Are you ready to begin a secure, rewarding career of your own but unsure which field of employment is right for you? There is no better time to invest in a career in healthcare! Medical administrative assistants are in-demand from coast to coast as Canada’s baby boomers reach retirement.
Whether you’d hope to work in medical administration or clinical practice, choosing a specialty can be a wise choice for future career advancement opportunities. Receiving specialised training can offer opportunities for better pay and extended responsibilities in the long run.
A great choice is medical office administration with a health unit coordinator specialisation. With flexible training programs available at adult education centres like Academy of Learning College (AOLC), you can launch this career in under a year.
Here’s how you can start a successful and meaningful health unit coordination career of your own:
1. Learn the Ropes in a Medical Office Assistant Course
When you begin training in a medical office administration program, you’ll be exposed to the wide range of skills you need to work as health unit coordinator at an acute care hospital, clinic or long term care unit. Medical office assistant school will teach you how to skillfully record vital signs, order medical supplies, retrieve diagnostic tests, file sensitive medical documents, and much more.
You don’t need to worry about fitting these classes into your schedule—AOLC allows students to study this material at their own pace through our combination in-class and online Integrated Learning System. You’ll develop the skills and competencies you need with time to manage any existing work or home responsibilities.
2. Progress to a Clinical Preceptorship in Health Unit Coordination
Part of this learning process involves a period of hands-on worksite experience which AOLC calls a clinical preceptorship. Once you’ve completed your theoretical studies, you’ll speak with one of our friendly advisors at an official clinical placement meeting.
We’ll advise you on how to apply the skills you learned during the medical administration program under supervision at a local healthcare clinic. Your clinical placement host will guide you toward independently completing the daily tasks of a health unit coordinator.
By the end of this critical training component, you’ll be completely prepared to graduate with your diploma and secure employment in a modern medical office environment.
3. Use AOLC Career Services to Find a Job in Healthcare Facilities Near You
In Canada, the average wage of a new health unit clerk is $16 per hour, with experienced health unit professionals earning up to $22 per hour, or $46,400 per year. To step onto this earnings ladder, reach out to an employment agency upon your graduation from a medical office assistant course.
Graduates of AOLC automatically access listings of relevant employment opportunities in their communities through our Career Services. As part of our commitment to your career success, we can connect you with employers across Canada looking for professionals with your specific certifications. With our support and the right diploma under your belt, the job search process is made easy.
In the words of Elizabeth Otto, certified medical assistant: “Earning your certified medical assistant credentials shows employers that you are dedicated to your field and competent.”
4. Make a Difference in Your Community with Medical Office Assistant Training
After theoretical and practical training and career placement, the real work begins! With your job secured, you’ll begin work at the frontlines of the healthcare industry, using your new skillset to help the members of your community who need it most.
Are you interested in earning your own medical office assistant diploma?
Visit AOLC to learn how we can help.