Health Office Administration

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Introduction to Health Care Delivery Systems
ADMN1030

Description: This course provides students with a broad overview of Canada's health care system from its origins to current state. Students will be introduced to concepts of wellness, population health measures, health programming at the federal and provincial levels, relevant health carelegislation, and the roles of a variety of health care professionals. Throughout the course, students will examine current events in health care with a lens as to their current and future effects on health care provision.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Health Care Terminology 1
ADMN1360

Description: In this foundational course students will build a medical terminology vocabulary by analyzing medical terms into their component parts. Exploration of medical terms in the context of anatomy and physiology using a body system approach will examine where in the body the medical term references, how it works within the body, and what happens when illness or injury occurs. Topics will include correct pronunciation, correct spelling, correct comprehension and use of common medical terms expected in a variety of health care settings.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Medical Office Administration 1
ADMN1380

Description: In this course students will be introduced to the professionalism, communication skills, and office procedures integral to the role of the health office administrator in a variety of settings. Topics will include scope of practice, professionalism, customer service, communication, common administrative and clinical duties, working in teams, and information management.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Fundamentals for Effective Written Communication
COMM1410

Description:

This course is designed to help students acquire accuracy and clarity in written communication for business workplace settings. The course will also help students develop writing skills that reinforce the use of correct grammar and mechanics. Emphasis will be placed on applying correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling to a variety of business-related documents.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Business Computing Applications I
COMP1056

Description:

During this course, the student will learn to effectively use Windows operating system, apply word processing techniques, create basic business presentations, and explore the power of spreadsheets . Students will also learn the skills necessary to operate effectively within the Conestoga College computing environment. An emphasis will be placed on the development of solutions to business problems using commonly available microcomputer tools.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Office Technologies 1
TECH1280

Description: This course provides foundational knowledge in commonly used office technologies in the health office environment. Students will be introduced to current applications including e-mail and calendaring software, virtual communication videoconferencing and collaboration platforms, and file storage systems. Using a cloud-based software program, students will learn proper touch-typing keyboarding skills and build keyboarding proficiency.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Dental and Wellness Office Administration
ADMN1340

Description: Building upon the skills learned in Medical Office Administration 1, this course provides students with both background knowledge and hands-on experience in administrative procedures performed by health office administrators in dental, optometry, chiropractic, and other wellness practices. Students will gain practical experience related to insurance, health and safety, diagnostics and client care that can be applied to a wide variety of health office environments.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ADMN1135 OR ADMN1380 AND COMP1056 AND TECH1280
  • CoRequisites:

Health Care Terminology 2
ADMN1370

Description: In this second course students will continue to build a medical terminology vocabulary by analyzing medical terms into their component parts. Exploration of medical terms in the context of anatomy and using a body systems approach will examine where in the body the medical term references, how it works within the body, and what happens when illness or injury occurs. Topics will include correct pronunciation, correct spelling, correct comprehension and use of common medical terms expected in a variety of health care settings.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Transition to the Health Office
ADMN1390

Description:

This course prepares students to successfully enter the workforce and effectively navigate their new experiences in the office environment. Beginning with self-assessment tools, students will evaluate their skills to develop self-marketing techniques such as cover letters, resumes, portfolios and social media profiles. Students will research potential areas of employment and take part in a mock interview geared to their chosen job posting. Students will examine essential workplace topics, such as professional deportment, ethics, and managing stress and conflict.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Medical Office Administration 2
COMP1603

Description: In this course students will gain hands-on practice performing administrative tasks common to the general practitioner's office. Through the use of practice management software students will work through family medical-office simulations that include patient registration, triage, scheduling, OHIP insured and uninsured OHIP insured billing with focus on the transcription, creation, and maintenance of associated documents in the electronic medical record (EMR).
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: ADMN1135 OR ADMN1380 AND COMP1056 AND TECH1280
  • CoRequisites:

