Overview
Through courses in patient records management, health information law and billing, you can train for a career as a medical office assistant and unit clerk to assist healthcare professionals in medical offices and other health-care facilities.
The Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program is innovative in providing the necessary hands-on and theoretical expertise required by those wishing to combine the skills of a unit clerk and a medical office assistant.
Successful graduates will be proficient in medical office procedures, organization, structure and chart management functions of a patient record, computer software, emerging client care software, basic billing duties, office procedures, and health information law in a client-care setting.
Courses in this program are conducted on the SAIT campus and online. A four-week, unpaid practicum at a health care facility or medical office setting in or outside Calgary is required for the successful completion of this program.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who experience success in this program have proficient communication skills in English.
Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
Basic computer skills are essential for success in the program.
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in health care facilities, physician offices, regional health offices, chiropractic offices and rehabilitation centres. Potential positions include:
- medical office assistant
- secretary unit clerk
- admitting clerk
- hospital/ward clerk
Related careers include:
- medical transcriptionist
- health information management professional
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $7,769
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for fall 2022 opened on October 6, 2021.
- Applications for winter 2023 opened on March 30, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 | June 30, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Feb. 3, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | June 2, 2023 |
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Admission requirements
Application dates
- Fall 2022 start: applications opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
- Winter 2023 start: applications opened on March 30, 2022.
*This program does not accept international students.
Admission requirements
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalents.
- All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practica such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance – Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-264* | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications | 1.5 |
| HCPP-220 | Healthcare Systems Fundamentals | 1.5 |
| HILA-200* | Health Information Law I | 1.5 |
| HRSC-206 | Patient Record Fundamentals | 1.5 |
| HRSC-220 | Unit Clerk Fundamentals | 1.5 |
| HRSC-231 | Electronic Medical Record | 1.5 |
| MDOF-203 | Medical Billing Bookkeeping | 3.0 |
| MDOF-240 | Medical Office Procedures | 1.5 |
| MEDT-211* | Medical Terminology I | 1.5 |
| PROF-252 | Professional Practice | 1.5 |
| Semester 1 total | 16.5 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRAC-279 | Practicum | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 total | 1.5 | |
| Program total | 18.0 | |
| *Available by correspondence and/or online learning. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Please contact the Academic Chair prior to enrolling in any online or correspondence courses. | ||
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Costs
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6,056 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $7,389 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $504.66 |
| 3.0 | $1,009.32 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Students taking less than nine credits per semester do not qualify for the Upass and will not be charged the Upass fee.
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine and medical history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
- There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $350
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,300 | $916 | $553 | $7,769 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $525 |
| 3.0 | $1,050 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196/li>
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200/li>
- Student technology fee: $200
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $650 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine and medical history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
- There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Plan ahead!
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Winter 2022
Orientation
Learn more about your orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Other requirements
- Police Information clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Immunization record
- Health and Wellness Status
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
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