Diploma in Medical Office Assistant Program offered by Canadian College of Excellence

Diploma in Medical Office Assistant Program 
 (12 Month, 52 Weeks) 100% Remote Program

Section 1: Program Overview

 

 

The Diploma in Medical Office Assistant program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in administrative roles within the healthcare industry. This comprehensive program focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in healthcare administration, medical terminology, office management, and compliance with regulatory requirements. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to effectively manage medical office operations, communicate professionally with patients and healthcare professionals, and navigate electronic health records systems.

 

Goals:

 

• To provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to excel as medical office assistants in the dynamic healthcare environment of Dubai.
• To equip students with up-to-date technological competencies and administrative abilities required to efficiently manage medical office operations.
• To foster a commitment to patient care, professionalism, and ethical conduct among students, preparing them to contribute effectively to healthcare teams.
• To support the career aspirations of students by offering practical training and experiential learning opportunities tailored to the latest trends and practices in medical office administration.

 

Objectives:

• To deliver instruction on medical terminology, healthcare documentation, and electronic health records (EHR) systems, ensuring students are proficient in managing medical records and patient information.
• To provide hands-on training in office management tasks, including appointment scheduling, billing, and coding procedures, insurance processing, and inventory management, utilizing industry-standard software.
• To familiarize students with telemedicine platforms and virtual patient communication tools, enabling them to support remote healthcare delivery models and telehealth services.
• To facilitate experiential learning through internships and practicums in healthcare facilities, allowing students to apply administrative skills in real-world medical office settings.
• To emphasize communication skills, interpersonal relations, and cultural competency training to enable students to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• To incorporate training on emerging trends such as medical data analytics, quality improvement initiatives, and compliance with healthcare regulations, preparing students to adapt to evolving industry standards.
• To promote critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in students, empowering them to address administrative challenges and optimize workflow efficiency in medical office environments.
• To cultivate professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality awareness in students, instilling a commitment to ethical conduct and patient privacy protection in all aspects of their work.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes:

 

Upon completion of the Medical Office Assistant Program, students should be able to:

 

• Demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology, documentation standards, and electronic health records management, ensuring accurate and efficient handling of patient information.
• Utilize office management software and technology tools to perform administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling, billing, coding, insurance processing, and inventory control effectively.
• Facilitate telemedicine appointments and virtual patient interactions using teleconferencing platforms, ensuring seamless communication and support for remote healthcare delivery models.
• Apply organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, manage workflows, and coordinate office operations effectively in a medical setting.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, families, and healthcare professionals, demonstrating empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
• Analyze medical data, identify trends, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care and office efficiency.
• Adhere to ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and regulatory guidelines governing medical office administration, ensuring compliance and patient privacy protection.
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development activities to stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in medical office management.

 

 

The program spans 12 months and consists of 12 modules, carries 40 credits, each covering essential aspects of healthcare administration and office management. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that students develop a deep understanding of medical terminology, office procedures, ethical considerations, and compliance standards. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in managing medical records, billing and coding procedures, appointment scheduling, and communication with patients. 

 

Total Credits Required: The program consists of a total of 36 credits, divided into core courses and elective options.

 

Core Courses:

Medical Terminology (3 credits)

Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits)

Healthcare Administration Principles (3 credits)

Medical Office Procedures and Documentation (3 credits)

Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management (3 credits)

Medical Billing and Coding (3 credits)

Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals (3 credits)

Medical Ethics and Legal Issues (3 credits)

 

Elective Options: 

Students may choose elective courses based on their interests or career goals. Some elective options may include:

 

Medical Transcription (3 credits)

Pharmacology Basics for Medical Office Assistants (3 credits)

Introduction to Healthcare IT Systems (3 credits)

Healthcare Customer Service and Patient Relations (3 credits)

 

Specialized Tracks/Concentrations: 

The program does not offer specialized tracks or concentrations due to its focused nature; however, students may tailor their elective choices to align with specific areas of interest within medical office administration.

