Diploma in Health Office Administration Conestoga College - Guelph Campus, Canada

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. Coursework in medical and dental office management, hospital unit administration, insurance practices, and medical transcription, coupled with current business computing applications, bookkeeping, and office management procedures ensure that graduates are in-demand in a wide variety of health care settings.

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 hour) unpaid work placement in a local health care organization.

Program Outcomes

• Coordinate the completion of administrative and non-invasive clinical tasks and workflow using integrated health care knowledge and skills to meet deadlines and priorities in a variety of health care settings.
• Assess and respond to patient needs specific to the hospital context within scope of practice, incorporating awareness of medical priorities, availability of resources and attention to detail.
• Create and maintain health information to ensure compliant, confidential, secure, accessible and organized records and documents in health care settings.
• Integrate health care terminology and anatomy and physiology concepts to interpret and transcribe health care documents proficiently in support of client care.
• Create, edit and produce business and health care documents, correspondence and reports accurately and proficiently using appropriate technologies and applications.
• Incorporate therapeutic communication skills and strategies in interactions with diverse clients, families, colleagues, the community and other members of the health care team.
• Produce accurate and timely financial and client billing records for a variety of health office environments through completion of the billing cycle ensuring compliance with external and internal regulatory requirements.
• Compile information from a variety of sources to produce educational documents and provide basic health care information to support positive client outcomes.
• Demonstrate professional conduct which adheres to current legislation, professional standards and expectations of the health care community.