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 Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate will prepare you for positions in a variety of medical environments, including:
- Doctor offices
- Health care agencies
- Hospice facilities
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Medical clinics
- Private health care providers
- Respite 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 NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Academic Requirements
It is strongly recommended that applicants possess the ability to type at a minimum of 30 words per minute.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Requirements
This program includes a required Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. Lethbridge Polytechnic establishes the legal terms and conditions governing WIL participation.
Students must meet and maintain specific requirements set by the program, host organizations, and/or government regulations. These may include:
- Health requirements (e.g., immunizations, screening tests)
- Privacy and security requirements (e.g., Police Information Check, IT access)
- Occupational Health and Safety requirements (e.g., CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, mask fit-testing)
An organization may suspend a student’s placement if the organization considers such action reasonably necessary in the best interests of the organization or its clients.
Security Clearance
Participation in WIL placements may require a Police Information Check or other security clearance, to the satisfaction of both Lethbridge Polytechnic and the host organization.
WIL Agreements
Organizations that host students for WIL placements must have a WIL agreement with Lethbridge Polytechnic. This agreement helps ensure expectations are clear and protects the interests of the student, the host organization, and the Polytechnic.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Students registered in and attending an academic course or program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and during WIL placements are considered workers of the Government of Alberta and are typically covered by Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) on the Government of Alberta account. (https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/workers/WFS_Student_coverage.pdf)
In some circumstances, WCB coverage may not apply—for example, for non-Alberta residents or non-Canadian citizens completing distance learning with a placement outside Alberta. Students in these situations should contact the program before applying for placement. Alternative insurance coverage is available from Lethbridge Polytechnic for those situations.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Students who require accommodations should contact Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than one week prior to the start of the academic term. Students who fail to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely manner may affect placement opportunities and success in the WIL setting.
Accessibility Services may collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise client safety, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes.
Placement Locations and Scheduling
Placements may occur in Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, or other approved locations, depending on site availability. Placements may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules.
Students are responsible for travel to their assigned placement sites and any associated costs.
Employment and Professional Regulation
Completion of a WIL placement does not guarantee employment with the host organization.
Some professions are regulated by provincial or other governing bodies. These processes are outside the control of Lethbridge Polytechnic. Completion of a WIL placement and graduation from the program do not guarantee licensure or admission to a regulatory body. Students with concerns about licensing requirements should consult the relevant regulatory body.
Fitness to Practice
Students are responsible for ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared to participate safely in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities. By attending a WIL placement or activity, students are declaring their Fitness to Practice, as outlined in the Student Guide for Fitness to Practice, and their ability to engage in learning without compromising their own safety or the safety of others.
| 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 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$3,701.00
|
$1,621.00
|
$1,100.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$12,701.00
|
$1,621.00
|
$1,100.00
|
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.”