How To Become A Medical Office Assistant In Moncton

Moncton is one of Canada’s Maritime capitals, home to history, proud cultural legacies, and the largest metropolitan population centre in New Brunswick — with a Census Metropolitan Area population of over 465,703. Moncton is no exception to Canadian cities in need of quality healthcare services, both public and private, to meet the needs of its large urban community. 

Moncton relies on the New Brunswick health authorities to provide these vital services and administer to the planning, funding, and delivery needs of public healthcare throughout the province. In response to dynamic healthcare challenges, the federal government has struck a $3.4 billion deal with the government of New Brunswick, which will benefit Moncton and other areas in New Brunswick. 

The healthcare system needs this funding to retain skilled and educated healthcare workers who are passionate about helping others. One of the key support personnel types in any healthcare setting, public or private, is the Medical Office Assistant (MOA), who handles the administrative and clerical tasks that keep the medical office running smoothly. Some of these tasks include scheduling appointments, billing patients, filing records, answering phone calls, and assisting doctors and nurses. 

If you dream of becoming an MOA in Moncton or anywhere else in Canada, you will need to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform your duties fully and efficiently. The best way to set yourself up for success and demonstrate those skills is by enrolling in a Medical Office Administration Diploma program at a reputable career college. MOA Diplomas teach you everything you need to know to succeed as an MOA, from medical terminology and anatomy to office software and patient customer service. 

This article provides an overview of skills and recommended college education, salary outlook, and the current opportunities available in both public and private healthcare settings in and around greater Moncton — from Riverview to Dieppe — and Salisbury to Sackville and Shediac. 

Education and Training Requirements for Becoming an MOA in Moncton

As a Medical Office Assistant, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings that provide essential services to the community. Some of these settings include:

• Moncton Hospital
• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre 
• Moncton Family Medical Clinic  
• Dieppe Family Medicine Clinic 
• Greater Moncton Health Centre 
• Walk-in clinics 
• Alternative medicine clinics 
• Moncton Allergy & Asthma Clinic 
• Moncton Fertility Centre 
• Medavie Blue Cross 
• Kenneth E. Spencer Memorial Home 
• Acupuncture clinics
• Community health centres
• Insurance providers
• Dental clinics
• Optometry clinics
• And more 

To become an MOA and secure a job in one of these Moncton workplaces, you need to show that you have the skills and knowledge to work in a medical setting. While some employers may consider applicants with a high school diploma, most employers prefer MOAs who have completed a Medical Office Administration Diploma program. 

With an MOA Diploma in hand, you can prove that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in these settings. Completing a Medical Office Administration program gives you a competitive edge by demonstrating that you know how to handle MOAs’ daily administrative tasks, use healthcare-specific technology, and use medical terminology. 

Why Choose A Diploma Over A Certificate For Medical Office Administration Careers In Moncton?

If you’re thinking about becoming an MOA, you might be wondering what kind of education you need to get started. There are two main options: a Certificate or a Diploma program. Both programs teach you the basics of medical office administration, such as medical terminology, anatomy, office software, and customer service. But there are some important differences between them that could affect your career prospects. A Certificate program is shorter and less comprehensive than a Diploma program. It usually takes about six months to complete and usually does not include a practicum.  

A Medical Office Administration Diploma program, on the other hand, is longer and more comprehensive than a Certificate program. It usually takes about a year to complete, and includes a practicum. A practicum is a supervised work experience that allows you to apply your skills and knowledge in a real medical or healthcare setting. It can help you gain confidence, network with potential employers, and showcase your abilities.  

With a Diploma, you’ll learn all the advanced skills and topics of the average certificate and more — including medical transcription, clinical procedure, billing and coding, health records management, and medical ethics. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice your skills and apply Diploma knowledge in a real medical office setting through practicum. 