 

Curriculum Alignment with Industry Standards and Emerging Trends:

Industry Standards: The curriculum aligns with industry standards by covering essential topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, healthcare administration principles, electronic health records (HER) management, medical billing and coding, and communication skills. These areas are crucial for success as a medical office assistant and are in line with the expectations of employers in Dubai's healthcare sector.

 

Emerging Trends: The curriculum incorporates emerging trends in the field, such as the increasing reliance on electronic health records (EHR) systems, which are becoming standard practice in medical offices worldwide. Additionally, the program addresses the importance of medical ethics, legal issues, and patient confidentiality, reflecting the growing emphasis on ethical practices and regulatory compliance within healthcare administration.

 

 

Prospective students interested in enrolling in the Diploma in Medical Office Assistant program must meet the following admission requirements:

 

Admission Process: The admission process involves submitting an application form along with academic transcripts, undergoing any required assessments or interviews, and meeting the program's eligibility criteria. Admission decisions are based on the applicant's academic background, relevant experience, and commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare.

 

Educational Qualifications: Applicants should have completed secondary education or its equivalent, such as a high school diploma or an international baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

A strong background in mathematics, science, and computer science may be advantageous for an AI diploma program.

English is the primary language of instruction in Canadian College of Excellence, Dubai, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS if the English score in high school diploma or its equivalence is below 60%. 

Interview: CCE, Dubai interviews all eligible applicants, before their provincial letter of admission, test applicant academic readiness, academic and technical proficiency, Interest, and passion in the program-subject chosen, communication skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills and ability to collaborate with peer group and Faculty to successfully complete their academic program. 

The admission process aims to identify motivated and qualified candidates who demonstrate the potential to succeed in the program and make meaningful contributions to the healthcare profession.

 

Section 2: Program Evaluation

 

2.1 Learning Outcomes:

 

Upon completion of the Diploma in Medical Office Assistant program, students will be able to:

 

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry, including different healthcare settings and their functions.
• Perform the roles and responsibilities of medical office assistants effectively, including administrative tasks, patient communication, and office management.
• Apply ethical and legal principles in healthcare administration, ensuring patient confidentiality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals using verbal and written communication skills.
• Utilize basic medical terminology and abbreviations accurately in patient documentation and communication.
• Manage medical records and electronic health records (EHR) systems proficiently, ensuring data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Implement billing and coding procedures in medical offices, including insurance claims processing and reimbursement procedures.
• Schedule appointments efficiently, manage front desk operations, and provide exceptional customer service to patients.
• Demonstrate proficiency in office management procedures, documentation standards, and organizational skills.
• Ensure compliance with healthcare laws and regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA requirements.
• Effectively manage electronic health records (EHR), including data entry, retrieval, and security protocols.
• Utilize medical office software applications, including practice management software and electronic prescribing systems.
• Explore career opportunities in healthcare administration, develop professional resumes, and prepare for job interviews.
• Engage in continuous professional development and lifelong learning in the field of healthcare administration.

 

2.2 Curriculum Mapping:

 

The curriculum is designed to align with the defined learning outcomes as follows:

 

