Updated January 2023

Medical office assistants (MOAs) have a unique role that blends administrative and patient care responsibilities.

While MOAs are primarily responsible for clerical tasks—like scheduling appointments, controlling inventory, maintaining patient records, and coordinating billing—they may also perform and assist with important clinical procedures.

Wondering exactly which procedures you may be asked to assist with, or carry out alone, as an MOA?

Updated January 2023

Medical office assistants (MOAs) handle the administrative functions that keep healthcare facilities operating effectively. By carrying out a range of clerical and clinical tasks, MOAs provide the kind of essential support that helps ensure patients get quality care.

Thinking about a career as an MOA? Wondering how much you could earn in this field?

Medical office assistant salaries can vary depending on where you live, how much experience you have, and what type of facility you work in.

We reviewed government labour market data along with current job postings to get a true sense of MOA pay in Ontario.

Check out the latest salary info for medical office assistants and see how you can begin a career in this field.

Updated January 2023

There's a lot of overlap between the work of a medical office assistant (MOA) and a nursing unit clerk. Both carry out a range of tasks that keep a medical facility operating effectively.

So how are they different?

The main difference between an MOA and a unit clerk is that MOAs may help with certain clinical procedures, like measuring vital signs. Unit clerks tend to focus on clerical tasks only.

Ultimately, however, the two jobs are more alike than not.

In this post, we break down the basics of the MOA and unit clerk roles: what they do, where they work, how much they make, and what training and skills they need.

Explore the similarities and differences and get a better understanding of both careers.

Updated January 2023

Want a healthcare career that offers a blend of clerical and clinical work? A role as a medical office assistant could be ideal.

But just what is a medical office assistant? If you took on this job, what would you actually be doing all day?

Medical office assistants (MOAs) are the first point of contact for anyone calling or arriving at a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare facility. They greet patients, update files, prep exam rooms, and carry out a range of other duties that keep the medical office operating smoothly.

In this post, we outline the essential role of MOAs and the many tasks they perform each day. Get a full picture of life on the job and see if this career is a good choice for you.

Updated January 2023

Looking for a career in healthcare and think you'd make a good medical office administrator (MOA)?

Your most important first step is to find a good MOA course. You need effective, hands-on training in the computer software, clinical, and health office skills today's employers want.

The quality of your training will determine your ability to get hired after graduation. Obviously, you want to find the best possible course and make a smart investment. But there are so many MOA courses out there. How do you compare them? What key features should you look for? 

This post is here to help. We outline the most important traits of a top-quality MOA program. By the end, you'll know exactly what to notice and what questions to ask admissions.

Let's get started.

When Amalia Aplaon immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 2019, she already had a bachelor's degree and a caregiver certificate. But she quickly realized that without Canadian credentials, it would be much harder to find a good job in health care.

So, after spending years as a stay-at-home mom, Amalia took on the challenge of returning to school. She enrolled in Medical Office Assistant (MOA) training, completed her practicum, and graduated just as COVID-19 was sweeping across the country.

The pandemic caused a hiring freeze at many clinics, making finding a job very difficult for new MOA graduates. But Amalia persevered and in just one and half months, she got hired as a primary care assistant.

We interviewed Amalia to learn more about her experience at Herzing and what it's like to transition from full-time mom to full-time healthcare professional.

Read on for the full story.

Updated January 2023

Do you look forward to your doctor and dentist appointments? Probably not. In fact, if you’re like most people, you find the whole process pretty stressful.  Let’s face it—the clinic isn’t really our favourite place to be.   

But a skilled and friendly medical office assistant (MOA) can make a huge difference when you're feeling anxious. MOAs are the first person we interact with at our appointments, and they can set the tone for the whole visit.  

They do a lot of important work both up front and behind the scenes to ensure the clinic runs smoothly and feels less stressful.

Your daily routine will vary a bit, depending on where you work (type of clinic, hospital, etc.). But there are certain procedures you will perform on a regular basis no matter where you work. 

Here's a look at a typical day for a medical office assistant. 

Updated January 2023

Many different factors come into play when you’re deciding on a career path. On the one hand, there are practical matters like salary, job description, and career outlook. On the other hand, there’s your interest in the role and whether doing this work will make you truly happy and fulfilled. 

Wondering if medical office administration is a good career choice for you? You need to think it through from all the angles—practical and personal. 

Updated January 2023

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 health care 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 2023

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.