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Ontario College Diploma

Office Administration - Health

The Office Administration – Health program equips students with specialized administrative skills tailored for healthcare settings. It covers medical terminology, clinical and office procedures, and the use of specialized software, preparing graduates to support healthcare teams effectively.

CIP Code: 51.0705

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
0247
Fall, Winter, Spring
2 years
4 semesters
Full-Time
Online Live
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program
0247
Fall, Winter, Spring
Up to 5 years
4 semesters
Part-Time
Online Live
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program

Apply today at: ontariocolleges.ca(opens in new window)

Confederation College’s Office Administration — Health two-year diploma program gives you the opportunity to develop the specialized skills you need to work in a variety of healthcare settings. Students will acquire a knowledge of computer skills and software, medical terminology, clinical and office procedures, specialized software and medical ethics.

Top Highlights

  • Become an important member of the health services industry with a specialized understanding of medical office practices, terminology, electronic medical records and more.
  • Common semester 1 and 2 with the Office Administration – General program.

Contact Information

Program Files

Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.

Admission Requirements

Fall, Winter, Spring

The following 2 intakes share the same admission requirements:

Fall, Winter, Spring (0247)Fall, Winter, Spring (0247)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (C/U) Level.
  2. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  3. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  4. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program.

Recommended Course:

  • Grade 11 College Preparation Mathematics

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Alternative Pathways

If you do not meet the above admission requirements, we encourage you to explore the following pathways:

Graduates from these programs may be eligible to apply for programs in the Business and Media Arts streams.

Tuition & Fees

Fees for Domestic StudentsProgram Code: 0247

Year 1
Total: $5,112.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$4,110.00
College Service Fee:$697.00
Health Fee:$305.00
$5,112.00
Year 2
Total: $3,732.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$687.00
Health Fee:$305.00
$3,732.00
Note

Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change.

Fees shown on this page are for full-time students attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2026.

Costing for Regional Campuses & Distance Education Students:

If this program is available at Regional Campuses, or to Distance Education students, see the following links for costing information.

Courses

1 intake

Fall, Winter, Spring0247

Semester 1

OL 054

Computer Keyboarding Skills I

45 hours

In this course, students learn keyboarding techniques using various methods. Keyboarding speed and accuracy are emphasized. Proofreading and editing documents is covered. Research about repetitive stress injury (RSI) and proper ergonomics is included. The student should be able to achieve a minimum speed of 25 net words per minute (nwpm) with 5 or fewer errors with frequent practice.

OL 612

Business Math

45 hours

This course provides a review of basic arithmetic and algebra as well as providing students with mathematical tools and concepts needed for other college courses and in future employment. This course is to prepare students for later courses in Marketing, Business, Financial Planning, Accounting, Purchasing and Insurance.

OL 700

Introduction to Computers 1

42 hours

This course will familiarize students with the digital world by exploring the hardware and software of their computer system. Students will learn to use the most common functions of the Windows operating system including File Explorer for file management, utility programs, various web browsers for social media while observing and identifying security and privacy concerns and issues. Students will learn to build properly formatted documents using Microsoft Word and spreadsheets including correctly functioning formulas using Microsoft Excel and create commanding presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint while using the cloud to store and access their files. Computer Software Requirements: Windows and Microsoft Office 2016, 2019 or 365. MAC users will not be supported in this course.

OL 370

Word Core

42 hours

Learn to use MS Word 2019 or 365 for Windows, a word processing package that is convenient, efficient, and widely adopted for business and personal use. Learn to create, edit, format and print documents. Use paragraph, page, and character formatting commands. Create multiple page documents with table, and desktop publishing with MS Word. Computer Software Requirements: Desktop version of MS Word 2016, 2019 and 365 are supported. Online Word does not include all features taught and assessed. MAC OSX users are not supported.

OL 702

Excel - Core

42 hours

Learn to use Microsoft Excel to create and format spreadsheets in order to analyze data and make more informed business decisions. You will discover how to; create, edit, format and print workbooks; use mathematical formulas and functions; create and format charts and shapes; insert images; cut, copy and paste data. Computer Software Requirements: Microsoft Excel version 2016, 2019, 2021 or 365. MAC users are not supported in this course.

OL 826

Outlook

15 hours

Students will learn how to communicate with each other, manage their time and work more efficiently using Microsoft Office Outlook 365. Proper email etiquette for sending and receiving electronic mail, organizational methods for storing mail, mailboxes, address books, contact lists, tasks and journals are among the topics covered. Computer Software Requirements: Microsoft Outlook 365.

OL 343

Communications I

42 hours

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students develop stronger grammar and business writing skills to become effective business communicators. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practice writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.

