My Rewarding Career as a Medical Office Assistant

What should I share and what do people want to know.  So I thought of a couple of things that I wanted to know before I chose my career path as a Medical Office Assistant and this is what I came up with.

The Evolving Career

When you think of a Medical Office Assistant, the first thing that may come to mind is that person who is sitting behind the desk at the doctor’s office.  Well, there is more to it than that. People in this profession work in a wide variety of settings and perform duties that are becoming more and more complex.

Seventy years ago, a medical secretary job advertisement would consist of someone with good telephone manners and who is good with people. This sounds easy enough. Today however, the qualifications that an organization or physician is looking for in a Medical Office Assistant is definitely more complex. Some of these qualifications include knowledge of medical terminology, office administration, electronic medical records (EMR), billing, scheduling, medical transcription, typing skills of 50 wpm, various computer software applications, CPR certification, and more, including good telephone manners and being good with people. Sounds like a lot, but when you break it down into smaller pieces, the puzzle can be completed and is achievable.

Your Opportunities

Once you have obtained the knowledge and skills through a Medical Office Assistant program and gained experience, the career path choices are endless.  You may find that the career title may be a little different from office to office or organization to organization, such as medical secretary, unit clerk, medical office administrator, administrative assistant, executive assistant, but the skills you obtain along the way can be applied to any of these positions.

Here is more information on Medical Office Assistant Opportunities.

Examples of organizations that you may find a career in include medical offices, clinics, hospitals, alternative/allied health care facilities, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, provincial or territorial health offices, medical supply companies, medical transcriptions facilities, veterinary practices, dental offices, social services, community agencies and the list goes on…

Being a Medical Office Assistant is quite a rewarding career. Not only do you play an integral part on the health care team, but the satisfaction of being a part of the team that helps those in need of medical care is quite fulfilling.

Find out more about the Medical Office Assistant program at Trillium College.

Get the Facts About Healthcare Careers in Ontario

Get the Facts About Healthcare Careers in Ontario

At Trillium College, we offer more programs in the healthcare industry than in any other industry. And with good reason– the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise in Ontario.

With an aging population increasing in size, there is a growing demand for trained professionals to work in a field that has no limitations. Will you leverage the province’s changing demographics to your advantage and pursue a career in healthcare?

We’ve pulled relevant information from the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report about the prospective job outlook for each one of our healthcare courses.

Advanced Esthetics and Spa Operations

This diploma program gives you the hands-on training and expertise to perform professional client consultations, facials, hair removal, manicures, pedicures, specialized body treatments and more.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be good for Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (NOC 6562) in Ontario.

Employment in this occupational group has shown strong growth over the past decade. The majority of these workers are employed in the personal care services sector. Other key employers can be found in the retail trade industry, mainly in health and personal care stores.

Job opportunities for this group are dependent on population growth, but more so, mostly driven by consumer discretionary spending. Although personal care trends can shift, there are indications that there have been increased interests and usage for some of these services, maintaining demand in this field. A fair number of estheticians, electrologists and related occupations are self-employed. They can increase their client base by keeping up to date with the latest trends and by using social media tools for self-marketing.

Intra Oral Dental Assistant Program Level 1 & 2

Our diploma program is one of the most in-depth dental assistant programs offered. It gives you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills and experience needed to work competently, effectively and safely as a dental assistant.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Dental assistants (NOC 3411) in Ontario.

In Ontario, the overwhelming majority of dental assistants are employed in the offices of dentists. They can also work in clinics supervised by dental hygienists.

Employment growth in this field is dependent on the demand for dental services. Over the past decade, a growing and aging provincial population and increasing public awareness of the importance of oral hygiene has spurred demand for dental services. In addition, the ongoing expansion of geriatric dentistry and the access to improved cosmetic, aesthetic and orthodontic procedures will continue to support demand in this field. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover most dental services, yet for several years now, more private spending on dental services has been coming from insurance than from patients’ pockets.

Massage Therapy

This program introduces you to a variety of Swedish soft tissue manipulation techniques. You will develop the knowledge and skills to assess clients’ needs and develop treatment plans.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Massage therapists (NOC 3236) in Ontario.

This outlook is the result of an analysis of a number of factors that influence employment prospects in this occupation. Some of the key findings are that:

  • Employment growth is expected to be strong.
  • A small number of people are expected to retire.
  • This occupation has recently experienced low levels of unemployment.