Choosing a Diploma over a Certificate for your medical office administration career includes the following advantages: 

• more skills and experience to offer to employers, which could give you an edge over other candidates 
• confidence and satisfaction in your skillset, knowing that you’ve received the most comprehensive education possible for the role 
• better chances of financial aid, such as student loans and grants

Choosing Sundance College for your MOA Diploma also provides the advantage of studying online, so you can earn a respected qualification from the comfort of your home in Greater Moncton — and graduate ready for work in your city. Most students at Sundance receive provincial and federal student financial aid, which may include bursaries that don’t have to be paid back!

Job Outlook And Salary For Medical Office Assistants In Moncton

You might be wondering what kind of MOA job opportunities and income you can expect in Moncton. The advantage MOAs enjoy is high demand across Canada, especially in urban areas with more healthcare facilities and services. According to the Government of Canada, MOAs have good job prospects in New Brunswick for the foreseeable future. 

Moncton is a great place to work as an MOA, with a variety of settings and employers to choose from. You can find job opportunities in public or private healthcare facilities, hospitals or clinics, and general or specialized practices. To refine your search for open MOA positions in Moncton, you can use Google’s Job Search feature to filter by location, date posted, type, company, and more across many different online job boards.

Is Unit Clerk A Good Career In Moncton?  

If you’re considering working in a hospital setting, you may come across a different job title: Hospital Unit Clerk. This position involves handling clerical tasks for inpatient medical settings and is also in high demand in Moncton. MOA Diploma graduates can apply for both MOA and Unit Clerk positions

, as they have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in various healthcare settings. With some on-the-job orientation, an MOA can adapt to different provinces or health authorities, hospitals or insurance firms, dental offices, and private wellness settings such as medical spas and community health centers. 

How To Earn More As A Medical Office Assistant In Moncton

A rewarding and stable career in the healthcare field is possible for MOAs in Moncton. MOAs are essential healthcare workers, which is why doctors, nurses, and the public depend on them. They are the go-between for patients, medical staff, heath authorities, and others in the healthcare industry — and they’re compensated for their skills. The average hourly wage for MOAs in Moncton, New Brunswick is $23.00 per hour, or $ 47,840 per year. The highest 10% earn $26.25 per hour or $54,600 per year! 

Salary and wage depend on various factors, such as your education, experience, qualifications, performance, and seniority. It also depends on the type of healthcare facility and employer you work for, as some pay more or offer more benefits than others. 

In comparison, the minimum wage in New Brunswick is $14.75 per hour; If you work full-time at minimum wage for a year, you would earn $30,680 — which can present challenges. 

Moncton may not have as high a cost of living as other cities, like Vancouver and Calgary, but you still want an above-average salary to help you offset the cost of housing, food, and goods when compared with lower-skilled jobs. Fortunately, MOAs in New Brunswick, and Moncton especially, earn significantly more than minimum wage as essential healthcare workers and enjoy better job security. There is a range to these salaries, however. It’s best to increase your chances of earning a higher wage as an MOA starting out in Moncton; here are some tips to get you earning more: 

• After graduating from a Medical Office Administration Diploma program at a reputable career college such as Sundance College, look for a job in a hospital or a specialized clinic. These settings usually pay more than a family doctor or a dentist’s office.   
• Look for a position with New Brunswick health authorities, employing unionized workers. Unionized workers often have higher wages and better benefits than non-unionized workers.
• Use your professional network and seek out the best opportunities. Ask your classmates, instructors, practicum supervisors, or career services advisors for referrals or recommendations. 
• Keep updating your skills and knowledge through continuing education or certification courses. The more skills and qualifications you have, the more valuable you are to employers.

Try to boost your income potential and career prospects as an MOA in Moncton. When becoming an MOA in this city, you can also enjoy more satisfaction and fulfillment in your work, knowing that you are making a difference in people’s lives. It can be even more satisfying staying in your hometown where your family is while others move away to compete for opportunities in various provinces. 

MOAs’ Most Valuable Skills For Success In Moncton-Based Careers

Medical Office Assistants interact with patients, staff, and other healthcare professionals on a daily basis, so you need to have a diverse range of skills to provide quality care and service. These skills can be divided into two categories, generally, hard skills and soft skills. 

