How to Become a Medical Office Assistant in Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a vibrant city at the heart of the Canadian Prairies, with a high standard of living and a city population of more than 317,480, having grown 7.6% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. As a growing city, Saskatoon requires a strong health care system to keep residents healthy! 

Saskatoon’s health care system is still recovering from staffing shortages caused by the pandemic. In response to such challenges, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has announced a plan to recruit, train, incentivize, and retain health care professionals — including nurses, psychiatric healthcare staff, and physicians. 

In light of the hiring initiative for nurses, physicians, and other direct patient care support workers, the demand for medical office assistants is expected to grow, as well. Medical Office Administrators play a vital role in supporting these health care professionals by managing administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on providing quality patient care. They are an essential part of a functional health unit or clinic. 

Saskatchewan’s 2023-24 budget includes a $20 million increase for 64 permanent acute and complex care beds at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon and the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. Additionally, $6.0 million will be allocated to enhance ICU capacity and services across the province. The budget also provides a $12.4 million increase for mental health and addictions initiatives, bringing the total investment in mental health care to $518 million — the largest in Saskatchewan’s history. 

Medical Office Assistants handle administrative tasks such as transcribing medical records, scheduling appointments, managing inventory, and billing insurance using specialized software. They may also assist with clinical duties like taking vital signs and measurements, working in a variety of healthcare settings to better support physicians and nurses in providing quality healthcare to patients. 

In this blog article, we’ll explore what Medical Office Assistants (MOA) do, the skills and qualifications they need, how to get trained and certified, and career opportunities within public and private healthcare settings in and around greater Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, including Warman and Martensville.

Education & Training Requirements To Become A Medical Office Assistant in Saskatoon

Saskatoon offers numerous job opportunities for Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) in both public and private healthcare facilities, including the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s inpatient care facilities. MOAs can also find employment in private and outpatient healthcare settings outside of hospitals, including:

• Chiropractic clinics 
• Naturopathic clinics 
• Acupuncture clinics 
• Community health centres
• Long-term care centres 
• Ambulatory care clinics
• Home care centres
• Dental clinics
• Optometry clinics
• Immunization clinics 
• Insurance companies
• And more 

MOAs must have skills in medical record-keeping, transcription, insurance billing and standard medical office procedures. Many employers prefer MOA candidates with post-secondary education. Earning a Diploma in Medical Office Administration can provide the necessary skills to stand out from other applicants. 

Medical Office Administrator Diplomas Vs Certificates

Aspiring Medical Office Administrators are faced with a pivotal decision: to pursue a Certificate or a Diploma program. Diplomas, which typically take 1-2 years to complete, offer an in-depth curriculum that prepares students for work in a variety of medical settings. Diplomas are often viewed more favorably on resumes and demonstrate a stronger commitment to the career path. Some Diploma programs, like the one offered by Sundance College, include practicum training to help students seamlessly transition from the classroom to the workplace. 

Certificates are shorter programs that can be completed in just a few weeks or months. While they may provide a basic foundation of knowledge, they often lack the depth offered by Diploma programs; for example, they typically don’t include a practicum placement. Additionally, Certificate programs may not be eligible for the same financial aid benefits as Diplomas.

Reasons To Get A Medical Office Assistant Diploma

Earning a Medical Office Assistant Diploma will provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to thrive as an MOA in Saskatoon. MOAs are responsible for critical tasks

 such as timely billing of the provincial healthcare system, managing confidential records, and assisting patients during appointments. A Medical Office Assistant Diploma prepares you to perform these essential duties from day one in the healthcare setting of your choice. 

MOA Diplomas include courses vital to your success in the healthcare system, such as anatomy & physiology, medical transcription, medical terminology, coding & billing systems for public and privately insured medical offices, computer software and more. Diploma curriculums focus on practical skills and in-depth knowledge that can be applied in medical settings across the country. 

Medical Office Assistants’ Job Outlook & Salary In Saskatoon

The job outlook for MOAs in Saskatoon is promising, with nationwide trends indicating that demand for Medical Office Assistants will exceed supply. From 2022 through 2031, the Government of Canada expects 41,100 new medical administrative assistant jobs and only 36,400 applicants. The skills gained through a Diploma can be transferred between provinces, different health authorities, and myriad private wellness clinics, providing even more opportunities. 

Job opportunities for MOAs in Saskatoon can be found on the Saskatchewan Health Authority job board and similar job search sites. These openings include work in clinics, personal care homes, and hospitals.  

MOAs employed in hospitals are often known as Hospital Unit Clerks and focus on clerical work. Your employer, salary, and benefits may vary depending on whether you work as a Unit Clerk at a hospital or an MOA in an outpatient healthcare setting such as a walk-in clinic. 

How Much Can A Medical Office Administrator Earn In Saskatoon? 

In Saskatoon, the provincial minimum wage is $14 per hour, working out to an annual salary of $29,120 for a full-time employee working 40 hours per week. MOAs in Saskatoon earn an average of $21.59 per hour or $44,907.20 per year.  

Factors such as your employer’s pay scale, local demand for MOAs, availability of full-time hours, and whether you work for a regional health authority can affect your starting wage. The highest average salary, reflecting the top 10% of salaries in Saskatoon, sits at $28.50/hour or an annual salary of $59,280. 

To determine your starting salary, it’s helpful to know the type of healthcare setting you want to work in. Research the position and employer you’re interested in or ask your professional network about new and upcoming opportunities! 

What Skills Are Required For A Medical Office Assistant? 

Medical Office Administrators require a combination of hard and soft skills to excel in their roles. Hard skills include technical abilities such as record-keeping, transcription, and billing. For example, an MOA working in Saskatoon must know how to use a Saskatchewan Health Card and specialized software to bill public health insurance for medical services. They must also have knowledge of Saskatchewan’s health insurance codes and medical terminology. 

Soft skills are equally important for an MOA’s success. Strong organizational skills are essential for managing data entry, patient records, and other detail-oriented tasks. Excellent communication skills and the ability to create a welcoming environment for staff and patients are also crucial for providing high-quality healthcare or wellness services. These soft skills are not only essential to making medical offices run but they’re easily transferable to other roles and career paths. 

What Jobs Can Medical Office Administrators Get Promoted To? 

A Medical Office Administration Diploma opens up a world of opportunities in the healthcare industry. After graduation, you may find employment in well-paying roles such as:

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

Experienced MOAs may advance to more senior positions within the Saskatchewan Health Authority or private health and wellness clinics. Potential job opportunities include:

• Medical Office Manager 
• Clinic Manager 
• Medical Office Trainer 
• And more 

Why Becoming An MOA In Saskatoon & Area Is An Empowering Career Choice 

These are just a few examples of the many job opportunities available for Medical Office Assistants in Saskatoon. With the right skills and qualifications, you could be well on your way to a rewarding career in the healthcare sector. Choosing to become an MOA in Regina or Saskatoon is a fulfilling career choice that supports both the healthcare system and wellness providers. With skilled MOAs in high demand to keep the healthcare field running efficiently, MOAs and Hospital Unit Clerks are popular career paths. 

While a degree is not required to become an MOA, most employers look for specialized post-secondary education and practical experience. Sundance College offers a Medical Office Administration Diploma with a 5-week practicum placement, providing students with valuable workplace experience and practical skills. Additionally, with the option to study online at Sundance College, you can earn your Diploma from the comfort of your own home. 

Sundance College students graduate with the technical knowledge, Career Services support, and hands-on experience to secure an MOA position in cities across Canada. Contact us to learn more about earning your Diploma and starting your career in less than a year.