How to Become a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta?

If you are interested in healthcare but prefer an administrative role rather than hands on clinical work, becoming a Medical Office Assistant could be an excellent career choice. Across Alberta, healthcare facilities depend on skilled administrative professionals to manage patient flow, documentation, billing, and communication. 

Medical Office Assistants play a vital role in keeping clinics and medical offices organized, efficient, and patient focused. This career path offers stability, strong demand, and the opportunity to work in professional healthcare environments without years of schooling. 

This guide explains how to Become a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta, what the role involves, the education required, and how the Medical Office Administration diploma at Reeves College can help you prepare for a successful career in healthcare administration. 

 

What Is a Medical Office Assistant? 
 

A Medical Office Assistant, also known as a Medical Administrative Assistant, works behind the scenes in healthcare settings to support daily operations. These professionals ensure medical offices run smoothly by handling administrative tasks that allow healthcare providers to focus on patient care. Medical Office Assistants work in a variety of settings, including: 

 

• Medical and dental clinics 
• Hospitals and outpatient departments 
• Specialist and physician offices 
• Diagnostic and imaging centres 
• Allied health and rehabilitation clinics 

 

Because they often greet patients first and assist throughout the visit, Medical Office Assistants play an important role in shaping the overall patient experience. 

 

What Does a Medical Office Assistant Do? 
 

The responsibilities of a Medical Office Assistant can vary depending on the workplace, but most positions involve a combination of administrative, organizational, and communication duties. Typical responsibilities include: 

 

• Scheduling and coordinating patient appointments 
• Registering new patients and maintaining accurate records 
• Managing electronic health records and documentation 
• Processing medical billing and insurance claims 
• Preparing charts and supporting documentation 
• Answering phones and responding to patient questions 
• Communicating with healthcare providers and external offices 
• Maintaining confidentiality and privacy standards 

 

To Become a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta, you should be comfortable working in a fast paced environment and handling multiple responsibilities at once. 

 

Why Become a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta? 
 

Healthcare continues to be one of Alberta’s most reliable employment sectors. As clinics and healthcare facilities grow, the need for trained administrative professionals remains strong. Some of the benefits of this career include: 

 

• Ongoing demand across Alberta, particularly as healthcare services continue to expand.
• Professional and structured work environments 
• Short training timelines compared to many healthcare roles 
• Opportunities to work in diverse medical settings 
• Transferable administrative and healthcare skills 

 

According to Alberta labour market information, Medical Office Assistants earn an average hourly wage is $27.55, making this a financially practical and stable career option. 

 

Step 1: Meet the Admission Requirements 
 

The first step to Become a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta is meeting the admission requirements for a recognized training program. At Reeves College, applicants must meet with an admissions representative and qualify under one of the following pathways. 
 

Standard Admission 

 

• Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript 
• Completion of a CRC and immunization disclaimer provided by the college 

 

Mature Admission 

 

• At least 18 years of age before admission, or 19 for out of province applicants 
• Completion of a CRC and immunization disclaimer 
• Successful completion of the Reeves College Admissions Test 

 

Manitoba applicants must also have been out of school for at least one year. International students must meet English language proficiency and documentation requirements as outlined by the college. 

 

Step 2: Complete a Medical Office Administration Diploma 
 

There is no provincial licensing exam required to work as a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta. However, most employers prefer candidates who have completed formal post-secondary training. A Medical Office Administration diploma provides the practical skills and foundational knowledge needed to work confidently in healthcare offices. 

 

Why Education Matters 

 

Medical offices operate under strict privacy regulations and professional standards. Employers look for candidates who understand: 

 

• Medical terminology and transcription 
• Patient scheduling and documentation 
• Medical billing and insurance procedures 
• Confidentiality and ethical responsibilities 
• Professional communication and office protocols 

 

Completing a diploma program shows employers that you are prepared for the demands of the role. 

 

What You Learn in the Reeves College Medical Office Administration Program 
 

The Medical Office Administration diploma at Reeves College is designed to reflect real world medical office environments and expectations. 

