Updated January 2023

In our experience, people are drawn to medical office administration because they want a meaningful career in healthcare without spending years in university. They are looking for a position that includes patient care but does not require becoming a nurse or doctor.

Students who do well in the medical office program are naturally well-organized. They have good communication skills, are mature and reliable, and most importantly have a strong desire to help others.

They want to be part of a healthcare team in a role that directly serves and supports patients. They are detail-oriented, compassionate, and good at juggling tasks and deadlines.

Sound familiar? You've come to the right place.

In this post, we're breaking down exactly what to expect in Herzing College Ottawa's Medical Office Administration program. Find out what topics you'll study, which skills you'll learn, and where you can work after graduation.

These are the basics you should know before you enrol to ensure that becoming an MOA is right for you. Let's get started.

How long will Training Take?

Most of our MOA students work while studying. Many have families to care for. We know that time is probably a key factor for you, and you're looking for training that is quick to complete.

The good news? Most medical office administration programs can be completed in less than 12 months. At Herzing Ottawa, we offer an accelerated Medical Office Administration program that runs for 10 months, including a four-week internship. It's designed to get students job-ready quickly.

An admissions advisor can help you map out a class schedule that works for you. If Herzing doesn't fit your needs, we'll let you know that up front and even suggest an alternative option.

"The most challenging part of MOA training was balancing my time. I went to school full time, worked part time, had homework to complete every night, plus take care of my two young children. My motivation was to get a good job and provide for my family.

I chose Herzing because it fit with my busy life. It was the closest college to my home, work, and kids’ school. I had a very good experience during admissions. I met with an advisor named Isabelle Copeland. She made me feel welcome, she listened to what I wanted, and she gave me good advice."

-Priscilla Grant, Medical Office Administration graduate

What Skills Will You Learn in Class?

Your role as a medical office administrator will be two-fold. On the one hand, you'll be responsible for office work like billing, appointment scheduling, and reception duties.

On the other hand, you'll be the face of the clinic. You'll need to put anxious patients at ease, coordinate with doctors and nurses, and possibly perform minor medical procedures—like taking blood pressure and measuring other vital signs.

Given the range of tasks you'll be performing at work, your medical office courses will cover a lot of ground. In this program, you will learn:

• Office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)

• Medical transcription

• Preparing patient records, charts, medical histories, and reports

• Installing and using clinical software for medical and dental offices

• Professional writing techniques for sending reports, inter-office emails, and memos

• Medical terminology

• Human anatomy and physiology

• OHIP billing and insurance

• Appointment scheduling

• Ethical and legal responsibilities

• How to communicate effectively with patients

• Setting up for minor medical procedures

• Certificates in Vital Signs, First Aid, and CPR

Classes with include hands-on training with the software and medical office procedures you'll be using at work. Toward the end of the program, you'll complete an internship so you can apply everything you've learned in a real health office setting.

By the time you graduate, you will have the confidence and experience needed to succeed in your first job.

Your Employment Options After MOA Training

This is the most important aspect for many new students. Where will you be qualified to work after finishing medical office administration training?

Fortunately, there is no shortage of options for skilled MOAs. Your training will prepare you for jobs at:

• Medical and dental clinics
• Hospitals
• Physiotherapy and massage practices
• Chiropractic clinics
• Long-term facilities

Herzing has an excellent career development team that works with MOA students on resumes, interview skills, and finding your first job. 

Herzing's MOA grads have been hired by many Ottawa organizations, including:

• Core Physiotherapy
• Ottawa Heart Institute
• Meadowlands Family Health Centre
• Smyth Medical Center
• Carson’s Medical Clinic
• Queensway Carleton Hospital
• Geriatric Psychiatry Community Service
• South Bank Medical Centre

Next steps: Starting your medical office administration training

If you are seriously considering becoming a medical office administrator, it's time to speak with an admissions advisor. Talk with an advisor at each college you are considering.

This is the best way to compare schools and programs and find the right fit for your needs. A good advisor will discuss your strengths, interests, and professional goals. They will guide you toward the health care program that suits you best and explain all the facts on tuition costs and financial aid.

If you're ready, the advisor can even help you apply for financial aid and complete an admissions test. Their job is to provide guidance, support, and assistance...not push you to enrol.

Take full advantage of this help. It's well worth it to ensure you're investing in the right training and starting a career that truly matches your needs and goals.

Interested in learning more about Herzing's Medical Office Administration program? It's easy to get in touch. Click below to explore the program and chat live with an admissions advisor. We're here to help!