Medical Lab Assistant/ Technician

This diploma program gives you the knowledge and practical skills needed to play an important role in promoting community health while working under the direct supervision of physicians, registered medical technologists and other healthcare professionals.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants (NOC 3212) in Ontario.

This outlook is the result of an analysis of a number of factors that influence employment prospects in this occupation. Some of the key findings are that:

  • Employment growth is expected to be strong.
  • A large number of people are expected to retire.
  • This occupation has recently experienced low levels of unemployment.

Medical Office Assistant

Our Medical Office Assistant curriculum provides you with the in-depth training in medical terminology, medical administration procedures and the medical transcription skills needed to effectively support our communities’ medical professionals.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Medical administrative assistants (NOC 1243) in Ontario.

Employment of medical administrative assistants has remained relatively stable in Ontario over the past few years. Over half work in offices of physicians, while a significant portion is also employed in hospitals. Although hospital downsizing across Ontario may temper employment growth, increased provincial funding to promote community-based health initiatives and clinics targeting specific demographics or health specializations may contribute to opportunities in this field. Job opportunities will also arise due to the high portion of medical administrative assistants nearing retirement age in the province.

Candidates with training in medical office administration should have the best opportunities for securing employment, though applicants with administrative experience in a doctor’s office may also be considered by some employers. Medical administrative assistants are expected to work closely with both doctors and the general public, therefore strong interpersonal and customer service skills are assets for job seekers. Employment opportunities are also improved for candidates familiar with medical terminology, and who have a strong working knowledge of healthcare information system software, such as electronic medical records, and Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing.

Personal Support Worker

Trillium College delivers the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) program, providing a solid educational base for workers who provide long-term care and support services in both institutional and community settings.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 3413) in Ontario.

This outlook is the result of an analysis of a number of factors that influence employment prospects in this occupation. Some of the key findings are that:

  • Employment growth is expected to be strong.
  • A large number of people are expected to retire.
  • This occupation has recently experienced low levels of unemployment.

Looking for a career in demand now and in the future? Look no further than a rewarding career in Health Care. At Trillium College, we’ll help you do what you love, and you will get your medical diploma in less time than you think.

Whether you have an entrepreneurial flair and wish to work independently as a registered massage therapist or esthetician, would love to work in a residential setting as a personal support worker or see yourself working in your local medical or dental office, Trillium College has a variety of medical programs to get you into a healthcare career in demand – and FAST.

Working as a Medical Office Assistant

Working as a Medical Office Assistant

Our Medical Office Assistant diploma program prepares students for a career in medical administration. As the Canadian population ages, the medical field is experiencing rapid growth, creating demand for a huge range of careers in medical administration.

Our graduates find well-paying jobs in offices, clinics, and hospitals as:

  • Receptionists
  • Administrative assistants
  • Office managers
  • Medical transcriptionists
  • Medical billing clerks
  • Unit/ward clerks
  • Patient registration clerks

But what does a typical day in the life of a medical office assistant look like? Given the scope of job options, there are many possibilities. Our example graduate, Laura, can fill in the details of what an average workday for her looks like. Although some of the details might change, any job as a medical office assistant will include similar tasks and responsibilities.

A Day in the Life: Laura Smith, Clinic Office Manager

Laura is a 29-year-old graduate who works full-time as Dr. Greene’s office manager. Dr. Greene is a busy cardiologist who splits her time between her private office, where Laura has worked for three years, and the local hospital. Laura’s role is to care for all clerical aspects of Dr. Greene’s practice, while Dr. Greene’s nurse looks after clinical aspects.

8:00 am: Laura arrives at office, ahead of other staff. She unlocks the door, turns off the alarm and turns on all the computers and tablets. She records a new voicemail stating today’s availability. Laura listens to voicemail messages and checks office e-mail, taking note of any cancellations or urgent messages. She calls patients from her waiting list to fill any same-day cancellation slots.

8:30 am: Greets Doctor Greene and the office nurse as they arrive, updating them on the day’s schedule and any urgent patient messages.

9:00 am: Laura greets the first patient as he arrives. She confirms his demographics and OHIP information is up-to-date in medical record software. After discovering the patient had recent blood work done that is not on his file, she calls the lab to have it sent over immediately before the doctor sees him.

