Office Administration - Health Services (Accelerated)
Overview
If you're detail oriented, with strong organizational and communication skills, interested in learning about managing health care specific administrative tasks efficiently and gaining a solid understanding of medical terminology, this program is for you.
The Office Administration – Health Services diploma program is ideal for those students interested in providing support in a health and wellness care setting outside of the direct patient-care specialty. The types of positions in this field may include assisting medical practitioners and wellness professionals to keep the office operating effectively or supporting the many offices or departments of hospitals or health care facilities. Employers need health care administrative professionals with exceptional medical office and advanced-level technological skills, including skills in transcription of a wide range of medical data, the ability to provide excellent customer service and the organizational expertise and discretion to keep the office running smoothly.
The third term focuses on health services office administration with a concentration on medical terminology and its construction as well as a detailed background in anatomy and physiology as well as a course in dental anatomy. Students will be familiar with procedures required to operate a medical office including fundamentals of pharmacology, expert medical keyboarding, as well as OHIP billing and electronic records management. With a wide variety of hands-on practical experience built into the program through experiential learning, graduates of the Office Administration - Health Services program are fully trained to meet the demands of today's health care and wellness setting.
This is a 12-month, fast-track program that includes three consecutive terms.
Real World Experiences
Paid Student Positions
Office Administration students are often sought after to fill internal College office positions. Through financial aid programs, students can work on-campus in-between classes and also over the summer.
Experiences Built into Curriculum
Students participate in business meetings to learn and apply the essentials of meeting planning, preparation, and minute taking as part of the program.
Simulated Settings
Term 3 Health Services students practice medical transcription, complete OHIP billing, work with patient files, and a health records system to practice and apply their skills in a simulated environment.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Costs
- Year 1 $7,390.53
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Accounting Essentials
Administrative Assistants play a vital role in business operations, and understanding accounting fundamentals is a key qualification. This course introduces students to accounting for a small business concern with a study of the fundamental principles and methods of record-keeping. Topics covered in this course include the following: basic bookkeeping skills as well as accounting applications for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking activities, and payroll. This course is designed to prepare students with essential accounting knowledge and skills necessary to excel in an administrative role and contribute to the financial health of an organization.
Spreadsheet Essentials
This hands-on course introduces students to the power of spreadsheets with emphasis on creating worksheets that are always well-planned, well-constructed, and beautifully formatted. Students will manage large sets of numbers, names, dates, and analyze all kinds of information, so creating workbooks, worksheets, and chart sheets is needed. Students analyze practical business examples that develop the skills and know-how to apply them to different environments.
Professional Presentation Design
Students will develop proficiency using presentation software tools in this course. Students will learn how to create, design, and present business materials and presentations using a wide variety of editing and formatting features, sophisticated visual elements, sound, video, templates, interactive graphics and more. Emphasis will be placed on creating effective designs. Students use team building skills to develop and facilitate a group presentation.
Computer Technology
In this comprehensive course, students learn the latest Windows operating system features and a host of innovative features designed to enhance productivity and creativity in the office. Students learn the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its applications, and implications for the future. The course covers organizational skills, cloud computing, and digital information management. Students are introduced to social media, digital citizenship, digital security, and effective Internet research using the latest browser technology. Through immersive, hands-on projects, students integrate cutting- edge digital technologies, cultivating essentials skills for excelling in modern, technology - driven workplaces
Keyboarding & Proofreading
Students in this course will master the keyboard using a web-based software program, with an emphasis on proper keyboarding techniques, speed and accuracy. Students will acquire the skills to prepare various business documents, such as emails, memos and letters according to current business standards and within realistic timeframes. The students will also learn how to proofread using various tools and strategies. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to keyboard with a speed goal of 40 net wpm.
Administrative Documentation
In this course, students will learn to produce documents using word processing software, apply the correct document processing functions to meet acceptable business standards and AODA requirements, all of which are essential in day-to-day functions of the office. They will create and format documents with an emphasis on accuracy, proofreading, and editing. Some of the important skills students will learn is to apply the correct commands when formatting a variety of data and to use tables effectively.
Critical Thinking & Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Students explore different perspectives, and through synthesis, analysis, and response, strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. One of the pillars of Lambton College is a commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion, including Indigenization of the curriculum; where appropriate, readings in this course will reflect this commitment. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
General Education Elective
Office Management Skills
In this course, students will develop the administrative skills required in an office environment, including customer service, business ethics, time management, meetings and travel arrangements, and records management. Students will apply their knowledge of various software applications and their communication skills to complete practical, office-related tasks and assignments. Travel planning and meeting management are two key roles of the administrative professional. Students develop domestic and international travel planning skills, including itineraries, travel expense tables, and travel authorizations. Students further develop meeting management skills including arranging, participating, recording, and formatting meeting notices, agendas, and minutes.
