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Montreal is one of Canada’s most famous cities, home to cultural and economic centres that impress Canadians and visitors alike. It is the administrative centre of the Montreal Region, and — and an interconnected urban area accounting for 60% of Quebec’s population. As of 2021, Montreal had a metropolitan population of over 3,675,219, requiring multiple health authorities to handle the administrative and clinical needs of patients in the area.
Montreal and the other parts of Quebec rely on Quebec health authorities for planning, funding, and administering public healthcare throughout the province. Montreal’s health authorities in particular stand to benefit from a portion of $25 billion set aside for healthcare deals between the federal government and provincial healthcare systems, meaning greater Montreal stands to benefit from further resources.
But resources are not enough. The healthcare system also needs skilled and dedicated workers open to dedicated healthcare career paths. One of the key roles is the Medical Office Assistant (MOA), the administrative arm of a hospital, a clinic, or a private practice. They do many tasks to keep things running smoothly, such as scheduling appointments, billing patients, filing records, answering phone calls, and assisting doctors and nurses.
The best way to learn these skills is by taking a Medical Office Administration Diploma program. But what else do you need to know to become a successful MOA in Montreal or anywhere else in Canada?
This article explores skills and college education, salary outlook, and the current opportunities available in both public and private healthcare settings in greater Montreal — which includes populations in Laval and Longueuil, stretching out to towns in Montérégie to the south and Laurentides in the north.
Training & Education Requirements Of A Medical Office Assistant In Montreal
As a Medical Office Assistant, you can work in many different places that offer health care services. Some of these places are:
- CISSS de Laval or Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal
- Family care centres like Le centre de santé Meraki
- Local community services centres (CLSC)
- Walk-in clinics
- Home care centres
- Ambulatory care clinics
- Immunization clinics
- Plastic surgery centres
- Insurance companies
- Chiropractic clinics
- Naturopathic clinics
- Acupuncture clinics
- Community health centres
- Long-term care centres
- Dental clinics
- Optometry clinics
- And more
Montreal has numerous workplaces just like this, so you’ll have your choice of job opportunities as an MOA. But to get hired, you need more than just a high school diploma or its equivalent. In order to become an MOA you need to show that you have the skills and knowledge to work in a medical setting.
That's why most employers prefer MOAs who have completed a Medical Office Administration program. This program will give you an edge over other candidates by teaching you how to handle administrative tasks and use medical terms for practical results in a professional way.
What Are The Benefits Of a Diploma Over A Certificate In Medical Office Administration?
As an aspiring MOA, you have a choice to make. Do you want to take a Certificate or a Diploma program? Both options can teach you some of the same things through overlaps in similar courses, but the level of job readiness is not the same. A Diploma program is longer and more thorough. It usually about a year to finish, but it covers everything you need to know to work in different medical settings.
You also get to apply what you learn in a real workplace through a practicum. A practicum is a great way to show employers that you have the skills and experience to work as an MOA right away. A Certificate program, on the other hand, is shorter and less comprehensive. Certificates can be done in a few weeks or as much as a few months, but you might not learn as much about healthcare. You might also not get the chance to practice what you learn in a real workplace. And you might have a harder time getting financial aid for a Certificate program than with a Diploma program.
The Advantage Of An Online Medical Office Assistant Diploma
Working as an MOA in Montreal can be a rewarding career. But to get the skills your employers will expect, you need to have the right education. A Diploma program can help you get these skills and duty-specific knowledge any MOA jobseeker needs to work in Montreal's medical settings, from hospitals to clinics. You can learn how to assist patients during their visits, keep their information confidential, and bill the provincial healthcare system correctly. It's up to you whether you work for a public or private healthcare employer, depending on what you prefer.
A good Medical Office Administration Diploma program will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful MOA in Canada. From the comfort of your home in Montreal or towns near it along the St. Lawrence River, look for a program that allows you to study topics and skills that are important for MOAs, such as anatomy and physiology, medical transcription, medical terminology, coding and billing procedures for both public and private insurance, specialized computer software for medical offices, and more. These courses can be taught through online learning platforms, so you're ready for your role in the healthcare system. Add a practicum to your training and education and the skills you developed from home are put to good use right away in your new MOA position.
What Are the Average Salaries And Job Prospects And for Medical Office Assistants in Montreal?
Becoming a Medical Office Assistant (MOA) in Montreal comes with plenty of opportunities. MOAs enjoy high demand across Canada, especially in urban areas where there are more healthcare facilities and services. And Montreal, like the rest of Quebec, has an exceptional career outlook. The Government of Canada reports that MOAs have very good job prospects in Quebecvii for many years to come.
Montreal and area is one of the best places to work as an MOA, as it offers a variety of settings and employers to choose from, such as:
- Public or private healthcare facilities
- Hospitals or clinics
- General or specialized practices
You can use Google's Job Search feature to refine your search for open MOA positions in Montreal by location, date posted, type, company, and more across many different online job boards. This method can help you find the best match for your skills and preferences.
MOA Vs Unit Clerk
MOAs who work in hospitals may have a different job title: Hospital Unit Clerk. They handle clerical tasks for inpatient medical settings and work for Montreal’s multiple health authorities. The job title, employer, pay, union status, and employment benefits of Unit Clerk at a hospital or an MOA elsewhere may vary depending on whether they work in a hospital or an outpatient healthcare facility.
