Be ready to make a difference.
During this 20-week certificate you’ll learn to help healthcare facilities run efficiently by maintaining patient charts and taking on clerical duties to support other healthcare professionals. We will prepare you for the variety of tasks you’ll encounter to succeed in the field.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
At Lethbridge Polytechnic our knowledgeable and expert instructors are prepared to help you succeed in the growing and in-demand field of healthcare as a Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk. Our intensive certificate program is designed to give you a practical introduction to healthcare administration and includes 120 hours of hands-on work-integrated learning experience. Upon graduating you’ll be able to explore career opportunities in private practices, such as dental and chiropractic.
120 hours
spent in a work-integrated learning experience
20 weeks
is all it takes to complete the Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program
60%
of our Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk grads had a related job less than 6 months after completing the program
Career Opportunities
Your certificate for Unit Clerk will prepare you for positions in a variety of medical environments, including:
- doctor offices
- health-care agencies
- respite and hospice facilities
- hospitals
- long-term care facilities
- medical clinics
- private health-care facilities
$50,562
the average annual salary of a Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk working in Alberta
132
the number of new unit clerk positions forecasted to be created each year in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
20 weeks
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew applicants are accepted into the Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program for the Fall (September) term.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
It is strongly recommended that applicants possess the ability to type at a minimum of 30 words per minute.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.
Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.
Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.
In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge Polytechnic and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge Polytechnic's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.
WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| CPU-1151 | Introduction to Computers | 1.5 |
| CSP-1150 | Medical Terminology/Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| ENG-1159 | Writing for the Workplace | 3 |
| HTH-1122 | Health Admin & Medical Office Procedures | 3 |
| HTH-1125 | Patients' Records/Transcribing Orders | 3 |
| HTH-1142 | Medical Order Entry | 3 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term II | ||
| HTH-1143 | MOA & Unit Clerk Practicum | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 22.5 | |
Important Notes:
- HTH-1143 MOA & Unit Clerk Practicum (3 credits) is a 120 hour, full-time, face-to-face work-integrated learning course offered at various health care facilities and offices within Lethbridge and surrounding rural areas. Staggered practicum start dates are necessary to ensure placement sites.
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$3,638.00
|
$1,164.00
|
$950.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$12,075.00
|
$1,164.00
|
$950.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk program is available through the following delivery methods.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Leah McFadden
“Knowing that I would actually be out working as a unit clerk after only four months motivated me to study hard and ask questions. I am thankful we had teachers who were supportive and experienced to help us along the way. I feel ready and excited to take on a career as a unit clerk thanks to Lethbridge College.”