Office Administration – Health Services Program (S135)
Program Description
Program Overview
The Office Administration – Health Services program gives you the opportunity to develop the specialized skills you need to work in a variety of health care settings. These include relevant technological skills like computer applications and specialized software, medical terminology, clinical and office procedures, effective oral and written communication skills and soft skills such as interpersonal skills, teamwork and customer service.
Full Description
Office Administration – Health Services is a two-year diploma program that will prepare you to work effectively and efficiently in a health care office environment. These often dynamic settings can require a broad range of skills, including both technical and soft or "people" skills.
Some of the practical and technical skills include:
- computer applications and software
- medical terminology and anatomy
- transcription
- administrative and clinical office procedures
- billing for medical office settings
- health care law
We'll also prepare you to communicate effectively in a medical office environment by teaching you best practices with respect to:
- active listening
- effective writing for business communication
- oral communication skills
Your Field Education Options
During semester 4, students are on placement one day per week until the end of the semester at which point they have an intensive two-week placement period (five days per week).
While off-site, students will observe, shadow and practice the various skills required to successfully manage the day-to-day tasks that are applicable to the environment they are in such as registration, appointment scheduling, reception, mail, forms, records management, working with applicable software and hardware.
Students may also be involved in projects that require adherence to confidentiality and privacy laws. These projects may also draw upon their soft skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Requirements for successful completion of work placement include demonstration of work readiness behaviour through exemplary attendance and punctuality as well as professional conduct and attire.
Typical sites vary broadly and can include community and teaching hospitals, urgent care, long-term care facilities, clinics and diagnostic facilities.
Students have had placements in diverse areas such as family practice, medical and surgical specialities, physiotherapy sports medicine specialists, chiropractors and midwifery.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1206 | Technology and Information I |
| KB 1002 | Keyboarding I |
| SCI 1015 | Anatomy and Terminology I |
| STS 1034 | Strategies for Student Success |
| COMM 1007 | College English** |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1212 | Technology and Information II |
| KB 1003 | Keyboarding II |
| MATH 1030 | Foundation Mathematics for Health Services |
| OP 1013 | Office Procedures |
| SCI 1022 | Anatomy and Terminology II |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| HLTH 1024 | Introduction to Health Care Law |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BUS 2016 | Bookkeeping for the Medical Office Environment |
| CLIN 1003 | The Clinical Environment |
| COMP 1045 | Healthcare Documentation I |
| COMP 2142 | Technology and Information III – Excel |
| KB 2005 | Keyboarding III |
| OP 1009 | Health Insurance Billing I |
| SCI 2012 | Anatomy and Terminology III |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 2036 | Healthcare Documentation II |
| COMP 2143 | Technology and Information IV – Access |
| JOBS 1000 | Placement |
| JOBS 1001 | Career Launch |
| KB 2006 | Keyboarding Applications |
| OP 2013 | Health Insurance Billing II |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 1007. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
- Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
- Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
- Operate and provide support to others related to the use of office equipment and technologies.
- Evaluate, establish and administer health records management systems to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records.
- Produce financial and client billing records for health services by compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
- Produce health documents and reports using available technologies and applying industry standards.
- Use interpersonal and client service skills to respond to the diverse needs of clients, their family members and the health care team.
- Identify and use non-invasive clinical tasks to support effective and efficient health service operations.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and the selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- an information session is strongly recommended
- basic knowledge of keyboarding skills is recommended
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Special Requirements
Pre-placement Health Form (for second-year students only)
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for the program. It may take up to four months to complete all the requirements.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- For further details and to download the mandatory pre-placement health form, go to the Pre-placement website.
Police Vulnerable Sector Check (for second-year students only)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered "vulnerable persons" under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for "individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s)."
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
- Students who are unable to provide a "clear" police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a "not clear" status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
School of Health Services Management
For more information, email Yan Sang at yansang.feng@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Office Administration – Health Services Program (S135)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Program Overview
The Office Administration – Health Services program gives you the opportunity to develop the specialized skills you need to work in a variety of health care settings. These include relevant technological skills like computer applications and specialized software, medical terminology, clinical and office procedures, effective oral and written communication skills and soft skills such as interpersonal skills, teamwork and customer service.
