How To Become A Medical Office Assistant In Red Deer

Situated in Alberta’s QEII Highway corridor, Red Deer has become an important city not only in Alberta but in Canada as well. Red Deer has had a population of over 100K since 2013 and relies on its healthcare system to keep its community healthy. 16% of Red Deer’s population is over the age of 65 — an age group in need of more frequent care.

Alberta, as a province, relies on its health authority, Alberta Health Services, for planning, funding, and delivering public health care services. Alberta Health Services will benefit from $24.18 billion over 10 years from the federal government as part of a deal to modernize healthcare systems across the country. This outcome means that Red Deer can draw more resources in future to improve the accessibility of healthcare for Albertans in a changing world. 

The province also needs skilled and dedicated workers open to dedicated rewarding health care careers. One of the key roles in any healthcare facility and even private wellness clinics is the position of Medical Office Assistant (MOA), the administrative expert in a medical setting. Their purpose is to conduct all activities that keep a medical office, hospital ward or unit, and private wellness business running smoothly, such as scheduling appointments, billing patients, filing records, answering phone calls, and assisting doctors, administration, and nurses.  

If you think your calling might be helping people and making a positive impact in their lives, you should consider a career as a Medical Office Assistant (MOA). MOAs are a key part of the healthcare system, providing administrative support to hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They help keep things organized and efficient by scheduling appointments, billing patients, filing records, answering phone calls, and assisting doctors and nurses. 

If you’re ready to pursue a career as an MOA in Red Deer and the surrounding areas, such as Blackfalds, Lacombe, and Sylvan Lake, we’ll show you the main steps you’ll need to take. 

Education & Training A Medical Office Assistant In Red Deer Needs

There are many employment opportunities available to aspiring Medical Office Assistants. Red Deer is home to a range of public and private health and wellness facilities, including: 

• Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre
• Ebenezar Medical and Walk-in Clinic
• Ebenezar Occupational Medical Services
• Alberta Health Services (offices) 
• Bayshore Home Health 
• Acupuncture clinics
• Care Gateway Medical Red Deer 
• Dental clinics
• Optometry clinics
• Chiropractic clinics
• Naturopathic clinics
• Home care centres
• Immunization clinics
• Insurance companies
• And more 

MOAs can expect a career in various healthcare settings, from long-term care facilities to naturopathic clinics or private practices. For success in this type of role, you’ll need to have skills in medical record-keeping, public and private insurance billing, medical transcription, and medical office procedures. These skills help you perform your duties efficiently and professionally. 

To acquire these skills, you’ll need to complete a post-secondary Medical Office Administration Diploma

 program from a well-reviewed career college. After all, many employers prefer to hire MOAs who have formal education and training in the field, and those who are ready to jump in on their first day are much more employable than those without education. This qualification will prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of working as a Medical Office Assistant in Red Deer.

Why A Diploma Is Better Than A Certificate For Becoming An MOA In Red Deer  

If you want to become an MOA in Canada, you have two options for getting trained: a Diploma or a Certificate. But which one yields more career success? 

A Medical Office Administration Diploma is a longer and more comprehensive program that covers all the skills you need to work as an MOA in any healthcare setting. It can take around a year to complete, and good colleges include a practicum option where you get real-world experience in a medical office, clinic, or hospital as a final stage of your education. 

A Certificate is a shorter and more limited program that offers only some of the essential skills you need to work as an MOA. It can last from a few months to a couple of semesters and may not include some courses or a practicum for a more comprehensive skillset. 

If you want to become a Medical Office Administrator in Red Deer, the best way to prepare for this career is by enrolling in a comprehensive Diploma program. A Diploma provides more in-depth and practical training in the technical aspects of the MOA position, such as medical terminology, software, equipment, billing, and transcription. A Diploma will also make you more confident and competent in your role. 

A Diploma will also give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for MOA jobs in Red Deer or nearby. It shows employers that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to perform your MOA duties effectively and professionally. 

For example, Sundance College’s MOA Diploma program includes courses in:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Medical Terminology 
• Medical Transcription
• Medical Clinic Procedures
• Coding & billing systems for public and privately insured medical offices
• Medical Office Procedures
• First Aid & CPR Certification
• And more 

Offering more thorough training than Certificate programs, Diploma curricula equip you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to easily transition into your MOA role.

Job Outlook And Salary For Your Dream Job as a Medical Office Administrator in Red Deer

The key to success in this field is in finding a job that suits your education, background, and goals. And this is where Red Deer shines as a great place to start your career as an MOA. Additionally, the job outlook for MOAs in Alberta is above average compared to past years, with moderately good demand forecasted in comparison with the rest of the country. To give you an idea of how many opportunities are available for MOAs in Red Deer, you can find multiple opportunities in a variety of healthcare or private wellness settings. 

Try Google’s Job Search feature and refine your search for MOA positions according to your preferred commute and medical setting. You’re not limited to Red Deer either; an MOA Diploma opens doors for you across the country as your work becomes increasingly in demand due to aging populations and a prioritized healthcare response. 

