Office Administration - Health Services OAM

Holland Code: C (Conventional)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Literacy Grade 12 English is required. Strong writing skills are essential.

Math Basic math skills are required and reviewed in level one, including whole numbers, percentages, decimals, and calculating interest. Basic accounting skills are taught/reviewed in level one and reinforced throughout the program, both manual and computerized.

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, keyboarding skills). Applicants with a high comfort level for rapid technological change tend to fair better in our classrooms and also in the field.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• The ability to pay careful attention to detail
• Tact and the ability to stay calm during busy periods and when callers are persistent or rude
• A mature attitude toward the human body
• The ability to follow directions closely
• The ability to maintain patient confidentiality
• A genuine interest in people and in helping others
• Enjoy using technology and the ability to adapt to changing technology
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A friendly, outgoing, professional personality
• The ability to establish rapport with and instill confidence in patients who may be ill or in pain
• Good organization and time management skills
• Professional demeanour
• The ability to work on several tasks simultaneously
• The ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Ability to prioritize and problem solve
• Ability to work under pressure with deadlines

Useful background experience for this program would be

Part time work in a customer service related position.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a …

Medical secretary; medical team assistant; medical records clerk; medical office coordinator, clerk or receptionist; medical billing clerk; medical transcriptionist; or a ward/unit/file clerk.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Often work standard office hours, but may work shift work including 12 hour shifts
• Overtime may be required to meet deadlines
• Work in a fast-paced environment
• Often sitting and using a computer
• Continuous learning is mandatory

Places you may find yourself employed include

Hospitals; medical laboratories; research facilities; residential care facilities; non-institutional health services; community clinics; insurance companies; or offices of physicians, surgeons, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Answer the telephone, schedule and confirm medical appointments, greet patients and receive and communicate messages
• Use health software and other computer applications to book appointments or prepare reports, invoices, financial statements, letters, case histories and medical records
• Interview patients to complete intake forms or other documents, or help patients complete health history forms
• Transcribe from handwritten notes, electronic dictation or oral instructions
• Complete insurance and other claim forms
• Submit billing claims to for OHIP, private health insurance, motor vehicle insurance or Workers' Compensation
• Process payments, bank documents and accounts receivable
• Set up and maintain records management systems including classifying and coding electronic and hardcopy files
• Operate sophisticated office equipment such as voice mail messaging systems, photocopiers, fax machines and document scanners
• Keep examination areas clean, orderly and stocked with supplies
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software to prepare medical documentation
• Perform other clerical and administrative functions as required (for example, order and maintain an inventory of supplies)

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)
• London Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Credits earned in this program may be used as a basis of admission and/or provide transfer credits to university programs. Details.

Last Modified: January 19, 2024