Updated January 2024
Medical office assistant (MOA) is a unique role that combines administrative/office skills with patient care.
MOAs are the link between patients and doctors and nurses. They ensure the health office runs smoothly while helping people get the medical attention they need when they need it.
At Herzing, we’ve been teaching medical office administration students for many years. In our experience, the people best suited to this career are naturally well-organized, patient, and reliable, and have a strong desire to help others.
Think you have what it takes?
Explore our seven best reasons to become a medical office assistant and learn more about how to get started.
1. Steady demand for medical office assistants
Every student wants reassurance that they will find employment in their field after investing in training. Medical office students are no exception. Although it’s not the only factor to consider, it is important to research demand when choosing a career path.
The latest report from the Government of Canada Job Bank shows good-to-very-good demand for MOAs in most regions of the country.
This is positive news for anyone currently pursuing medical office training, or thinking about entering the field.
Students will still need to compete for good jobs; no college can guarantee you employment.
However, with consistent demand for MOAs, talented graduates will have an easier time finding work after completing their training.
2. Medical Office Assistants Make a Real Difference
Medical office assistants do a lot more than book appointments and organize patient files. They are the first line of contact at a hospital or clinic.
MOAs are the ones who greet patients as they arrive. They speak to anxious parents and caregivers who call in with questions. They help determine who needs urgent care and assist nurses with minor medical procedures.
Medical office assistants are the face of the clinic. They help make doctor visits less stressful and connect people with the appropriate healthcare provider.
"Navigating the healthcare system is complicated for most people. Medical office assistants work with patients to make the experience less stressful. They help patients get the right care, at the right time," says Herzing MOA instructor Ayo Adetoro.
"Plus, they assist the entire medical team by ensuring the clinic runs smoothly. It’s an important role where you can really make a difference.”
3. Medical Office Administration Training is Very Quick
If you’re looking for quick training and fast entry into the workforce, medical office administration is a great option. You can complete a quality MOA program in 12 months or less.
A good program includes both theory and hands-on training so students are fully prepared to work in a real healthcare office immediately after graduation.
You can expect to learn how to:
☑️ Use medical office software
☑️ Schedule patient appointments
☑️ Do medical transcription
☑️ Prepare patient charts, histories, records, and reports
☑️ Use standard Microsoft Office applications
☑️ Interpret medical terminology used by nurses and doctors
☑️ Understand human anatomy and physiology
Medical office administration training is an excellent option for both mature students and new high school graduates. We have students of all ages and backgrounds in this program.
If you are reliable, a good multitasker, and serious about helping patients, you can do very well in medical office training.
4. Become a respected member of a healthcare team
Skilled medical office assistants are highly valued by the doctors and nurses they work with. Clinics cannot run smoothly without compassionate, well-organized MOAs.
If you’re looking for a healthcare career where you play an important role in a team, this is a great option. You can take pride in your job and know that you’re making a key contribution to the healthcare system.
5. Many employment options
Which area of health care are you interested in? Do you see yourself working at a hospital or dental clinic? Prefer to join a chiropractic or physiotherapy practice?
If you become a medical office assistant, you will have job options in many different healthcare settings. Successful graduates are qualified to work at:
☑️ Hospitals
☑️ Family clinics
☑️ Dental offices
☑️ Walk-in clinics
☑️ Chiropractor offices
☑️ Physiotherapy clinics
☑️ Extended care centres
☑️ Insurance provider companies
6. Flexible work schedules
Prefer to work weekends and keep some of your weekdays free? Have young children and want a job with a consistent 9-to-5 schedule?
Because medical office assistants have a wide variety of employment options, they have some choices regarding work hours.
For example, hospitals often have shifts that run around the clock, while family clinics typically open from 9 to 5. Many clinic jobs have options for day, evening, and weekend hours.
You can find the schedule that works best for your needs.
7. This work is challenging and personally rewarding
No two days are the same for medical office assistants. There is always a new challenge to meet, new skill to learn, and new patient to help.
You will not get bored in this role! MOAs stay busy assisting doctors and nurses, coordinating appointments, updating records, and greeting new patients.
A clinic is a community. Over time, you will get to know the regular patients and their families and enjoy building those relationships.
Toronto MOA Paulo Cortez says interacting with patients is his favourite part of the job.
“On a daily basis, my responsibilities include scheduling patients, answering phone calls, updating the electronic medical records, organizing files, and providing for all the needs of patients when they arrive at the clinic. But my favourite part is building rapport with the patients. I really enjoy getting to meet new people.”
considering this career?
If you’d like to become a medical office assistant and need information about training, our admissions team can help. An advisor can guide you through the program and answer your questions.
Our goal is to provide guidance and support.
If you think medical office training is right for you, or want to discuss other possible healthcare careers, we’d be happy to talk with you.
Click below to explore Herzing’s MOA program and chat live with an admissions advisor. We’re here to help!