 

Program Overview 

 

• Credential: Diploma 
• Duration: 43 weeks 
• Delivery: On campus or combined delivery 
• Campuses: Calgary City Centre, Calgary North, Edmonton City Centre, Edmonton South, Lethbridge, and Lloydminster 

 

Core Areas of Training 

Students develop skills in: 

 

• Patient scheduling and front desk operations 
• Medical billing and insurance processing 
• Medical transcription and terminology 
• Keyboarding and office efficiency 
• Professional communication and business writing 

 

Students also gain hands on experience using modern office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, which are widely used in healthcare administration. In addition, students receive training and certification in: 

 

• First Aid and CPR 
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System certification 

 

This training helps graduates enter the workforce with confidence and practical knowledge. 

 

Step 3: Gain Hands On Experience Through a Practicum or Capstone 
 

Practical experience is an important part of learning how to work in a medical office setting. At Reeves College, students can choose between: 

 

• A 100 hour practicum placement in a healthcare environment, or 
• A 100 hour capstone project that applies program learning through structured practical work 

 

Practicum Prerequisites 

Students choosing the practicum option must provide: 

 

• A completed immunization report showing current immunization status 
• Proof of being free from communicable diseases, including a negative TB skin test or chest x ray 

 

Some practicum hosts may also require a criminal record check. Students selecting the capstone project do not need to submit immunization documentation, though non immunized individuals may face employment limitations. 

 

Step 4: Understand Employer Expectations in Alberta 
 

To successfully Become a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta, it is important to understand what employers value. While certification is not mandatory, employers often look for candidates who: 

 

• Have completed a recognized diploma program 
• Are comfortable with medical terminology and healthcare systems 
• Can manage confidential patient information responsibly 
• Communicate clearly and professionally 
• Are organized, reliable, and detail oriented 

 

Graduating from a career focused program helps demonstrate readiness for the workplace. 

 

Step 5: Start Your Job Search 
 

After completing your diploma and hands on training, the next step is entering the job market. 

 

Common Career Paths 
 

Graduates of Medical Office Administration programs may pursue roles such as: 

 

• Medical Office Assistant 
• Medical Secretary 
• Medical Receptionist 
• Medical Billing Clerk 
• Medical Transcriptionist 

 

Reeves College graduates work in clinics, hospitals, and medical offices across Alberta. Career focused training and support can help students prepare resumes, practice interviews, and explore employment opportunities. 

 

Skills Needed to Succeed as a Medical Office Assistant 
 

Education builds the foundation, but long term success depends on developing key professional skills. Important skills include: 

 

Communication 

Clear and professional communication with patients and healthcare teams is essential. 

 

Organization and Time Management 

Managing schedules, records, and office tasks requires strong organizational skills. 
 

Attention to Detail 

Accuracy is critical when handling medical records and billing information. 
 

Computer Literacy 

Comfort with electronic health records and office software is a must. 

 

Confidentiality 

Medical information must be handled according to privacy laws and ethical standards. 

 

Stress Management 

Healthcare environments can be busy. Staying calm and professional is important. 

 

If you enjoy structure, responsibility, and supporting others behind the scenes, this role may be a strong fit. 

 

Career Growth Opportunities 
 

Many Medical Office Assistants choose to build long term careers in healthcare administration. With experience, some move into roles such as: 

 

• Senior medical office administrator 
• Medical billing specialist 
• Healthcare office supervisor 
• Health information management roles 

 

Continuing education and workplace experience can support career advancement over time. 

 

Why Choose Reeves College? 
 

Reeves College’s Medical Office Administration program is designed to prepare students for real healthcare environments. 

 

Program Highlights 

 

• Accelerated 43 week diploma 
• Hands on, career focused training 
• Choice of practicum or capstone project 
• Training with modern medical office tools and software 
• Additional certifications in First Aid, CPR, and WHMIS 

 

The program focuses on practical skills, professional confidence, and workplace readiness. 

 

Is This Career Right for You? 
 

You may be well suited to becoming a Medical Office Assistant if you: 

 

• Want to work in healthcare without clinical duties 
• Enjoy administrative and organizational work 
• Prefer professional office environments 
• Want career training that can be completed in under a year 
• Value stability and transferable skills 

 

If this sounds like you, this career path offers a clear and achievable way to enter the healthcare field. 

 

Take the Next Step Toward Your Career 

 

Healthcare relies on skilled administrative professionals to deliver quality patient experiences. Medical Office Assistants play a key role in keeping Alberta’s healthcare system organized and efficient. 

 

If you are ready to Become a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta, the Medical Office Administration diploma at Reeves College can help you develop the skills and confidence to get started. 

 

Request more information today to learn about program availability, delivery options, and upcoming start dates.