Course	Weekly Coverage	Reference Books
Introduction to Healthcare Administration   Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Introduction to the healthcare industry Overview of different healthcare settings and their functions Week 2: Roles and responsibilities of medical office assistants Job duties and tasks commonly performed by medical office assistants Week 3: Ethical and legal considerations in healthcare administration Understanding confidentiality laws and patient rights Week 4: Communication skills for healthcare professionals Verbal and written communication techniques in a medical office setting	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Medical Terminology     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Basic medical terminology and abbreviations Introduction to medical prefixes, suffixes, and root words Week 2: Understanding anatomy, physiology, and pathology terms Common medical conditions and diseases Week 3: Medical terminology in patient documentation and communication Practice exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning Week 4: Review of key medical terminology concepts Practical application of medical terminology in simulated scenarios	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Office Management and Medical Records     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Principles of office management in a medical setting Administrative tasks and responsibilities of medical office staff Week 2: Medical records management and electronic health records (EHR) systems Training on EHR software and data entry procedures Week 3: Confidentiality and privacy regulations in healthcare HIPAA compliance and patient data protection Week 4: Billing and coding procedures in medical offices Overview of insurance billing and claims processing	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Healthcare Ethics and Professionalism         Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Ethical principles in healthcare administration Codes of conduct and professional standards for medical office assistants Week 2: Professional conduct and behavior in medical offices Interacting with patients, colleagues, and healthcare providers Week 3: Handling sensitive information and maintaining patient confidentiality Ethical decision-making in challenging situations Week 4: Dealing with ethical dilemmas and conflicts in the workplace Role-playing exercises to practice ethical decision-making	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Patient Communication and Customer Service     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Effective communication techniques with patients, families, and colleagues Verbal and non-verbal communication skills Week 2: Active listening skills and empathy in patient interactions Building rapport and trust with patients Week 3: Providing exceptional customer service in a medical office Addressing patient concerns and complaints professionally Week 4: Handling challenging situations and managing patient expectations Conflict resolution strategies in healthcare settings	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Medical Billing and Insurance     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Overview of medical billing and insurance processes Introduction to insurance terminology and claims processing Week 2: Coding systems (ICD, CPT) and reimbursement procedures Practice exercises on coding and billing scenarios Week 3: Billing software and electronic claims submission Training on using billing software effectively Week 4: Review of billing and insurance procedures Case studies on complex billing and insurance scenarios	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Appointment Scheduling and Front Desk Operations     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Appointment scheduling techniques and software applications Training on scheduling software and tools Week 2: Managing patient flow and wait times in a medical office Strategies for optimizing appointment schedules Week 3: Front desk operations, including check-in, check-out, and patient registration Handling phone calls, inquiries, and managing patient records Week 4: Role-playing exercises for front desk scenarios Review and assessment of appointment scheduling skills	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Medical Office Procedures and Documentation     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Administrative procedures for medical office tasks Prioritizing tasks and managing workflow Week 2: Managing incoming and outgoing correspondence Strategies for efficient document management Week 3: Documentation standards and best practices Importance of accuracy and attention to detail in documentation Week 4: Organizational skills and time management techniques Practical exercises on organizing and maintaining office documents	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Healthcare Compliance and Regulatory Requirements     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Understanding healthcare laws and regulations Overview of regulatory bodies and compliance requirements Week 2: Compliance with HIPAA and other privacy laws Training on handling and protecting patient information Week 3: OSHA regulations for medical offices Safety protocols and infection control measures Week 4: Quality assurance and risk management practices Assessing compliance and implementing improvement measures	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Introduction to EHR systems and software applications Navigation and basic functions of EHR software Week 2: Data entry, retrieval, and management in EHR systems Practice exercises on entering and retrieving patient data Week 3: Security protocols and access controls for electronic health records Ensuring confidentiality and data integrity in EHR management Week 4: Integration of EHR with other healthcare systems Troubleshooting common issues in EHR usage	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Medical Office Software Applications     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Overview of software applications used in medical offices Introduction to practice management software Week 2: Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems Training on using e-prescribing software Week 3: Billing software and electronic claims submission Practice exercises on billing software usage Week 4: Training on common medical office software tools Hands-on exercises to reinforce software skills	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian
Professional Development and Career Readiness     Hours: 80  Weeks: 4  Credits: 3	Week 1: Exploring career opportunities and pathways in healthcare administration Overview of job roles and responsibilities in healthcare settings Week 2: Resume writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation Crafting a professional resume and cover letter Week 3: Continuing education and professional development resources Identifying areas for skill improvement and career advancement Week 4: Ethical considerations and lifelong learning in healthcare Final assessment and reflection on professional development journey	Fundamentals of Health Care Administration, 1st edition  Published by Pearson (July 31, 2021) © 2014  Shelley C Safian

 

 

2.3 Teaching and Learning Strategies:

 

Teaching and learning strategies include:

• Lectures and presentations to deliver theoretical knowledge.
• Case studies and role-playing exercises for practical application and skill development.
• Hands-on training with medical office software applications and EHR systems.
• Group discussions and collaborative projects to encourage active learning and critical thinking.
• Guest lectures by industry professionals to provide real-world insights and perspectives.
• Utilization of online learning platforms and resources for flexibility and accessibility.
• Innovative approaches such as flipped classrooms and simulation-based learning are also incorporated to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

