Office Administration – Health Services

Office administrators in the health services field are vital members of the healthcare team, often the first person to interact with clients in a physician’s office. Graduates are able to work within and manage any health services office with the required comprehensive knowledge and specialized skills. Accuracy and confidentiality are paramount, and students should have excellent critical thinking skills, be organized, and know how to prioritize. Students must have solid interpersonal skills and work effectively in a multicultural environment. Good communication skills, both written and oral, and excellent keyboarding skills, are assets.

Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.  
  • Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.  
  • Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.  
  • Operate and provide support to others related to the use of office equipment and technologies.  
  • Evaluate, establish and administer health records management systems* to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records*.  
  • Produce financial and client billing records* for health services by compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
  • Produce health documents and reports using available technologies and applying industry standards.
  • Use interpersonal and client service skills to respond to the diverse needs of clients, their family members and the health care team.  
  • Identify and use non-invasive clinical tasks to support effective and efficient health service operations.

CREDENTIAL AWARDED UPON COMPLETION:

Office Administration – Health Services – Diploma, Transcript, and Letter of Completion.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Opportunities in the healthcare field are diverse and include physicians’ offices, hospitals, laboratories, medical clinics, nursing homes, health insurance offices, public health offices, and alternative health therapy offices.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT:

A student must be 19 years of age.

  • Domestic Students: Secondary School Diploma
  • International Students: High school diploma/graduation certificate and transcript or equivalent in original language and English translation.
  • English proficiency requirement:
  • TOEFL iBT 78 with no band lower than 20, or PBT score of 550, or CBT score of 213 / IELTS 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5, Duolingo score of 100.

PROGRAM AVAILABLE DATES:

January, May, September

PROGRAM FORMAT:

This course is delivered in class.

PROGRAM DURATION:

Two Years.

TUITION AND FEES:

The standard tuition and fees for the current academic year.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

OAH101: Administrative Procedures [45 hours]

This course examines automated office systems and procedures in a business environment. The topics covered are information processing and integrated office automation, telephone techniques, meetings and conference planning, correspondence procedures and records management, time management skills, financial management, mail and postal services, data and reference research, and computerized forms and simulations.

OAH102: Essential Business Calculations [45 hours]

A two-part course designed to give the student practice in analyzing and solving business problems, manually and with the aid of an electronic calculator. Part one consists of a review of basic arithmetic fundamentals and functions. Part two consists of practical business applications in banking, merchandising, interest, consumer finance and payroll.

OAH103: Human Sexuality [45 hours]

This course will provide an overview of human sexuality issues and sexual behaviours. Students will examine sexuality in various contexts, relying on: psychological, socio-cultural and biological research. Students will engage in the study of human sexuality as it relates to their interpersonal relationships, health and wellness, and identity and how it differs between cultural, religious and societal contexts. More generally, the course is designed to provide a course in human sexuality, grounded in sound science, for students planning careers in the helping professions as well as for those taking it for personal growth.

OAH104: Introduction to Computer Technology [30 hours]

The purpose of this course is to build computer skills designed for the office professional. In this introductory level course, students will be introduced to basic computer terminology, Presentation applications, the basic functionality of Cloud Computing, Windows operations, File Management, Internet Browsers, Email and Social Media. A major focus in the labs will be to identify how these applications can be used within the professional office setting to maximize efficiency in documentation creation and management.

OAH105: Introduction to Keyboarding [15 hours]

Development of basic skills in touch keyboarding; alphanumeric keys and positions, figure and symbol keys, numerical keyboarding techniques, and speed development. Basic skills will be reinforced through assorted drills and exercises.

OAH106: Introduction to Word Processing and Business Documents [45 hours]

The purpose of this course is to build computer skills designed for the office professional. In this introductory level course, students will be introduced to basic Word Processing. Basic skills in letter styles, memos and reports will be covered in this course. Emphasis will be placed on the production of mailable copy. A major focus in the labs will be to identify how these applications can be used within the professional office setting to maximize efficiency in documentation creation and management

OAH107: Language Fundamentals [45 hours]

This course is designed to improve the student’s basic grammar skills. The course will cover the various parts of speech, sentence construction, punctuation, capitalization, meanings of words, and use of numbers. Specific emphasis will be given to language fundamentals that are important in the business office.

OAH108: Business Communication I [45 hours]

This course fosters the development of written communication skills necessary for business students. Students learn to analyze an intended audience, determine purpose, and apply the appropriate

business communication format including letters, email, memos, instant messages, and proposals. Students will use digital tools to review and edit Standard English grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph construction

OAH109: Accounting for the Office Assistant [45 hours]

This course introduces students to basic accounting records and procedures from an Office Assistant’s point of view. The accounting cycle is covered along with financial statements

OAH110: Advanced Word Processing and Documents [45 hours]

The purpose of this course is to build advanced computer skills for the office professional. In this advanced-level course, there is a strong focus on form building, document formatting, mail merge, multiple page documents, and application integration. A major focus in the labs will be to identify current business requirements for professional office assistants in the workplace and to integrate data between Microsoft Office applications.

OAH111: Business for the Office Assistant [45 hours]

This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of the Canadian business system. Students will develop an understanding of the functional areas of business, and how they are related, as well as the importance of organizational behaviour in an organization. The knowledge and skills learned in this course can be applied directly in many business situations, and will provide a solid foundation for organizational activities in today’s dynamic business environment.

