Diploma [Health Office Administration] From Conestoga College

• Diploma in Health Office Administration at Conestoga College allows students to complete this program in 2 Years.
• In this two-year diploma, students develop the medical base of knowledge, technical and administrative skills, and professional communication expertise required to take on more progressive responsibilities in today's increasingly complex and dynamic health care environment.
• With a strong emphasis on problem-solving, hands-on application, and critical thinking, the Health Office Administration program prepares graduates to confidently assume administrative positions integral to the success of health care organizations.
• You will gain experience in triage, patient and staff scheduling, patient registration routines, medical billing, medical document production and editing, and interpreting and transcribing physician’s orders. 
• In addition to participating in health office simulations, students will have the opportunity to consolidate their skills in the fourth semester of this program in a seven-week (minimum 245 hours) unpaid work placement in a local health care organization.
• As a Health Office Administration Diploma graduate, you may also apply for advanced standing into Conestoga College’s Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science degree program.

Program requirements

• Students in the Health Office and Medical Office programs should demonstrate:
  • the physical ability to touch type to industry standards (NOTE: a graduation requirement).
  • the physical ability to read and complete standard industry documents.
  • a strong interest and aptitude in computer applications.
  • a solid base of written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • the ability to produce work-related documentation to time-sensitive deadlines.
• Mandatory practicum health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student field/clinical placements. Successful placement completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical placement learning experiences, students must present the following before Semester 4 but no sooner than the beginning of Semester 3 (the program coordinator will provide further details regarding the appropriate timeline) in accordance with pre-admission information which will be provided by the College:
  • A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, varicella, polio and hepatitis B. Seasonal flu vaccination is required during flu season (October - March).
  • TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
  • Standard First Aid and CPR - HCP level
  • An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in field placement/clinical which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of placement start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.

Program outcomes

1. Integrate knowledge of human anatomy, and medical, dental, alternative care and insurance terminology to address client and patient needs specific to medical and wellness office environments
2. Conduct oneself professionally within scope of practice and adhere to relevant legislation, standards, and codes of ethics
3. Create, edit, and maintain business and health care documents, correspondence and reports proficiently using appropriate technologies and applications to comply with confidentiality, security, and accessibility standards
4. Implement current communication platforms, practice management and presentation software, and relevant applications for a variety of health office and business applications
5. Coordinate office procedures required in various health office environments relating to reception duties, telephone, triage, appointments, email, billing, scheduling, EMR, technical support, and other associated tasks
6. Integrate therapeutic and advanced verbal and written communication skills across a variety of modalities to address the needs of a diverse group of stakeholders within healthcare environments
7. Accurately interpret physician orders to prioritize and coordinate patient care in hospitals and other health-care environments, within scope of practice

• Graduates can expect to find employment in a variety of health facilities and organizations including hospitals, medical, dental, optometry and chiropractic offices, health clinics, community service agencies, and insurance companies.
• Graduates of the Health Office Administration diploma who meet minimum GPA requirements will be eligible for advanced standing into the third year of Conestoga College's Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science (Honours) degree.
• On average, 87% of graduates from the last three years found employment within six months of graduation.