 

2.4 Assessment Methods:

 

Assessment methods include:

• Formative assessments such as quizzes, assignments, and practical exercises throughout each module.
• Summative assessments at the end of each module to evaluate overall understanding and proficiency.
• Practical assessments to evaluate patient care skills, communication abilities, and cultural competence.
• Case studies and projects to assess critical thinking and application of knowledge.
• External assessments or certifications to validate competence in specific areas, if applicable.
• Regular review and updating of the curriculum are conducted through feedback from students, faculty, industry stakeholders, and ongoing monitoring of industry trends and best practices. Adjustments are made to ensure alignment with program goals and industry needs.

 

Section 3: Faculty and Resources

 

3.1 Faculty Qualifications

 

Our Diploma in Medical Office Assistant program is delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. Our faculty members hold advanced degrees in healthcare administration, medical assisting, or related disciplines. Additionally, many of them possess relevant industry certifications and have extensive practical experience working in healthcare settings.

 

The resume detailing the educational qualifications, professional work experience, relevant research and thesis work, laboratory experience are included along with copies of certificates for the following faculty:

• Dr. Shakila Akter
• Dr. Thanvika Medepudi
• Dr. Farzana Afroz
• Dr. Shiekh M. Shoeb
• Dr. Gulshan Akter

Faculty development and professional growth are paramount within our institution. We provide opportunities for faculty members to attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest advancements in healthcare education and practice. Additionally, our faculty engage in ongoing research and participate in professional development activities to enhance their teaching skills and expertise in their respective fields.

 

3.2 Academic Resources

Our institution is committed to providing state-of-the-art academic resources to support the learning and research needs of our students enrolled in the Diploma in Healthcare Aide program. The specific academic resources including eLearning/ digital content offered to students are:

• D2L- Brightspace -Learning Management System 
• McGraw Hill Connect
• Pearson Higher Education Online Resource
• eBookshelf-Vitalsource

Our institution offers a wide range of academic resources to support students in their learning journey:

 

 

 

 

 

Our academic resources are regularly evaluated and updated to ensure alignment with program requirements and industry standards. Faculty members are available to assist students in utilizing these resources effectively for academic success.

 

3.3 Student Support Services

 

We understand that students may encounter challenges during their academic journey, and we are committed to providing comprehensive support services to address their needs:

 

Academic Advising: Our academic advisors provide personalized guidance to students regarding course selection, academic planning, and career pathways. They assist students in setting academic goals and overcoming any obstacles they may encounter.

 

Tutoring Services: We offer tutoring services to students who require additional assistance with course content or study skills. Qualified tutors provide one-on-one or group tutoring sessions to help students succeed academically.

 

Career Counseling: Our career counselors offer guidance and support to students in exploring career opportunities, preparing for job interviews, and developing professional skills. They assist students in identifying internship or placement opportunities to gain practical experience in the field.

 

Extracurricular Activities: We organize various extracurricular activities, such as workshops, seminars, and networking events, to enhance students' overall learning experience and foster a sense of community within the program.

 

Our student support services are designed to promote student success, well-being, and engagement throughout their academic journey. We are committed to empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals.

 

Section 4: Continuous Improvement

 

4.1 Program Evaluation and Feedback Mechanisms:

 

Our program is committed to gathering feedback from various stakeholders to assess its effectiveness and relevance. We employ several mechanisms for this purpose:

 

Student Feedback: 

Regular surveys and feedback forms are distributed to students to evaluate their learning experience, course content, and instructor effectiveness.

 

Alumni Surveys: 

Alumni are contacted periodically to provide feedback on how well the program prepared them for their careers and areas for improvement.

 

Faculty Evaluation: 

Faculty members undergo evaluation by students to assess their teaching methods, responsiveness to student needs, and subject knowledge.

 

Employer Feedback: 

Employers of program graduates are surveyed to assess graduates' job performance and the relevance of their education to their roles.