Full Description
Office Administration – Health Services is a two-year diploma program that will prepare you to work effectively and efficiently in a health care office environment. These often dynamic settings can require a broad range of skills, including both technical and soft or "people" skills.
Some of the practical and technical skills include:
- computer applications and software
- medical terminology and anatomy
- transcription
- administrative and clinical office procedures
- billing for medical office settings
- health care law
We'll also prepare you to communicate effectively in a medical office environment by teaching you best practices with respect to:
- active listening
- effective writing for business communication
- oral communication skills
Your Field Education Options
During Semester 4, students are on placement one day per week until the end of the semester at which point they have an intensive two-week placement period (five days per week).
While off-site, students will observe, shadow and practice the various skills required to successfully manage the day-to-day tasks that are applicable to the environment they are in such as registration, appointment scheduling, reception, mail, forms, records management, working with applicable software and hardware.
Students may also be involved in projects that require adherence to confidentiality and privacy laws. These projects may also draw upon their soft skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Requirements for successful completion of work placement include demonstration of work readiness behaviour through exemplary attendance and punctuality as well as professional conduct and attire.
Typical sites vary broadly and can include community and teaching hospitals, urgent care, long-term care facilities, clinics and diagnostic facilities.
Students have had placements in diverse areas such as family practice, medical and surgical specialities, physiotherapy sports medicine specialists, chiropractors and midwifery.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
As a graduate you can become a vital member of a health care team in a variety of positions including, but not limited to:
- receptionist
- clerical assistant
- office administrator
- hospital unit clerk
There are a wide range of employment opportunities open to you in this field. Graduates of our program have found employment in:
- doctors' offices
- clinics
- hospitals
- pharmaceutical companies
- government agencies
- medical organizations
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1206 | Technology and Information I |
| KB 1002 | Keyboarding I |
| SCI 1015 | Anatomy and Terminology I |
| STS 1034 | Strategies for Student Success |
| COMM 1007 | College English** |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1212 | Technology and Information II |
| KB 1003 | Keyboarding II |
| MATH 1030 | Foundation Mathematics for Health Services |
| OP 1013 | Office Procedures |
| SCI 1022 | Anatomy and Terminology II |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| HLTH 1024 | Introduction to Health Care Law |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BUS 2016 | Bookkeeping for the Medical Office Environment |
| CLIN 1003 | The Clinical Environment |
| COMP 1045 | Healthcare Documentation I |
| COMP 2142 | Technology and Information III – Excel |
| KB 2005 | Keyboarding III |
| OP 1009 | Health Insurance Billing I |
| SCI 2012 | Anatomy and Terminology III |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 2036 | Healthcare Documentation II |
| COMP 2143 | Technology and Information IV – Access |
| JOBS 1000 | Placement |
| JOBS 1001 | Career Launch |
| KB 2006 | Keyboarding Applications |
| OP 2013 | Health Insurance Billing II |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM1003 (English Skills)*** or CESL1003 (English Skills – ESL)*** before progressing to COMM1007. COMM1003/CESL1003*** does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
***COMM1003/CESL1003 courses will be replaced by COMM1000 Introduction to College Communication starting with Winter 2022 intake.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
- Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
- Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
- Operate and provide support to others related to the use of office equipment and technologies.
- Evaluate, establish and administer health records management systems to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records.
- Produce financial and client billing records for health services by compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
- Produce health documents and reports using available technologies and applying industry standards.
- Use interpersonal and client service skills to respond to the diverse needs of clients, their family members and the health care team.
- Identify and use non-invasive clinical tasks to support effective and efficient health service operations.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and the selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- An information session is strongly recommended
- Basic knowledge of keyboarding skills is recommended
** Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature Students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Special Requirements
Pre-placement Health Form (for second-year students only)
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for the program. It may take up to four months to complete all the requirements.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- For further details and to download the mandatory pre-placement health form, go to the pre-placement website
Police Vulnerable Sector Check (for second-year students only)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered "vulnerable persons" under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for "individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s)."
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
- Students who are unable to provide a "clear" police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a "not clear" status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the pre-placement website
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
School of Health Services Management
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4542
Email: Kristina.Autio@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