Visit our blog page for MOAs’ job outlook in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal especially, and broaden your horizons — to cities in provinces with a developing shortage of administrative healthcare workers! 

Is Unit Clerk A Good Career In Red Deer?

You may also want to consider a related position called a Hospital Unit Clerk. Both roles require similar skills and knowledge, and there is significant overlap in job duties, but the work environment and salary may vary. 

While MOAs typically work in outpatient medical settings, Hospital Unit Clerks provide administrative support in hospitals. That being said, your options for where to work and what you’ll be paid might vary depending on the health care unit you work in. 

Check in with Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and Alberta Health Services offices for positions offered by AHS. As communities around the QEII highway and Highway 11 junction grow, so does the demand for essential services like medical office administration — so hospitals continue to support a healthy population. 

What Is The Average Salary Of A Medical Office Administrator In Red Deer?

One of the most common questions that people have when considering a career as a Medical Office Administrator (MOA) in Red Deer is how much they can earn. After all, you want to make sure that your chosen profession can provide you with a comfortable and stable income for years to come, especially if you’ve invested in a reputable MOA Diploma. 

The good news is that MOAs in Red Deer can enjoy a good salary that reflects their skills and responsibilities. The average hourly rate for an MOA in Red Deer is $20 per hour, which is $1 more than the national average.  

To put this into perspective, let’s compare Alberta’s current minimum wage of $15 per hour to the median salary for an MOA in Red Deer. If you worked full-time as an MOA in Red Deer the average salary would be $41,600 per year compared a minimum wage of $31,200. That’s $10,400 more per year. $52,000 more in five years! 

Try to maximize your earning potential as a recent MOA Diploma graduate. You can also research the different types of healthcare facilities that hire MOAs to find the ones that offer the highest salaries or total-reward benefits. Additionally, working for a hospital or specialized clinic may pay more than working for a family doctor or dentist. 

You can also look for a position with Alberta Health Services, which employs unionized workers and may offer an attractive salary. 

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Medical Office Assistant in Red Deer?

You’ve set a goal to earn an MOA’s starting wage but you first need to secure the job by advertising in-demand skills to the employer you have in mind. What skills do you need to become an MOA in Red Deer? As with MOAs in any other part of Canada, the key is a combination of hard and soft skills, most of which can be developed through a Diploma with a practicum option. 

Hard skills are the technical skills that you can learn through education and training. They include: 

• Using specialized software for health billing and health records management 
• Understanding medical terminology
• Transcribing medical reports and correspondence 
• Following infection control and safety protocols 
• Learning clinical procedures 

Soft skills are the interpersonal skills that you can develop through experience and practice; by completing a practicum, you can gain first-hand experience in the job and prioritize their development — since your previous MOA Diploma classes have already granted you an MOA’s hard skills. Such soft skills include:

• Organization
• Communication 
• Customer service 
• Problem-solving 
• Professionalism and confidentiality 
• Teamwork and collaboration 
• Empathy and compassion 

Career Paths MOAs In Red Deer Can Pursue

As an MOA, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and advance in your career. You’ll be able to network with healthcare professionals and gain hands-on experience in various settings. You’ll also be able to choose from a range of job titles and specializations, depending on your interests and goals. Some of the possible job titles for MOAs are: 

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

To stand out from the crowd and land your dream job, you’ll need a Diploma from a reputable college with successful alumni, such as Sundance College. Our Medical Office Administrator – Health Unit Coordinator program instills the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field. You’ll also benefit from their practicum program and career support services, which will help you gain valuable experience and connections. 

After completing your Diploma, you can start your career as a Medical Receptionist, Medical Secretary, Medical Office Assistant, or Health Unit Coordinator. With hard work and dedication, you can move up the ladder and become a Medical Office Manager, Medical Office Assistant Clinic Coordinator, or Medical Office Trainer — or take on roles in new areas such as pharmaceutical supply companies, mental health centres, or public health departments.

Start Your Future in Healthcare as a Medical Office Assistant in Red Deer

Becoming an MOA in Red Deer is a defining career move that can lead to a fulfilling future in Alberta’s growing healthcare industry. From day one on the job, you’ll need administrative and technical skillsets to meet the demands of this in-demand field. 

To stand out in job applications, you need the right background, skills, and qualifications that highlight your job readiness. Sundance College’s reputable post-secondary program in medical office administration can help you achieve this, with hands-on training through college curriculum including practical exercises and a 5-week practicum placement at a real healthcare facility. 

Choose to study online in Red Deer or in person at our campuses in Calgary or Edmonton,  and we will do all we can for you to have a 5-star experience like MOA student Bhabeskie Diaz who said, “Very satisfied with the information, support and all detailed as needed. Especially on how they respond to your questions and inquiries! Thanks Sundance College and keep up the good work”. 

Our MOA program can be completed in as little as 43 weeks with flexible scheduling, small class sizes, responsive instruction, career services, and financial aid options. By choosing Sundance College,  you join a supportive community of instructors, staff, and peers who will help you succeed every step of the way. 

Get in touch with us today to speak with an Academic Advisor and take the first step toward your career in healthcare.