Herzing Blog

Updated January 2024

It’s hard to imagine how a hospital or clinic could run without skilled medical office administrators (MOAs). 

Whether they’re working behind the scenes as medical transcriptionists or right up front at clinic reception, MOAs bring order and stability to our healthcare system. 

They put anxious patients at ease and help doctors stay on schedule. They prepare medical documents and keep patient records up to date. 

MOAs help “connect the dots” between patients, nurses, doctors, and specialists. That’s why good MOAs are always in demand. 

Considering this career and wondering about employment options? In this post, we compare three very common medical office administration jobs and salaries. 

Find out where medical office administrators work and learn more about how to start a career in this field.

Updated January 2024

Want a career in healthcare that involves working directly with patients but doesn't require a university degree? Looking to work in a professional setting where you can use your excellent organization and people skills?

Medical office administration could be a good fit.

This role combines office management with front-line patient care. You can work at a hospital, private clinic, or nursing home as an important member of the health care team.

But what exactly does this position involve? What will it take to start your career?

Follow these five simple steps to learn more about the field. Find out if becoming a medical office assistant is right for you and how to get started.

Photo: Krizia Mae Macusi at Hillel Lodge where she was hired as a Personal Support Worker after graduating from Herzing last May.

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. 

Residents of Hillel Lodge, the only charitable, Jewish, faith-based long-term care facility in Eastern Ontario

As most people know, the COVID-19 crisis has been particularly stressful and dangerous for elderly citizens in long-term care facilities. 

Older people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.  

Meanwhile, social distancing rules have also taken a toll, isolating seniors from family and friends, and restricting their participation in community activities. 

Never have we relied so heavily on the dedication, skill, and compassion of long-term health care professionals to keep our loved ones safe and well. Nurses, care home staff, and personal support workers are on the front lines of this struggle.

Community Support Worker students in class at Herzing College 

Updated December 2023

Thinking about a career in social services, but don’t want to invest four years in a university degree? You’re probably leaning toward community support worker training. 

There are quite a few colleges offering this program (or something similar) across Canada. Most students do their research, compare all the programs, read all the reviews, and try to figure out which school is right for them. 

Medical office administration instructor Ayo Adetoro has been teaching at Herzing for over 15 years

If you’re thinking about studying medical office administration, there are likely three big questions on your mind: 

1) What exactly will I learn in this program? 

2) Will I find a job quickly after graduation? 

3) Am I a good fit for a medical office career? 

In fact, these kinds of questions apply to anyone who’s going back to school and wants to make sure they choose the right program. To find your answer, you need to know what to expect in class, what skills you’ll need to succeed, and who’s teaching the course. 

Wondering what it's like to become a medical office administrator (MOA)? Want to know more about training, careers, and getting started in this field?

Who better to talk to than Priscilla Grant? Priscilla recently completed the medical office administrator program at Herzing College Ottawa.

She went straight into a full-time medical office position after graduation and has transitioned very smoothly into her new career.

And she did it all while working part-time and caring for two children under the age of six!

We interviewed Priscilla earlier this month to learn more about her story and see how things are going at work.

Find out what Priscilla thought of Herzing's MOA program, her most and least favourite parts of training, and how she landed such a great job at Carefor Health and Community Services.

Here are the highlights from our conversation.

Pauline Hughes-Derome, Personal Support Worker student at Herzing College Ottawa

At 58 years old, Pauline Hughes-Derome figured it was too late to change careers. And at her age, she assumed going back to school wasn't even an option.

After all, she already had a stable job in accounting, years of business experience, and no reason to make a move. 

But then everything changed when her sister got cancer, and Pauline became her primary care-giver. 

Paolo Antonio Cortez, Medical Office Administrator student at Herzing College Toronto

Thinking about enrolling in a Medical Office Administrator (MOA) program? Wondering what to expect in class, or if this career is the right choice for you?

Meet Paolo Antonio Cortez. He's the best person to talk to about MOA training because he's currently taking the program at Herzing College Toronto.