OAH112: Business for the Spreadsheets and Databases [45 hours]

Students will focus on building basic competency in the professional use of spreadsheets and databases to create a variety of business documents. A major focus in the labs will be to identify how these applications can be used within the professional office setting to maximize efficiency in documentation creation and management. Students will also be introduced to the concept of selecting the appropriate tool for a specific office task

OAH113: Keyboard and Transcription [45 hours]

This course is designed to continue training the student in the accurate and efficient use of keyboarding. Students will also be introduced to transcribing equipment with the goal of producing mailable copy. Along with keyboarding on word processing equipment, the student will produce a variety of business documents using proper format with the required incorporation of correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

OAH114: Electronic Medical Records and Billing [45 hours]

This course focuses on electronic medical records (EMR), including scheduling, billing, charting, electronic filing, specifically utilized in the healthcare office environment. Emphasis will be placed on the basics of Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC), Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing, as well as third party billing. Working in an EMR setting will enhance the students’ understanding for future opportunities in advanced health services facilities.

OAH115: Health Services Administrative Documents and Procedures [60 hours]

This course focuses on electronic medical records (EMR), including scheduling, billing, charting, electronic filing, specifically utilized in the healthcare office environment. Emphasis will be placed on the basics of Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC), Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing, as well as third party billing. Working in an EMR setting will enhance the students’ understanding for future opportunities in advanced health services facilities.

OAH116: Health Services Office Management [60 hours]

This course is designed to provide the student with the comprehensive knowledge and understanding of administrative as well as clinical procedures that may be undertaken in a variety of Health Services environments. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the student’s ability to exercise initiative and judgment and to make decisions within the scope of his/her authority whilst ensuring the safety and well-being of health-care recipients.

Through simulations, the student will practice appropriate work organization skills and office management. Communication, organization, and human relations skills will be emphasized on an on-going basis throughout this course, with special attention to confidentiality of patient records.

OAH117: Medical Terminology 1 [45 hours]

This course is designed for the applied health professional, and is one of 2 parts. It begins with medical word parts – prefixes, suffixes, root words, and combining forms. The structure and function of each of the body systems will be studied along with its associated terminology, pathological conditions, clinical tests, surgical procedures, laboratory procedures, and abbreviations. Emphasis will be placed on correct spelling and the ability to decide if a word makes sense in context.

OAH118: Medical Transcription 1 [60 hours]

This course introduces students to medical keyboarding, speed development and typing theory with applications in medical letters, hospital and clinical reports. The students will be introduced to medical keyboarding techniques in the following areas: punctuation, capitalization, number usage, abbreviations. Students will be introduced to medical machine transcription of a variety of typical medical reports. Emphasis will be placed on spelling, punctuation, formatting, proofreading and accuracy. Students will be introduced to resume writing and job search procedures.

OAH119: Social Relations, Ethics, and Legislation in the Health Service Office [45 hours]

This course is designed to teach students in the OAH program the importance of understanding cultural differences faced in the health office setting. Students will also learn about relevant legislation standards and codes of ethics that govern the Health Services profession

OAH120: Medical Terminology 2 [45 hours]

This advanced course is a continuation of Medical Terminology I, whereby the student currently comprehends the structure and breakdown of the terminology, enabling the student to concentrate solely on the function of additional body systems being studied along with its associated terminology, pathological conditions, clinical tests, surgical procedures, laboratory procedures, and abbreviations. Emphasis will be placed on correct spelling and the ability to decide if a word makes sense in context

OAH121: Medical Transcription 2 [60 hours]

An advanced course in medical transcription in an outpatient clinic setting, continued from Medical Transcription I. Students will be expected to transcribe error-free copies of letters, reports, consults, operations, histories, examinations, etc., in correct formats of a variety of medical specialties. A variety of accents will be used in dictation.

OAH122: Health Service Office Placement [60 hours]

This course is designed to acquaint the student with current office procedures as practiced in a Health Services environment. It is also designed to bridge the gap between in-class theoretical learning and on-the-job practices

OAH123: Pharmacology &Safety Systems in Health Offices [28 hours]

This is an introductory course in Pharmacology and Safety Systems for Office Administration – Health Services students. The student will learn commonly used medications and their actions and basic side effects.

OAH124: Global Human Diversity [45 hours]

In this course, students will explore various cultural groups through five themes: Environmental Geography, Population & Settlement, Culture Coherence &Diversity, Geopolitical Framework and Economic & Social Development. These themes explore the magnitude of human diversity and how that diversity was created. An opportunity to practice group interaction is provided during the course.

OAH125: ETHNIC & MINORITY RELATIONS IN CANADIAN SOCIETY [45 hours]

A course designed to familiarize the student with the emergent, evolving, and formative properties of Canada’s ethnic and minority patterns. Emphasis is placed on the general social inequality underlying group dynamics in Canada. The course attempts to explore the common ground that has given rise to race, ethnic, class, and gender relations in Canada. Emphasis is placed upon Aboriginal Peoples, French -English relations and the cultural reality of the non-charter ethnic and racial groups.

Office Administration-Health Services was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.