 

Industry Stakeholder Input: 

Input is sought from healthcare industry professionals to ensure the program remains aligned with industry standards and meets current needs.

 

Advisory Board Meetings: 

The program has an advisory board comprising industry experts who provide guidance and feedback on curriculum development and program enhancements. Feedback gathered from these sources is carefully analyzed to identify areas for improvement. Based on this feedback, necessary changes are implemented, such as curriculum adjustments, faculty training programs, or updates to instructional materials.

 

Sample Self-evaluation Report: 

Our program conducts regular self-evaluation to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This self-evaluation process involves collecting feedback from students, alumni, faculty, employers, and industry stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The feedback is analyzed to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) to the program.

 

The findings of the self-evaluation are compiled into a report that outlines key areas for improvement and proposes action plans to address them. This report serves as a roadmap for continuous improvement initiatives within the program.

 

4.2 Quality Enhancement Initiatives:

 

Our institution is committed to continuous improvement and quality enhancement in the Medical Office Assistant program. Some recent initiatives undertaken include:

 

Curriculum Revisions: Regular reviews of the curriculum are conducted to ensure alignment with industry standards and emerging trends. Updates are made to course content, materials, and assessments as needed.

 

Faculty Development Programs: Faculty members participate in professional development programs to enhance their teaching skills, stay updated on industry developments, and incorporate innovative teaching methods into their instruction.

 

Integration of New Technologies: The program incorporates new technologies, such as simulation software and virtual reality tools, to enhance learning experiences and provide hands-on training in medical office procedures.

 

Collaborations with Industry Partners: Collaborations with healthcare organizations and industry partners provide opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships, practicums, and guest lectures. These partnerships also ensure that the program remains relevant and responsive to industry needs.

 

These initiatives are aimed at enhancing the quality of education provided by the Medical Office Assistant program and ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in healthcare administration.

These initiatives aim to enrich the learning experience, improve student outcomes, and ensure that the program remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

Proposed Strategic Partnerships in 2024:

• Peerless College, Calgary AB Canada, -For offering student exchange programs. 
• Canadian Institute for Advanced Education, Dhaka Bangladesh for professional development. 
• Celestia Bookings, Calgary AB Canada -For Internship & to gain Industry experience for business students.
• Dr. Gulshan Akter Center for Healthcare -Calgary AB Canada -Healthcare programs partnership and practicum offerings. 

 

4.3 Program Review and Monitoring:

 

Our institution conducts regular program reviews and monitoring to ensure ongoing program quality. This includes:

• Annual Reviews: The program undergoes an annual review process where key performance indicators, student outcomes, and feedback are assessed to identify areas for improvement.
• External Evaluations: External evaluators, including accrediting bodies and industry professionals, are invited to review the program periodically to provide objective feedback and recommendations.
• Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of student progress, course evaluations, and faculty performance helps identify any issues or areas needing attention throughout the academic year.
• Data Analysis: Data collected from various sources, including student assessments, graduation rates, and employer feedback, are analyzed to measure program effectiveness and inform decision-making.

 

The results of program reviews and monitoring efforts are used to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and quality improvement initiatives within the program.

 

Section 5: Conclusion

 

In conclusion, this self-evaluation report serves as a comprehensive overview of our Diploma in Medical Office Assistant program, reflecting our unwavering dedication to upholding exceptional educational standards. Throughout this report, we have meticulously detailed the program's objectives, structure, curriculum, and assessment methodologies, underscoring the caliber of our faculty and the extensive resources available to support student success.

 

Our commitment to continuous improvement is evident in our proactive approach to soliciting and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, as well as our ongoing quality enhancement initiatives. We firmly believe that this commitment not only ensures the relevance and effectiveness of our program but also fosters a culture of innovation and excellence within our institution.

 

We are confident that our program aligns with the rigorous standards set forth for programmatic accreditation, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity for external review by the Accreditation Committee. 

We extend our sincere gratitude for considering our institution for programmatic accreditation. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage in the external review process and showcase the excellence of our Diploma in Medical Office Assistant program.