9:30 am: Laura continues registering patients as they arrive. In between patient arrivals, she processes all documents that have arrived since the last work day. She files lab work electronically in patients’ electronic medical records, prints off prescription renewals for the doctor to sign, and sets aside referral requests to deal with later in the day.

10:00 am: The phone is ringing off the hook. Calls include ones from a pharmacist who needs a Limited Use code for a prescription the doctor just sent in, an Emergency Room nurse who is caring for one of Dr. Greene’s patients, and another doctor who wants to speak with Dr. Greene about a mutual patient.

11:00 am: Laura registers a first-time patient and creates electronic medical record for her. She helps the patient fill out basic paperwork and enter her demographics and allergies into her medical record. The new patient forgot her lengthy list of medications at home, so Laura calls her pharmacy to get a list sent over right away for the doctor’s review.

12:00 pm: Lunchtime.

12:30 pm: Laura calls tomorrow’s patients to remind them of their appointments. She leaves messages for any who do not answer, reminding them to bring their health card and list of medications.

1:30 pm: Processes referrals. Laura sorts referrals by urgency, according to office guidelines. She finds appointments for each patient, sending their appointment times and instructions to their referring doctor.

2:30 pm: After finding out that Dr. Greene is attending a conference next Friday that she forgot to mention, Laura begins rescheduling all of that day’s patients. There are few openings in the doctor’s schedule, so this task requires patience and problem-solving.

3:30 pm: A patient arrives without an appointment, explaining that he urgently needs to see the doctor. After asking the patient questions and discussing the situation discreetly with the office nurse, Laura adds him to the day’s schedule.

4:30 pm: Although the patients should all be gone by now, there are still a few patients to be seen. The doctor is running overtime and patients are restless in the waiting room. Laura stays until all patients are seen, making their follow-up appointments and booking any tests the doctor ordered for them.

5:30 pm: After recording a new voicemail stating that the office is now closed and checking the office e-mail one last time, Laura finishes her workday by turning off the computers and lights, setting the alarm and locking the door.

After reading what a typical day for Laura looks like, it’s clear that working as a medical office assistant is a demanding profession that requires:

  • Multitasking
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Excellent people skills

A career as a medical office assistant can be immensely rewarding. Medical office assistants act as a liaison between patients who need help and the practitioners who can offer that help. They assist people in their most vulnerable moments and help them navigate the healthcare system. Medical office assistants often make the difference between a patient falling through the cracks or getting the help they need, when they need it.

If you love people, enjoy being organized, and want to make a difference, then a career as a medical office assistant might be the perfect fit for you!

Medical Lab Technicians & Massage Therapists are in Demand

Looking for a job as a Medical Lab Technician or Massage Therapist? You’re in luck! See the following opening positions in Kingston below.

Current Employers of our Medical Lab Technician graduates in Kingston

LifeLabs
LifeLabs
LifeLabs

Current Employers of our Massage Therapy graduates in Kingston

Prescott Family Chiropractic
pt Health
Massage Addict Kingston
Limestone Therapies

Medical Lab Technician Program Description

Trillium College’s Medical Lab Assistant / Technician diploma program gives you the knowledge and practical skills needed to play an important role in promoting community health while working under the direct supervision of a physician, registered medical lab technologist, or other healthcare professionals. Emphasis is placed on understanding an array of laboratory technician skills, as well as ethical and administrative responsibilities as a medical lab technician. Subjects areas covered include specimen procurement, laboratory safety, medical terminology and documentation, infection prevention and control, and many others.

Massage Therapy Program Description

Trillium College’s Massage Therapy program introduces you to a variety of soft tissue manipulation techniques to treat stress, pain, and other physical conditions or disorders. You will develop the specialized knowledge and skills to systematically assess clients’ needs, formulate comprehensive clinical impressions, develop specific treatment plans and evaluate clients’ progress and treatment outcomes. Our curriculum emphasizes client focused care and is designed to facilitate your growth as a health care professional in order to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).

 

Start Your Career as a Medical Office Assistant in St. Catharines

As a graduate of Trillium College’s Medical Office Assistant program, you may find work as an administrative assistant, dental office assistant, health records clerk, ward/Unit clerk, patient registration clerk, medical billing clerk, medical transcriptionist, office assistant, office manager or receptionist.