Advanced Spreadsheet Production
This course is designed to build on the Spreadsheet Essentials course. Students participate in hands-on training activities that include the creation of advanced formulas, templates to automate and validate data entry and using wizards and queries to import data into spreadsheet software. A variety of analysis tools will also be explored in this course. Students will engage in analyzing information, data analytics, and data visualization using analysis tools. In addition, students will explore software services, apps and connectors that work together to create graphical, interactive dashboards and reports that visually share data.
Business Computing, Collaboration & Productivity
Project management techniques are crucial to the success of administrative professionals in any organization. This course provides the student with the project management knowledge and skills to work effectively to support projects and to create systems for staying organized. Elements of the Project Life Cycle within the project management framework, techniques of project planning and prioritizing, and other topics such as project scope, project risks and factors for success, project reporting, and communication are studied. This course emphasizes teamwork and explores other shared workspaces as it pertains to collaboration and productivity. Through discussion and application of all aspects of project management knowledge areas, students will learn about the techniques and tools used to successfully manage projects to acquire a working understanding of project management and theory. Specific project management tools are taught in OAX 3013, Term 3.
Database Management Fundamentals
Managing organizational information and project planning are essential in achievement of greater efficiencies in the workplace. Students develop skills in database and records management through the creation and management of tables, relationships, queries, forms, and reports. Through a series of hands-on activities, students develop a range of valuable skills for database and records management including how to increase database validity and integrity.
Social Media for Administrative Professionals
Expanding on the OAG 1703 course, students will continue to explore the fundamentals of social media and assess how social media impacts and influences fields, such as communication and marketing, as well as how it informs future trends and developments. This course explores other online marketing tools and tactics, such as email, digital advertising, and content marketing, that businesses can use to build relationships with their customers. Students engage in simulated social media, email, and digital advertising campaigns to gain a better understanding of how to use these tools in their marketing efforts.
Advanced Administrative Documentation
In this course, students will expand their word processing and document production skills learned in Administrative Documentation to create professional business documents. Using intermediate to advanced Word features, students will effectively manage long documents, along with integrating, sharing, and collaborating with others. Mail merge will also be explored. Timed keyboarding tests and practice will continue to be used to develop keyboarding skills. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to keyboard with a speed goal of 45 net wpm. It is recommended that OAG-1903 (Administrative Documentation) be taken first.
Human Relations
This course provides a forum for enhancing students' abilities and understanding of the value to human social interaction through communication and connection. This course places a strong emphasis on applied learning in the context of communicating with others, recognizing that personal development evolves from social interaction. Course topics include the study of emotion-focused brain functionality, self-understanding and awareness, understanding the importance of perception skills in relationships, developing strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills, recognizing prosocial leadership skills, understanding and establishing healthy team dynamics, and addressing conflicts in relationships.
Communications for Business
This course provides students with the skills required for professional, written, and oral communications essential to business success and subsequent courses. Students will develop database and internet research skills; prepare professional written business communication; and create, practice and deliver professional oral presentations. Students will research and document borrowed information in a business report and will demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills.
General Education Elective
Digital Tools for the Office
This course will build on the Advanced Administrative Documentation course as students will advance their knowledge using document processing software to create well-structured documents with professionalism and ease, confidence in document integrity, while ensuring a polished appearance and a more user-friendly appeal. Students will also work with PDF software to create, edit, manage, share, and print PDF documents as well as create fillable forms and tables. Students will also demonstrate proficiency when using email, calendar, contacts, and tasks functions to manage and organize a variety of information using email and calendaring software.
Administrative Capstone
Students put their acquired skills and knowledge to work in the key areas of office and business administration, human resources, and finance in this capstone course. Students will apply to a career posting, prepare, and ultimately interview for a professional mock job interview to further develop professional Office Administration interviewing skills. Students will also complete recruitment testing as part of this process. Students will draw on skills they have mastered throughout the program to complete a variety of tasks assigned, while the activities completed are intended to challenge creative abilities, critical thinking, and time management. Students are assessed on both hard and soft skills with a strong emphasis placed on software applications including opportunities for integration and collaboration. Students will problem solve, collaborate in teams, demonstrate excellent customer service, show off organizational abilities and coordinate projects, as well as produce consistent and accurate documentation.
Medical Transcription
This course builds on previously acquired keyboarding skills and students will learn and apply medical terminology and knowledge learned concurrently in Medical Language and Concepts. Accuracy, editing skills and reading/writing for understanding and meaning will be emphasized throughout the course. The medical transcription contents of this course are designed to familiarize students with basic medical reports, related medical terminology, and appropriate formatting for transcribing the reports. Specialized rules of grammar and punctuation peculiar to medical reports are derived from actual files of a large health care facility. Advanced technology such as voice recognition systems, electronic patient records and electronic signatures directly affect the transcriptionist's role. The importance of professional ethics, privacy and confidentiality will be highlighted throughout the course with emphasis on PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) and identifying key concepts pertaining to the practical application of this legislation in the management of patient information.
