| SAIT.ca - Health Information Office Assistant - Program and Career Overview 
This page contains detailed information about SAIT Polytechnic's Health Information Office Assistant Program. Learn about the program and find out if it is a good fit for you! For further details on admission requirements, selection criteria, tuition, and more, click here to view the Academic Calendar. (Opens new browser window)
Program Overview About the program
Be part of the leading edge in electronic medical records. Health Information Office Assistant students are provided with the knowledge, aptitude, and skill required to support the duties of an electronic medical/health office. - Five-month certificate
- Fall & winter start dates
- Fieldwork placement / practicum
"Students coming from this program are highly qualified. The students have been very well received in our admitting departments."
~ Lynn Roy
Manager, Admitting
Alberta Children's Hospital Students learn: - Medical terminology.
- Health information law.
- Computer fundamentals and concepts.
- The importance of privacy and confidentiality of patient information.
- Medical office procedures.
- Medical accounting and physician billing.
- Patient scheduling.
The program includes: - Sixteen weeks of classroom learning followed by:
- One three-week semester which includes two-weeks of fieldwork practicum at a clinic, physician office, or healthcare site in or outside Calgary. (A practicum provides non-paid work experience working in a clinical environment and allows graduates to develop on-the-job experience.)
- Experience in electronic medical record software to learn patient scheduling, physician billing, and accounting practices.
Is this program right for me?
You might enjoy this program if you: - Like working with people.
- Have an aptitude for computer programs (plus typing skills of at least 40 wpm).
- Have effective communication skills in English.
- Possess good organizational and decision-making skills.
What skills do I need to be successful?
Many health professionals succeed by having the following skills: - Ability to organize and plan.
- Interpersonal skills.
- "Professional" empathy with patients.
- Team player.
- Adaptable to changing technology.
- Problem solving skills.
Program Flexibility
This program is 5-months in length. Starting dates are in September and in January. Work-study Options
The two-week unpaid fieldwork practicum is held at a clinic, physician office, or healthcare site in or outside Calgary. Transfer Options
For program transfer options visit our Health and Public Safety Transfer Options page. Student Life
SAIT has many services available to students. Visit the Student Services Section of our website.
Career Overview
Career Outlook
Technological advances in healthcare combined with population growth and the aging of certain segments of our residents are creating a demand for trained medical assistants. The health care industry is experiencing development of the electronic medical office which is stimulating job growth in: - Health care facilities (including the Health Regions).
- Group medical practices.
- Clinics.
- Other health care facilities which need administrative support personnel.
What does a Health Information Office Assistant do?
The Health Information Office Assistant supports the duties of an electronic medical/health office by ensuring high standards in: - Medical office procedures
- Physician billing.
- Patient scheduling.
Health information professionals must ensure privacy and confidentiality of patient information at all times. What will my job be like?
Health information office assistants typically spend a majority of their time at a desk on a computer. Individuals interact with patients, other administrative staff and medical professionals. The work week is standard except where healthcare offices and client facilities are open longer hours. In this case, individuals may be required to work shifts. Working conditions for health information office assistants can vary depending on the clinical environment. What will my title be?
Graduates of our Health Information Office Assistant program find jobs as: - Health information office assistant.
- Medical office personnel.
- Health information assistants.
- Medical assistant.
- Health office administrators.
- Client care clerks.
How much will I make?
Salaries for administrative assistants vary depending on the responsibilities of the position and the qualifications of the worker. According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Medical Secretary occupational group working part-time or full-time average salary was $34,515 a year. Where will I work?
Health Information Office Assistant program graduates may find jobs in: - Physician offices.
- Hospitals.
- Clinics.
- Healthcare facilities.
- Surgical centres.
- Regional health centres.
- Other government agencies.
What's next?
Certified Health Information Office Assistants may join the Health Information Management Association of Alberta as an associate member and/or the Medical Assistant and Health Administrators of Calgary. If interested in pursuing additional education, Health Information Office Assistants may consider SAIT's Medical Transcriptionist or Health Information Management programs.
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