MOA Diploma graduates can apply for both MOA and Unit Clerk positions, as they have the skills and knowledge to work in various healthcare settings. They can also adapt to different provinces or health authorities; hospitals or insurance firms; dentists', laser eye surgeons’, or ophthalmologists' offices; and several private wellness settings such as dental aesthetic clinics, community health centers, and medical spas with some on-the-job orientation.
How Much Is The Salary Of A Medical Office Assistant In Ottawa?
The minimum wage in the province of Quebec is $15.25 per hour; if you work full-time (40 hours per week) for a year, you would earn $31,720 in salary. In comparison, the base salary of a Medical Office Assistant is $47,134. As one of the highest costs of living among Canadian cities, you will appreciate this above average salary to help you pay more on housing, food, and goods than in the rest of the country. Fortunately, MOAs in Montreal earn more than minimum wage as essential healthcare workers and enjoy better job security.
Some might earn more or less depending on their educational background, experience, qualifications, performance, and seniority. Furthermore, some healthcare facilities pay more or offer more benefits than others for MOAs because they have higher demand, more complex tasks, or more specialized services. Many earn close to $21 per hour — and the highest-earning 10% of Montreal’s MOAs earn $24.33 per hour, a salary of $50,606.40.
You might wonder, how can you increase your chances of earning a higher salary as an MOA starting out in Montreal? Here are some tips:
- After graduating from a Medical Office Assistant Diploma, jobseekers might find that working for a hospital or a specialized clinic pays more than working for a family doctor or a dentist.
- Research the different types of healthcare facilities that hire MOAs and see which ones pay better or offer more benefits.
- Look for a position with a Montreal health authority employing unionized workers.
- Use your professional network and seek out the best opportunities.
- Keep updating your skills and knowledge through continuing education or certification courses.
MOAs’ Most Valuable Skills For Success In Montreal-Based Careers
As a Medical Office Assistant (MOA), jobseekers need a range of skills to perform your duties efficiently and effectively. The skills that all administrative staff need for work in any medical setting can be divided into two categories: hard skills and soft skills. These are the technical and personal competencies that are essential for MOAs, as they help you provide quality care and service to patients, staff, and other health care providers.
Hard skills are the technical competencies that are specific to your field and can be learned through training and practice. Some examples of hard skills for Montreal-based MOAs are:
- Transcribing medical reports and correspondence
- Invoicing patients and processing insurance claims
- Record-keeping and data entry
- Using medical office software
- Understanding medical terminology and anatomy
- Following infection control and safety protocols
Soft skills are also very important, and key to your ultimate success in any career. Some ideas to prioritize in your list of soft skills for MOAs are:
- Organization
- Communication
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Professionalism and confidentiality
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Empathy and compassion
- Bilingual fluency
Both hard skills and soft skills are important for MOAs, as they help you succeed in various work environments, such as hospitals, clinics, labs, or dental offices. To develop your skills as an MOA, it’s best to complete a post-secondary program in medical office administration from a college with good Google reviews.
Some job postings you’ll find might require bilingual fluency, depending on where you work in Montreal, and some may even prefer French speakers. Keep it in mind when you’re applying and try to address the medical office in their preferred official language. By keeping all of these skills in mind, you will be ready to start your career as an MOA in Montreal or anywhere else in Canada.
Career Opportunities For Medical Office Assistants In Montreal
Working in the health field and helping people in need are two great motivations for becoming a MOA. But where will you get your start? An MOA Diploma from a reputable career college can open many doors for you in this rewarding profession.
As an MOA, you can find employment in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, and wellness centres. Your employers might be private, especially in the case of wellness centres. Or, you might get your start in one of Montreal’s 10 separate health authorities. Some of the common job titles you can apply for after completing your MOA diploma program are:
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Patient Coordinator
- Medical Scheduler
- Hospital Unit Clerk
- Medical Billing Clerk
- And more
As you gain more experience and skills as an MOA, you can also advance your career and take on more responsibilities. Some of the senior positions you can pursue as an MOA are:
- Medical Office Manager
- Medical Office Trainer
- Clinic Manager
Why Becoming An MOA In Montreal And Area Is A Good Career Choice
As one of the most populous cities in Canada, Montreal has a high demand for healthcare services. This creates a steady need for healthcare professionals, including Medical Office Assistants (MOAs), to support the healthcare infrastructure.
Medical services are always needed, making healthcare a relatively stable industry. This stability extends to MOAs, who play a vital role in the functioning of healthcare facilities.
MOAs can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, and even insurance companies. This diversity allows you to choose an environment that suits your preference.
To take advantage of these varied opportunities, you need the skills, knowledge and training that health employers are looking for. Sundance College’s MOA program covers all the essential skills and knowledge you need to succeed as an MOA, such as medical terminology, anatomy, billing, transcription, scheduling, and more. Students also complete a 5-week practicum where you will apply what you learned in a real-world health setting, such as a clinic. Get the training you need to enjoy job security and fulfilling work in one of Canada’s most famous and culturally developed cities.
Applying to our online program is easy and convenient — and you can do it online from anywhere in Quebec, whether you live in Montreal or another city or town nearby. Have a friendly chat with one of our Academic Advisors — who will guide you through the application process, assess your suitability for the program, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
If you want to become an MOA in Montreal and enjoy a rewarding career in the health field, apply to our MOA Diploma program online and get started on your journey! To find out more about completing your Diploma and beginning your new career in less than a year, speak with a Sundance College Advisor!