Hard skills are technical competencies that can be learned through training and practice. They are specific to your job and can be measured or tested. Some examples of hard skills that MOAs in Moncton should possess are:

• Transcribing medical reports and correspondence 
• Processing insurance claims  
• Record-keeping and data entry 
• Utilizing medical office software 
• Following infection control and safety protocols 
• Understanding medical terminology and anatomy 

Soft skills are personal competencies that are related to your personality, attitude, and behaviour. They are often transferable across different jobs and industries, and they are harder to quantify or evaluate. Some examples of soft skills that MOAs in Moncton should exhibit are: 

• Organization and time management 
• Communication and customer service 
• Problem-solving and critical thinking 
• Professionalism and confidentiality 
• Teamwork and collaboration 
• Empathy and compassion  
• Bilingual Fluency (English and French) may or may not be required 

It’s important to note that some job postings in Moncton may require bilingual fluency (English and French), when serving patients in one of the few cities in Canada officially requiring bilingual communications. 

Prospective MOA candidates should keep this in mind when applying for positions and address the medical office in its preferred official language. Being bilingual can also help you communicate better with patients and colleagues from different immigration backgrounds and diverse indigenous or immigrant cultures.

How To Develop MOA Skills Through Post-Secondary Education 

The best way to develop these essential skills and acquire the necessary knowledge to start a career as an MOA in Moncton is to complete a post-secondary Diploma program in medical office administration from a reputable college with good reviews on Google. 

A quality program will provide you with both theoretical and practical training in the core aspects of medical office administration. Students learn essential skills from experienced instructors who have worked in the field and have insights into the latest trends and best practices. You will also have opportunities to apply your skills in real-world scenarios through simulations, projects, and notably, practicum. 

Explore The Career Opportunities For MOAs In Moncton

After graduating from a respected program like Sundance College’s Diploma, you can make the most of your education as you will be qualified to apply for different job titles in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and wellness centres. With your MOA Diploma in hand, you can pursue many opportunities to grow and advance your career in various medical settings. 

Moncton sits on a divide between New Brunswick’s 2 regional health authorities, Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network; decide on which you’d like to apply to based on your commute, or apply to both! Some of the common roles that MOAs can perform include the following titles: 

• Medical Billing Clerk 
• Patient Coordinator 
• Medical Scheduler 
• Hospital Unit Clerk 
• Medical Transcriptionist 
• And more 

How Can You Advance Your Career As An MOA?

As you gain more experience and skills as an MOA, you can also pursue more senior positions that offer higher pay and more significant responsibilities. The career paths available to MOAs with multiple years of experience include: 

• Medical Office Manager 
• Clinic Manager
• Medical Office Trainer

Becoming an MOA in Moncton can open up many doors for you in the health field. You will have the chance to work in different medical settings, apply for various job titles, and advance your career as you gain more skills and experience — and your skills are of use across Canada in case you want to start a life out-of-province.

Why Becoming An MOA In Greater Moncton Will Get Your Career On Track

If you are looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to help people in need and work in the healthcare field, you should consider becoming an MOA in Moncton. No matter your past experiences with school, you can enjoy success as an MOA graduate. You can take advantage of many benefits and opportunities that make this career choice worthwhile, and you’ll be ready to start earning by the time your practicum has concluded. 

Isabel, an MOA student wrote in a Google Review, “it is a good college; they gave me a chance even knowing that I don’t have my high school diploma. Also the teachers are great.”   

Becoming an MOA in Moncton is a great career choice that offers many benefits and opportunities in New Brunswick and abroad. To achieve this career goal, complete a post-secondary program in medical office administration from a reputable career college that can provide you with the skills and knowledge that provincial health authorities and private wellness clinics expect. 

If you’re ready to start your journey to becoming an MOA in Halifax, don’t wait any longer. Apply online to Sundance College’s Medical Office Administration Diploma

 program and take your career in the right direction!