Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk

Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk Diploma (Online)

The Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk Diploma at ACTM is a fully online program designed to prepare you for front-line administrative roles in today’s healthcare system. Over 12 months, you’ll build the skills to manage medical offices, support hospital units, work with electronic medical records, and communicate confidently with patients and healthcare teams.

You’ll learn how to use medical terminology, process referrals and diagnostic orders, manage charts and schedules, support unit workflow, and handle billing and documentation accurately—so you can step into roles such as medical office assistant, unit clerk, or healthcare administrative assistant with confidence.

Program Format & Duration

  • Credential: Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk Diploma
  • Delivery: 100% online
  • Length: 12 months (52 weeks)
  • Total Instructional Hours: 1,040 hours
  • Courses: 16 courses (including a final Capstone/Practicum course)
  • Capstone/Practicum:
    • Choice of a 4-week online capstone project
    • or an 80-hour in-person practicum at an approved healthcare site
    • Both options are included within the 1,040 program hours

Weekly Time Commitment

  • 20 hours per week of scheduled online instructional time (live or guided sessions, structured activities, and assessments)
  • Additional time each week for homework, readings, and independent study (not included in the 1,040 instructional hours)

The pacing is designed so adult learners can balance school with work, caregiving, or other responsibilities.

Who This Program Is For

This program is a good fit if you:

  • Want a stable, people-focused career in healthcare without providing direct clinical care
  • Are a newcomer to Canada, a career changer, or someone moving on from short-term or survival jobs
  • Prefer structured, instructor-led online learning with clear expectations and support
  • Want a diploma that qualifies you for both medical office assistant and unit clerk / health unit coordinator roles

What You’ll Learn

Across 16 courses, you’ll build skills in four main areas:

1. Medical Foundations & Terminology

  • Medical Terminology I & II with anatomy, physiology, and introductory pharmacology
  • Understanding common conditions, diagnostic tests, and procedures
  • Reading and interpreting physician orders, referrals, and clinical documentation

2. Medical Office & Clinic Administration

  • Front-desk and reception procedures
  • Patient scheduling, chart creation and management, records organization
  • Telephone etiquette and professional communication
  • Working with diverse populations and patients with special needs
  • Infection control basics, disinfection/sterilization concepts, and autoclave theory

3. Electronic Medical Records & Medical Billing

  • Using electronic medical record (EMR) systems for scheduling, documentation, and billing
  • Fundamentals of accounting and bookkeeping in a medical office
  • Medical billing workflows and diagnostic/procedural coding concepts

4. Health Unit Coordination & Hospital Support

  • Health Unit Coordinator Levels I–III, including:
    • Hospital organization and unit workflow
    • Processing physician orders, lab and imaging requisitions, and treatment orders
    • Triage concepts (e.g., CTAS/MEWS principles), transfers, and discharge planning
    • Safety awareness, WHMIS concepts, PPE use, and infection control responsibilities

You’ll also complete coursework in:

  • Business communication & professional writing
  • Medical ethics, privacy, and healthcare law
  • Introduction to clinical research and documentation
  • Job readiness (résumés, cover letters, and interview skills)

Capstone Project or Practicum

In your final course (PRC 110 – Capstone/Practicum, 80 hours), you’ll consolidate your learning in one of two ways:

Option 1 – Online Capstone Project (Fully Online Path)

  • A structured, case-based project that simulates real MOA/unit clerk scenarios
  • Practice creating and processing sample admissions, orders, schedules, and documentation
  • Build a portfolio and final presentation demonstrating your readiness for employment

Option 2 – In-Person Practicum (Optional On-Site Experience)

  • Approximately 80 hours of supervised experience in a medical office or healthcare setting
  • Apply skills in patient registration, scheduling, chart management, and unit/clinic support
  • Receive feedback and mentorship from experienced healthcare staff

Choosing the capstone keeps the program 100% online.

Choosing the practicum adds a short, in-person component while still keeping all coursework online.

Career Paths

Graduates will be prepared to pursue roles such as:

  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Unit Clerk / Health Unit Coordinator
  • Clinic Receptionist or Administrative Assistant
  • Specialist office or diagnostic clinic administrator
  • Healthcare administrative assistant in hospitals, long-term care, or community health settings

Admissions & Entry Requirements

Interview Requirement

All applicants are required to participate in a formal interview with the ACTM Administration to assess their suitability, motivation, and readiness for the program.

Standard Admission

To qualify for admission under Standard Admission, applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission
  • Possess a New Brunswick High School Diploma or an equivalent Canadian credential, verified by an official transcript
  • Applicants presenting international high school credentials must have their documents evaluated by a recognized Canadian credential assessment agency such as:
    • IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service), or
    • WES (World Education Services) Gateway Program

Mature Admission (Non-Traditional / Adult Applicants)

Applicants who do not meet the standard academic requirements may apply under Mature Admission if they:

  • Are 21 years of age or older at the time of application
  • Can demonstrate the ability to succeed in post-secondary studies through relevant work experience, life experience, or academic readiness
  • Complete the Wonderlic Skills Assessment Test with a minimum score of 18

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of Grade 12 English Language Arts (New Brunswick or equivalent), or
  • Official transcripts showing successful completion of at least one year (two semesters) of full-time post-secondary education at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction in a recognized English-speaking country, or
  • Achievement of the following minimum scores on an approved English language test:
    • IELTS (Academic): 6.0
    • TOEFL iBT: 70
    • CELPIP: 7
    • PTE Academic: 51–58
    • Duolingo English Test: 95

Practicum or Capstone Requirements

To be eligible to complete the Practicum or Capstone component and to successfully pass it, students must meet the following conditions:

1. Successful Completion of Coursework

  • Students must successfully complete all required academic courses with a minimum overall average of 70%.
  • Only students in good academic and conduct standing will be eligible for placement or capstone.

2. Health and Safety Compliance

Prior to beginning the practicum (if chosen), students must meet all health and safety requirements set by the practicum facility. This may include:

  • Up-to-date immunization records
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification, as applicable

3. Criminal Background Check

  • Students must provide a clear criminal record check and, where required by the facility, a vulnerable sector check prior to starting their practicum.
  • Practicum sites reserve the right to deny placement based on background check results.

4. Confidentiality and Professional Conduct

Students are expected to:

  • Uphold strict confidentiality and comply with all facility privacy and data protection policies
  • Follow applicable legislation and standards (such as PHIA, FOIP, and patient confidentiality requirements)
  • Demonstrate professional behaviour, appropriate communication, and respect for patients, staff, and other learners

5. Duration and Attendance

  • The practicum is typically four (4) weeks in duration, with a minimum of 80 hours of supervised participation.
  • Students must adhere to the facility’s schedule, demonstrate punctuality, and report any absences immediately to both the site supervisor and the College.

(Students who choose the online capstone will complete an equivalent 80 hours of structured project work under faculty supervision.)

6. Successful Completion

To successfully complete the practicum or capstone, students must:

  • Achieve a satisfactory evaluation from their site supervisor and/or instructor
  • Complete all assigned hours, assessments, and documentation
  • Meet all behavioural, attendance, and professionalism expectations

Failure to meet practicum or capstone requirements may result in the need to repeat the placement or project at the student’s expense, subject to College policies and site availability.


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