Please note:

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

Launch your career as an essential member of health-care services, by preparing yourself for a role necessary to a variety of medical offices, long-term care facilities, or even the insurance industry.

Conestoga's Medical Office Practices program will provide you with the necessary computer skills using systems commonly found in health care offices. You will gain the necessary hands-on experience in medical document production, patient scheduling, and billing through the widely used Electronic Medical Records software (EMR).

This program is offered in full-time and part-time delivery.

Program information

All courses must be successfully completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.

Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$4,800.00.

*This is the estimated amount for domestic students and may differ if students take equivalent courses. Fees are paid when registering for each individual course and are subject to change each term.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or 19 years of age or older
  • Grade 12 English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251)

  • For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading

Note re: admission requirements

  • Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and research in the English Language.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Attach proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

  • Students in the Health Office and Medical Office programs should demonstrate:
    • the physical ability to "touch type" to industry standards (NOTE: a graduation requirement).
    • the physical ability to read and complete standard industry documents.
    • a strong interest and aptitude in computer applications.
    • a solid base of written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
    • the ability to produce work-related documentation to time-sensitive deadlines.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Medical Office Practices program who wish to further their education in an administrative capacity will be well suited to apply to the Health Office Administration program at Conestoga with advanced standing. Successful graduates of the Medial Office certificate would be eligible for acceptance into the second year of the Health Office Administration diploma program.

Unsure of which program best suits your long-term career goals? Student Recruitment Advisors can provide one to one advising for prospective domestic students looking to take a program at Conestoga College. Please reach out to SRA@conestogac.on.ca to book an appointment!

On average, 80% of graduates from the last three years (2018 to 2020) found employment within six months of graduation.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Use a comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, and medical, dental, alternative care and insurance terminology to address client and patient needs specific to medical office situations.
  • Explain the history and organization of the health care system at both the federal and provincial levels and the roles and scope of practice of health care professionals operating within the Canadian health care system from a broad perspective.
  • Apply basic health office administrative skills, including entry-level keyboarding and document-production skills, transcription, word processing, and office procedures to complete medical office tasks and responsibilities.
  • Use software packages effectively for a variety of health office and business applications.
  • Perform the fundamental routines, responsibilities and practices required in various health office environments relating to appointments, reception duties, telephone, triage, mail, and other associated tasks
  • Produce accurate and timely financial and billing records for a variety of health office environments.
  • Produce accurate medical correspondence and reports using transcription and other manual and electronic methods at an introductory level.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024