According to jobbank.gc.ca, you can earn a median salary of $44k as a Medical Office Assistant.

Current Employers of our Medical Office Assistant Graduates in St. Catharines

Red Cross
Toronto Cosmetic Clinic
St. Joseph’s Health Centre
Martindale Clinic
Visiting Angels
Henley House

Medical Office Assistant Program Description

Trillium College’s Medical Office Assistant diploma program prepares you to meet the demands of the fast-paced medical field. Our curriculum provides you with in-depth training in medical terminology, office administration, medical billing and transcription needed to effectively support our communities’ medical professionals. Emphasis is placed on professional conduct, ethics, and standards within medical environments.

Interested in becoming a Medical Office Assistant? Book an appointment with your Career Coach today. Classes are starting soon!

St. Catharines Employers Looking for Personal Support Workers

As a graduate of Trillium College’s PSW program, you may find employment in a variety of settings, including long-term care facilities, home care agencies, senior citizens’ recreation centres, hospitals, group homes, and respite and palliative care centers.

Current Employers of our Personal Support Worker graduates in St. Catharines

Heidhof Nursing Home
Paramed
Cavendish Manor
Revera
Tufford Manor
Pioneer Elder Care
Bella Senior Care
Garden City Manor
Extendicare
Chartwell
St. Charles Village
Care Partners

Personal Support Worker Program Description

Trillium College’s Personal Support Worker (PSW) certificate program, which is aligned with the National Association of Career College’s (NACC) curriculum, gives you a broad range of skills, enabling you to provide for the comfort, safety and well-being of your clients and to demonstrate sensitivity and respect for those in your care. Our program, which was developed as part of the Government of Ontario’s initiative to reform long-term care and community support services, gives you the solid theoretical knowledge and hands-on training to provide support services in both institutional and community settings.

Interested in becoming a Personal Support Worker? Book an appointment with your Career Coach today. Classes are starting soon!

Esthetics and Spa Operations Opportunities – Oshawa

As a graduate of Trillium College’s Esthetics and Spa Operations diploma program, you may find work as a cosmetics buyer, cosmetics rep/brand ambassador, esthetician, freelance makeup artist, nail technician, skin care specialist, skin care educator, trade publication editor, business consultant or spa manager.

According to jobbank.gc.ca, you can earn a median salary of $29.1k plus commissions as an Esthetician.

What are you waiting for?

Fill out the form below, and a Career Coach will contact you.

Current Employers of our Esthetics and Spa Operations Graduates

VIP Nails & Spa
Enchanted Hands Day Spa
Caryl Baker Visage: The Face Experts
New You Spa
The Facial Place
Glamour Secrets Simcoe Place
Lavish Beauty Bar
Curio Hair & Body Upper Canada Mall
Himalayan Energy
Benefit
Atty Spa & Cosmetic Clinic
Beauty Express Inc.
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa
Royal Rubis Spa

Esthetics and Spa Operations Program Description

Trillium College’s Esthetics and Spa Operations diploma program gives you hands-on training and expertise in esthetics.  Our program trains you to perform client consultations, facials, hair removal, manicures, pedicures, specialized body treatments and more. The program also includes information on salon and spa administration, preparing you for a range of career opportunities in the exciting industry of esthetics.

Medical Office Assistant Opportunities – Oshawa

As a graduate of Trillium College’s Medical Office Assistant program, you may find work as an administrative assistant, dental office assistant, health records clerk, ward/Unit clerk, patient registration clerk, medical billing clerk, medical transcriptionist, office assistant, office manager or receptionist.

According to jobbank.gc.ca, you can earn a median salary of $44k as a Medical Office Assistant.

What are you waiting for?

Fill out the form below, and a Career Coach will contact you.

Current Employers of our Medical Office Assistant Graduates

Carecor
Dynacare
North York General Hospital
Canadian Mental Health Assoc.
Medical Office Assistant
BioPed Ajax/Pickering
Lakeridge Health
Hearing Excellence Inc.
Medical Trust Clinic
Saint Elizabeth

Medical Office Assistant Program Description

Trillium College’s Medical Office Assistant diploma program prepares you to meet the demands of the fast-paced medical field. Our curriculum provides you with in-depth training in medical terminology, office administration, medical billing and transcription needed to effectively support our communities’ medical professionals. Emphasis is placed on professional conduct, ethics, and standards within medical environments.