Medical Language & Concepts
This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of building a medical vocabulary and the use of medical vocabulary in its proper context. Students will learn and apply related medical transcription and knowledge learned concurrently in Medical Transcription. The study of anatomy and physiology is enhanced with medical terms, including prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Abbreviations, symbols and terms of common diseases, surgical procedures, medications, laboratory tests, X-ray and other diagnostic procedures are also studied in this course.
Health Services Office Management
This course is designed for the office administration student who has decided to major in the health care field as an administrative health professional. The student gains an understanding of office procedures including scheduling functionality specifically utilized in the medical office, creating, and maintaining electronic health records and communicating in the health environment. The student also works with hospital documentation and procedures. The student obtains the skills required of a Canadian Administrative Health Professional to perform well in any type of health care and wellness office environment.
Dental Anatomy & Technology
The information presented in this course will introduce the student to various terminology and structures in the oral cavity, including both the hard and soft tissues as well as accurate documentation of tooth conditions. Students will learn and apply medical terminology and knowledge learned concurrently in Medical Language and Concepts as well and will discover various new dental technology.
Electronic Scheduling & Office Billing
This course introduces the student to a computerized Medical OHIP billing system. Using electronic medical billing software will enhance the students' understanding for opportunities in health services facilities. An understanding of the Schedule of Benefits and Preambles of the Ministry of Health will also be obtained. Students will continue to learn and apply scheduling functionality specifically utilized in the medical office, creating, and maintaining electronic health records concurrent with the Health Services Office Management course.
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
FUNdamentals of Entrepreneurship is a gamified business simulation where students assume the role of an entrepreneur pursuing their passion of selling clothing online and in their retail store. The player subcribes to the guidance of a business coach and will build a successful venture in a virtual neighbourhood. The player can upgrade their store and operations by completed learning modules and testing. Through self-paced gameplay, students learn important concepts from Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Health and Safety, Risk Management and more. In the process, they acquire the skills to effectively run a company as they upgrade their operation by completing learning modules and quizzes. Each student has a unique playing experience via ingame customizations, such as avatar creation, and store design. All content is contained within the game - no textbook is required. Students who have successfully completed MAN-1183 are not eligible to take this course.
General Education Elective
Contact
Program Information
School of Business and Sustainability Leadership
Room B2-106
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Job opportunities in this field are available in virtually every city. From hospital settings to medical clinics, and health and wellness offices, or from petrochemical to manufacturing, and small business to non-profit, or from education to government our students graduate with many employment options and are able to customize their careers based on their interests.
Our graduates have the professional skills, knowledge and proficiency to pursue careers in offices of physicians, specialists, clinics, dentists, hospital departments, and health and wellness offices. Some job titles used for these types of positions are medical receptionist, medical transcriptionist, client services, customer care agent, nursing clerical assistant, medical assistant and medical support clerk.
Graduate Success Stories
Angela Boylen, 2019 Graduate
"I started at Lambton College because I was interested in a career change. I chose the Office Administration – Health Services program because I wanted to work in healthcare and support those in need.
The program gave me the tools I needed to succeed and attain my dream job at Bluewater Health. My professors expertly guided me through two years of intense course load which allowed me the opportunity to graduate not only on the Dean’s List but with the Dean’s Award for my graduating year.
I was able to gain employment shortly after graduating and haven’t looked back. The program provided a strong base of knowledge of the healthcare system and has allowed to succeed me in my career goals."
~ Patient Registration, Bluewater Health
Accreditations & Certifications
Microsoft Office Specialist - Associate
The Microsoft Office Specialist - Associate certification is awarded through Microsoft for each test passed. Students are encouraged to practice through self-study and preparation through Certiport.com. Please Note: Certificates and costs associated with certification are beyond the scope of the program and are recommendations only.
Professional Associations
Membership opportunities are available for students at an extra fee with the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
Pathways
Transfer to Programs outside of Ontario
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - International Business
- Upon completion of the BBA, students can also access pathways into the JAMK MBA program
More Information
Skill Demands
Students must be able to use a keyboard and other computer-related equipment. Student may also be required to sit for extended periods of times. If you are an adult learner looking to get ahead by refreshing your basic math skills or computer skills, please contact Academic Upgrading.
Some students with disabilities may require academic accommodations to equalize opportunities to meet the academic demands of this program.
Mac Users
Please be aware that students in this program cannot use Macbooks - a Macbook is not an acceptable alternative laptop option.
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.