Office Administration – Health Services Program (S135)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Training students to work at health care office administrators for 30 years.
Program Overview
The Office Administration – Health Services program will help you develop the specialized skills needed to work in a variety of health-care settings. You’ll learn 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
The Office Administration – Health Services (S135) two-year diploma program 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 you'll learn in the Office Administration – Health Services program 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
Field experience in the Office Administration – Health Services program plays an important role in preparing you for the real work ahead.
In semester 4, you will be on placement one day per week until the final two weeks of the program, during which time you will have an intensive two-week placement period (five days per week).
While off-site, you will observe, shadow and practise the various technical and time-management skills required to successfully manage the day-to-day tasks that are applicable to the environment you are in. These tasks may include:
- patient registration
- appointment scheduling
- reception duties
- mail, forms and records management
- working with applicable software and hardware
You may also be involved in projects that require adherence to confidentiality and privacy laws. Projects like these typically draw upon soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
To successfully complete the field placement component of the Office Administration – Health Services program, you will be required to demonstrate work-readiness behaviour through exemplary attendance and punctuality, as well as professional conduct and attire.
Office Administration – Health Services placement sites vary broadly and can include:
- community and teaching hospitals
- urgent care, long-term care facilities
- clinics and diagnostic facilities
- family practice, medical and surgical specialties
- physiotherapy sports medicine specialists
- chiropractors
- midwifery
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
| COMP 1206 | Technology and Information I |
| KB 1002 | Keyboarding I |
| SCI 1015 | Anatomy and Terminology I |
| STS 1034 | Strategies for Student Success |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1212 | Technology and Information II |
| HLTH 1024 | Introduction to Health Care Law |
| 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 |
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 |
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 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit the Assessment Centre web page 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 estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. This program is available for funding through our partnership with Passage, who provide student loans to qualified international student applicants. To find out more about this opportunity, and if you may qualify, visit our Passage page.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
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.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy (for 2nd year students only)
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (TDAP shot, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test) and proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every year. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student. To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The 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 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 Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a “clear” 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 vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit Clinical Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
For more information, contact the School of Health Services Management at 416-415-5000, ext. 2367 or email hsmprograms@georgebrown.ca
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Office Administration – Health Services Program (S135)
Program Description
Program Overview
The Office Administration – Health Services program will help you develop the specialized skills needed to work in a variety of health-care settings. You'll learn 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
The Office Administration – Health Services (S135) two-year diploma program 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 you'll learn in the Office Administration - Health Services program 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
Field experience in the Office Administration – Health Services program plays an important role in preparing you for the real work ahead.
In semester 4, you will be on placement one day per week until the final two weeks of the program, during which time you will have an intensive two-week placement period (five days per week).
While off-site, you will observe, shadow and practise the various technical and time-management skills required to successfully manage the day-to-day tasks that are applicable to the environment you are in. These tasks may include:
- patient registration
- appointment scheduling
- reception duties
- mail, forms and records management
- working with applicable software and hardware
You may also be involved in projects that require adherence to confidentiality and privacy laws. Projects like these typically draw upon soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
To successfully complete the field placement component of the Office Administration – Health Services program, you will be required to demonstrate work-readiness behaviour through exemplary attendance and punctuality, as well as professional conduct and attire.
Office Administration – Health Services placement sites vary broadly and can include:
- community and teaching hospitals
- urgent care, long-term care facilities
- clinics and diagnostic facilities
- family practice, medical and surgical specialties
- physiotherapy sports medicine specialists
- chiropractors
- midwifery
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
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 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
| COMM 1000 | Introduction to College Communication |
| 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 |
| HLTH 1024 | Introduction to Health Care Law |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
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 |
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 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit the Assessment Centre web page 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 estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. This program is available for funding through our partnership with Passage, who provide student loans to qualified international student applicants. To find out more about this opportunity, and if you may qualify, visit our Passage page.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
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.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy (for 2nd year students only)
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical recordss (TDAP shot, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test) and proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every year. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student. To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The 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 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 Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a "clear" 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 vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit Clinical Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
For more information, contact the School of Health Services Management at 416-415-5000, ext. 2367 or E-mail hsmprograms@georgebrown.ca
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