Semester 2

OL 120

Office Technology and Procedures

42 hours

This course helps the student acquire practical and transferable office administration skills, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge, which can be valuable in obtaining and retaining careers in today's fast-changing office environment. Topics covered include Internet research and email messages; managing time and stress; telecommunications; office reception and customer service; planning meetings and travel arrangements; handling the office mail; and document management. This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements.

OL 011

Access Core

42 hours

Microsoft Access is a computerized database that allows you to manipulate, link, chart, query and report your data to customize the information you need. You will learn to use Microsoft Access 365 to create databases, view, format, manage and modify data tables and fields. You will learn to create forms, queries, reports and explore data relationships using its pull-down menus, toolbars and dialog boxes. Computer Software Requirements: MS Access version 2019/ or 365. Access running on a Mac is not supported.

OL 704

MS Power Point

30 hours

Learn to use MS PowerPoint for Windows using its pull-down menus, toolbars and dialogue boxes. PowerPoint as a presentation program allows you to create colourful graphics and text slides along with reports for your projects. Prerequisite: Intro to Computers or familiarity with Windows operating system. Computer Software Requirements: Microsoft Office version 2019 or 365 which includes PowerPoint, Excel and Word. MAC users are not supported in this course.

OL 090

Accounting Basics I

42 hours

This course introduces the student to how accounting information is used by, and meets the needs of both internal and external users through effective and efficient communication as well as what accounting information is required by a business concern to reflect clearly the operating results of the enterprise over its operating life. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to generally accepted accounting principles,the interpretation and preparation of financial statements and how this information is recorded in the various business records.

OL 976

Customer Service & Ethics

42 hours

You will focus on topics pertaining to customer service and the achievement of equity in various social and work settings, including, but not limited to, race, gender, ethnicity and social orientations. This course will enable you to identify possible strategies for empowerment in the workplace.

OL 335

Organizational Business Communications

45 hours

Provides an overview of important communication concepts and skills required in business. Topics covered include: writing clear reports and documentation, making effective presentations, and fostering interpersonal skills. Computer Software Requirements: The ability to record and post an video message is a small activity requirement.

OL 843

Decolonizing History: Indigenous-Canadian Relations

42 hours

This course takes a decolonized approach to examining Canadian history and the relationship between Indigenous peoples, settlers, and the Canadian government from first contact to the present. Focusing on Indigenous perspectives, worldviews, and experiences, it highlights early cooperation and partnerships during the fur trade, the significance of the treaty-making era, and the profound impact of British and early Canadian colonial policies on Indigenous rights, communities, and identity. The course also analyzes the lasting effects of colonization and the ongoing efforts of Indigenous peoples to heal from harm, reclaim their rights, and restore their culture in contemporary Canada. Finally, the course highlights Indigenous resilience, resistance, and resurgence in shaping modern society, deepening understanding of the historical and current dynamics between Indigenous peoples and Canada. This insight is crucial for engaging with the ongoing process of truth and reconciliation in Canada today.

Semester 3

OL 452

Medical Keyboarding

45 hours

This course is designed to familiarize the user with medical keyboarding, medical terminology in medical documentation, and medical office skills. It includes case histories for timed writings, medical terminology, medical letters, and a variety of medical reports. These exercises will help the learner increase their knowledge of terms they will encounter on the job, and will improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. A very brief introduction to Medical Transcription is included. This course is a prerequisite for the Beginning Medical Transcription course. PREREQUISITE: Students need minimum keyboarding skills of 30 net words per minute with 5 or less errors. Students with keyboarding skills less than this need to improve their skills prior to registering for this course. OL402, Medical Terminology, can be taken concurrently with this course. NOTE: A fee for course software for timings (Windows compatible) and the manual will be required when the instructor gives the link to access the required manual and software for the course. It is approximately $100.

OL 402

Medical Terminology

42 hours

Develop the language required to communicate effectively in a medical setting. Medical terminology and word structure related to twelve body systems will be studied. Terminology related to basic diagnostic procedures and basic pharmacology will be included.

OL 441

Working and Communicating in a Medical Setting

36 hours

Learn theory and techniques for effective interactions and work skills in a wide variety of medical settings. Students will focus on developing their communication and human relations skills in addition to increasing their ability to navigate the medical settings including professional roles, responsibilities and professional development.

OL 424

Medical Conditions for Medical Office Professionals

45 hours

This course introduces the student to important concepts related to human diseases. The most common diseases and disorders of each body system are presented along with a review of the anatomy and physiology pertinent to the content. Additionally, the effects of aging on the system and the relationship of aging to disease are presented. This course is open to people currently employed in health related areas or to those who hope to do so in the future.

OL 470

Medical Office Procedures

45 hours

Medical Office Procedures is designed for the learner who is pursuing a career in health administration in a physician's office, clinic, or hospital setting. It will include information on professional and career responsibilities, interpersonal and written communications, safety standards, infection control, records management, order entry, financial administration, and managing the medical office. The Canada Health Act and the principles of OHIP medical billing will be introduced.

OL 468

Essentials in Health Records Management

36 hours

This course studies the record keeping practices in hospitals and physician's offices. Emphasis is placed on hospital and medical staff organization, patient record content, procedures in filing, numbering and retention of patient records, qualitative analysis, release of information, forms control and design, indexes and registers, reimbursements, regulatory and accrediting agencies, and alternate health care delivery systems.

0 credits
0 credits

Semester 4

OL 459

Medical OHIP Billing

42 hours

This course is designed to provide the student with the basic principles of efficient Health Claim Billing in Ontario. The student will learn how to use the Schedule of Benefits and Preambles of the Ministry of Health, as well as be introduced to computerized billing. It is recommended that students have taken OL402 Medical Terminology prior to this course, have good typing skills and some computer knowledge. MACs are not compatible unless they run a Windows OS. The MAC user will be given an alternate theory assignment in lieu of the computerized billing portion of the course, however, the MAC user does not have the opportunity to practice on the billing software.

OL 401

Medical Transcription Styles & Practices

42 hours

Learn concepts and standards of style and format of medical reports and basic grammar rules in medical documentation. Prepare for medical transcription by applying industry standards, as presented in the AHDI Book of Style & Standards for Clinical Documentation. The course introduces information not encountered outside of healthcare documentation. Via the AHDI Book of Style & Standards for Clinical Documentation Workbook, students have access to online voice recording samples to provide an opportunity to practice transcribing medical dictation and applying the standards outlined in the textbook. Due to specialized theory and skills, students can expect to spend a minimum of 10 hours/week in this course. This course may be taken concurrently with Medical Transcription Fundamentals OL400. Prerequisites: OL402 Medical Terminology Computer Software Requirements: Windows Operating System; Sound required

OL 406

Medical Terminology II

36 hours

This course has been designed for medical office professionals to concentrate on the pronunciation and verbalization of medical terminology that was learned in the first level of Medical Terminology. Students will listen to audio files to learn the pronunciation of medical terms involving all body systems. Assessment of the student's ability to pronounce medical terms will be done through audio files recorded by the student and submitted for evaluation. There is also a theory component to each assignment to be done online. Computer Software Required: Audio recording program. Computer microphone required to record assignments. Computer with: Windows, or Mac OS X, AND CD/DVD drive, sound card, speakers, media player software (ie: Windows Media Player). Students may also use recording software such as Voice Record Pro on their cell phone or tablet to do their audio recordings. Prerequisite: OL402 Medical Terminology

OL 425

Pharmacology for Medical Office Professionals

45 hours

Pharmacology for the medical office professional is intended to help medical office staff to develop an understanding of how drugs work, drug classifications, methods of administration, and the major drug groups affecting the various body systems. Common drug examples will be looked at with each drug classification. The meaning of Doctor's Orders using commonly accepted medical abbreviations will also be discussed. This course is open to current employees in health-related areas or those who hope for such employment in the future

OL 420

Understanding Medical Tests for Medical Office Staff

36 hours

This course assists medical office professionals in developing an understanding of common medical tests related to body systems. Knowledge of medical tests will help the student educate patients in relation to the description and purpose of specific tests, as well as any preparations required. It will also provide the student with references to build on their knowledge of care during and after the test based on expected results. This course is open to people who are currently employed in health-related areas or hope to join the field in the future.

OL 428

Understanding Surgical Procedures Medical Office Staff

36 hours

This course has been designed for medical office professionals to assist in developing an understanding of common surgical procedures related to a wide variety of body systems. Knowledge in the area of surgical procedures will help the student to educate the patient prior to and after surgery, what to anticipate, and expected results. This course is open to people currently employed in health related areas or hope to do so in the future. OL402 Medical Terminology is strongly recommended prior to the start of this course.

42 hours

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
  2. manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
  3. coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
  4. operate and provide support to others related to the use of office equipment and technologies.
  5. evaluate, establish and administer health records management systems to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records.
  6. produce financial and client billing records for health services by compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
  7. produce health documents and reports using available technologies and applying industry standards.
  8. use interpersonal and client service skills to respond to the diverse needs of clients, their family members and the health care team.
  9. identify and use non-invasive clinical tasks to support effective and efficient health service operations.

Meet the Program Staff

2 staff members

Careers

Employment may be found in health-related settings like:

  • hospitals,
  • family health centres,
  • doctors’ offices,
  • physio and occupational therapy clinics,
  • medical laboratories,
  • pharmaceutical companies,
  • long-term care facilities,
  • and government health agencies.
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Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Students at Confederation College

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