Office Technologies 2
TECH1460

Description: In this course students will build skills in commonly used presentation and information gathering technologies in the health office environment. Students will apply the principles of effective presentations to current web-based presentation software, survey software, and website creation software. Throughout this course, students will continue to build their touch-typing proficiency.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Communication in Health Care
ADMN1070

Description: In this course students will develop therapeutic communication skills that can be integrated into a variety of health care situations and settings. Students will apply therapeutic communication techniques to cultivate effective therapeutic communication with clients, client families and the interdisciplinary health care team. Topics will include communication across the life span, multi-cultural communication, and analysis of intersecting situational factors that effect communication.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Medical Office Administration 3
ADMN2240

Description: In this course students will gain hands-on practice performing administrative tasks common to specialty offices. Through the use of practice management software students will work through specialty-office simulations including patient registration, triage, scheduling, OHIP insured and uninsured OHIP billing, with a focus on the transcription, creation, and maintenance of associated documents in the specialty office electronic medical record (EMR).
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ADMN1360 AND ADMN1370 AND COMP1603
  • CoRequisites:

Hospital Unit Administration 1
ADMN2270

Description:

In this course students will be introduced to the role and responsibilities of the health office administrator working in a variety of hospital units. The organizational structure, patient care units and general departments of hospitals will be discussed, as well common risk management and communication challenges. Students will be introduced to the essentials of the hospital patient record and administrative processes required for effective hospital unit management.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: COMP1603
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Office Technologies and Procedures
TECH2000

Description:

In this course students will expand upon technical and administrative skills required for executive-level health office positions. Through practical application of skills, students will apply and integrate their knowledge of office technologies. Topics will include organization and scheduling, written business communication, business meeting management, and coordination of business travel and events. Throughout this course, students will also continue to build their touch-typing proficiency.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: COMP1603 AND TECH1460
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 2 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Hospital Unit Administration 2
ADMN2280

Description:

In this course, students will build and expand upon their learning from Hospital Unit Administration 1. Terms associated with a variety of medication, tests, and procedures common to hospital settings will be covered, as well as the fundamentals of transcription of physician orders. Students will continue to learn administrative and health information management processes related to patient care in hospital units.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ADMN2270
  • CoRequisites:

Managing Technological Change in the Health Office
ADMN2290

Description:

In this course students will build skills that respond to the changes caused by emerging technologies used in health care system. Topics include digital literacy, emerging technologies, telehealth, wearable technology, and virtual and augmented reality applications in health care.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: TECH1460 AND TECH2000
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement (Health Office Administration)
FPLT2135

Description:

In this course the student will be required to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program through an unpaid field experience in a related occupational setting. In most cases, the student will work under the direction of an employer or preceptor. The student, once familiar with the workplace setting, will work more independently at the discretion of the employer/preceptor. This field place experience may include medical, dental, chiropractic, optometry offices, hospital clinical settings, long term care facilities, outpatient clinics and urgent care or walk in clinics, and related positions in industry such as insurance companies. Other placements identified by the student must be approved by the Program Coordinator.

  • Hours: 196
  • Credits: 7
  • Pre-Requisites: ADMN1070 AND ADMN1340 AND ADMN2240 AND ADMN2270 AND OHS1320 AND TECH2000
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Integrate knowledge of human anatomy, and medical, dental, alternative care and insurance terminology to address client and patient needs specific to medical and wellness office environments
  2. Conduct oneself professionally within scope of practice and adhere to relevant legislation, standards, and codes of ethics
  3. Create, edit, and maintain business and health care documents, correspondence and reports proficiently using appropriate technologies and applications to comply with confidentiality, security, and accessibility standards
  4. Implement current communication platforms, practice management and presentation software, and relevant applications for a variety of health office and business applications
  5. Coordinate office procedures required in various health office environments relating to reception duties, telephone, triage, appointments, email, billing, scheduling, EMR, technical support, and other associated tasks
  6. Integrate therapeutic and advanced verbal and written communication skills across a variety of modalities to address the needs of a diverse group of stakeholders within healthcare environments
  7. Accurately interpret physician orders to prioritize and coordinate patient care in hospitals and other health-care environments, within scope of practice