Unique Pathways & Off-campus Education
Dual Credit – Medical Office Assistant Certificate
The Medical Office Assistant program is a fully certificated program that allows successful students to enter the world of work as a Medical Office Assistant or Unit Clerk immediately after completing the program!
Medical Office Assistants and Unit Clerks work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, radiology clinics and rehabilitation centres. They work with both patients and healthcare professionals, a role that requires organization, attention to detail and excellent communication skills.
In this program, students will learn the day to day operations of a medical office, with a focus on administrative tasks such as: appointment scheduling, managing patient records, accessing healthcare software, considering health information and security of records, etc. Students will complete an unpaid practicum in the summer to complete their certificate, gaining hands-on experience.
Students may choose to continue with post-secondary studies in health administration, or may wish to transition into other healthcare fields such as medicine, health information management, etc.
A high school (dual credit) specific page has not yet been created on the SAIT website, however, students are encouraged to visit the Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk Certificate adult program page for an overview of the program (ignore timelines, dates and tuition costs!). For a specific breakdown of the course content, see the course outlines hyperlinked above. Students can also visit the SAIT Dual Credit Handbook for further information about being a SAIT dual credit student.
Courses included in this program:
Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications (COMP264)
|
1.5
|
3
|
Healthcare Systems Fundamental (HCPP9220)
|
1.5
|
3
|
Health Information Law (HILA200)
|
1.5
|
3
|
Patient Record Fundamentals (HRSC206)
|
1.5
|
3
|
Unit Clerk Fundamentals (HRSC220)
|
1.5
|
3
|
Electronic Medical record (HRSC231)
|
1.5
|
5
|
Medical billing Bookkeeping (MDOF203)
|
3
|
5
|
Medical Terminology (MEDT211) – must be completed PRIOR (July 2025)
|
1.5
|
5
|
Medical Office Procedures (MDOF240)
|
1.5
|
3
|
Professional Practice (PROF252)
|
1.5
|
3
|
Practicum (PRAC279)
|
1.5
|
5
|
Program Benefits
- Earn a Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk Certificate, allowing students to enter the workforce!
- Get a jump start on your post-secondary education while still at high school
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support your learning transitions
- Learn about on-going opportunities and experience post-secondary learning
- Taught by experienced instructors who are connected to industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways
- Earn high school credits and post-secondary credits
Credits - 41, 30 level CTS
(36 new credits plus 5 from pre-requisite Medical Terminology course)
and
18 Post-Secondary Credits
(16.5 new credits plus 1.5 credits from pre-requisite Medical Terminology course)
Student Eligibility
Open to CBE high school students who:
- In grades 11 or 12 as of September
- Able to commit to a mandatory practicum in July 2026 to complete their certificate
- Have a strong interest in exploring a pathway in health sciences
- Are punctual and reliable and have strong communication skills
- Able to arrange transportation to and from the SAIT Campus for this in-person program
Pre-requisite/Co-requisite requirements:
- Dual Credit Medical Terminology must be completed prior to program start
- Students who have not yet completed must apply for Summer 2025 Medical Terminology. Please note that this is a fast-paced 5-week course - Biology 20 is a pre-requisite.
- Students should also be on track to successfully pass the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
Program Delivery & Location
Delivery
Online, synchronous learning (with the instructor and high school peers)
Note: There may be an opportunity for an in-person class at SAIT during class time, TBD
Workload
Students will be expected to attend all synchronous class times (12 hours per week) and can expect approximately 5-8 hours of additional independent study time. Students are expected to meet all deadlines, as set by the instructor
Program Dates
- Full year, including summer practicum | September to end of July
- Program Times | Monday – Thursday from 8:00 – 11:00 AM
Considerations
- Students must have space in their full year timetable to accommodate the program delivery, location, and dates indicated below.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location. Support may be available – reach out to your Off-campus Coordinator or guidance counsellor or email
uniquepathways@cbe.ab.ca if you require support.
- Students are expected to attend every day and meet all safety and behavioural expectations of the program partner site. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
- Students must meet all course assignment, quiz and test deadlines.
- Students must submit a
personal learning schedule with their application, which outlines when they will work on their Dual Credit course work outside of class time.
- Students must be registered as a full-time student, taking at least one course at their home high school during the program (work experience excluded).
- Students will be expected to communicate with both their CBE supervising teacher and course instructor regularly.
How to Apply
- Read through the course(s) and/or program(s) of interest.
- Review program choice with your school Off-campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor for program readiness and timetabling concerns.
- You are highly encouraged to attend the
Unique Pathways Information Night to ask questions of our program partners and determine if the program is a good fit for you. Connect with your Off-campus Coordinator or Guidance counsellor if you are unable to attend.
- Download and fill in the Dual Credit Application Form Package when available.
- Refer to the application checklist and ensure all items are complete.
- Book an appointment with your Off-campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counselor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
Program Partner
Application Deadline
Application for Summer & Fall 2025 is available now!
Applications are due
Thursday, April 10.
Information Sessions
Questions? Join us for an online UP information session!
*Please note that registration is not required, however, it is helpful for our team in tailoring our presentation to the audience.
