Medical Office Assistant Certificate

Program Overview

The Medical Office Assistant certificate program at the University of the Fraser Valley equips students with essential skills to effectively manage operations in a medical office setting. This five-month program prepares individuals for roles in clinics, hospitals, health agencies, or private practices. Graduates will be adept at booking appointments, assisting patients, and supporting medical professionals to ensure smooth daily operations.

Curriculum and Practicum

The program encompasses eight modules, blending theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, culminating in a two-week medical office practicum placement. This hands-on experience is followed by a one-week in-class final program review.

Course Modules

• Communication Skills
• Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology
• Medical Office Procedures
• Billing
• Clinical Procedures
• Practicum
• Review

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Full time
• Delivery: Hybrid format, combining online courses with an in-person practicum at an assigned work site
• Duration: 4.5 months
• Class Schedule: Online at scheduled times on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
• Tuition: $6,757 (+ $75.60 course fees)
  Note: Tuition is subject to change without notice and does not include textbooks.
• Practicum Required: Yes
• Start Dates: September

Entrance Requirements

To gain admission, applicants must meet all stipulated entrance criteria outlined in the UFV Academic Calendar. All students are expected to possess basic computer literacy, including proficiency in a Windows environment, and skills in internet navigation, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.

Supporting Documents

Upon application, candidates must submit the following:

1. Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
   A satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening are required for the practicum. The request can be completed online using the access code provided upon application.
2. Immunization Record
   Students opting for a practicum in a hospital setting must submit proof of current immunizations. Options for documentation include:
   • The completed Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist, signed by a medical professional,
     OR
   • Immunization records indicating all requisite vaccinations. BC health records are accessible through Health Gateway.

Document Submission Guidelines

• The Criminal Record Check will be sent automatically upon completion, whereas immunization records must be emailed directly by the specified deadline.
• All submitted documents must clearly display the student's name and be legible.

Submission Deadline

• Immunization records must be submitted by October 31.

Practicum Experience

The practicum forms an integral part of the program, providing students with relevant, hands-on experience in a medical environment. To qualify, students must successfully complete designated courses and meet the attendance criteria.

For those residing in the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland, UFV will facilitate practicum placements through established partnerships. Students outside these regions are responsible for securing their own placements, pending UFV's approval.

Graduation Requirements

Upon completion of all required coursework and adherence to the grade standards, students may apply for graduation, subject to a fee. Successful applicants will receive notifications via email regarding the availability of their graduation parchment.

Employment Opportunities

Medical Office Assistants play a critical role in healthcare delivery, serving as a vital link between patients and medical staff. High demand for MOAs exists across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and health insurance companies. The job market reflects a significant proportion of MOAs nearing retirement, indicating an urgent need for new professionals in the field.

Additional Information

• Computer Requirements: A computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with reliable internet access and up-to-date software is required for online course participation.
• Additional Supplies: Students are expected to procure scrubs and appropriate footwear for the practicum, along with basic school supplies such as notebooks and writing instruments.

Degree Overview:

This program, offered by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in medical offices. It focuses on developing essential skills for both clinical and clerical procedures, preparing graduates to manage the day-to-day operations of a busy medical practice. The program boasts a hybrid format, combining online courses with an in-person practicum for valuable real-world experience.

Outline:

The program consists of eight modules delivered over 4.5 months:

• Communication Skills: Focuses on effective communication techniques in a medical setting.
• Pharmacology: Covers the principles of pharmacology and medication administration.
• Medical Office Procedures: Provides hands-on training in various administrative and clinical procedures performed in medical offices.
• Billing: Teaches medical billing procedures and coding systems.
• Clinical: Offers practical experience in clinical settings under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals.
• Practicum: A two-week immersive experience in a real medical office environment, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
• Review: A one-week in-class session that serves as a final program review and consolidation of learning.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a combination of assessments:

• Assignments and Projects: Throughout the program, students complete various assignments and projects to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.
• Examinations: Written examinations are conducted to assess the students' theoretical knowledge.
• Practicum Evaluation: The student's performance during the practicum is evaluated based on their skills, knowledge, and professionalism.
• Keyboarding Assessment: A typing speed of 40 net words per minute (NWPM) is required for graduation.

Teaching:

The program features experienced instructors with expertise in medical office administration. The hybrid format allows for flexible learning while ensuring individual attention and support.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue diverse career opportunities in various healthcare settings:

• Medical Offices: Work directly with physicians and patients, handling administrative tasks, scheduling appointments, and managing patient records.
• Hospitals: Assist with patient care, administrative duties, and maintaining medical records.
• Clinics: Manage the administrative aspects of clinics, including appointment scheduling, billing, and patient relations.
• Public Health Agencies: Utilize knowledge and skills to support public health initiatives and programs.

Other:

• Students must complete a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening for the practicum.
• Keyboarding skills are essential, with a required typing speed of 40 NWPM.
• Immunization records are required for practicum placements in hospitals and may be requested by medical clinics.
• The program offers financial aid opportunities.
• Students receive support from the Continuing Education department throughout the program.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver