1233OADM 131M3
 15 15 15
Total Credits 45

Admission Requirements

Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:

Regular Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 60 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
1. ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
2. Two subjects from Group A, B, C or D

Applicants with nine or more post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Notes:
1. Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects across the humanities and sciences in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future course choices.
2. A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5 credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g. two 3-credit subjects).

Mature Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 60 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses.
1. ELA 30-1 or 30-2 with a minimum grade of 60% or equivalent
or
2. Three credits of University Level English, with a minimum grade of C-

Applicants with nine or more post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

Previous Post-Secondary Work

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.


Applicants must have successfully completed the following from a recognized institution:

A minimum of 24 post-secondary credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have completed the required core course listed under the mature category.

Additional Admission Criteria

All applicants must meet the following:

1. English Language Proficiency

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to All Admission Categories

All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.