Program Overview

Medical Assistant and Patient Care

Program Overview

This CHIMA-accredited program prepares students for diverse career opportunities in the healthcare field. Designed for Manitoba’s evolving healthcare needs, courses focus on clinical, medical technology, and administrative skills to enhance medical knowledge, critical thinking, human relations, and organizational abilities. The program’s focus on best care practices will give you the knowledge to enhance patient care and operational effectiveness in healthcare teams.

Core Information

• Area of Interest: Health & Human Services
• Credential: Diploma
• Program Length: 2 Years | Full time (20 months of study)
• Delivery: Hybrid (online and in-classroom)
• Practicum: Yes, 19 weeks
• Campus: Pembina
• Tuition: $12,846.00*

Program Highlights

• Comprehensive curriculum: Covers essential healthcare knowledge, communication skills, and hands-on clinical procedures.
• Industry-aligned training: Focused on real-world skills through simulation labs and practical learning.
• Multiple practicum opportunities: Offers supervised, preceptor-led placements in long-term care, acute care, and medical office environments to build entry-to-practice competence.
• Cultural competence development: Enhances understanding of social determinants of health and culturally appropriate care.
• Technology integration: Includes training in electronic medical record systems and essential software applications.
• Certifications: Students receive certifications such as WHMIS, CPR, Violence Protection, and PHIA.

Career Outcomes

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant
• Health Unit Clerk
• Clinical Support Worker
• Patient Care Assistant
• Long-Term Care Aide
• Acute Care Aide
• Administrative Assistant in Medical Settings
• Medical Transcriptionist
• Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
• Admissions and Records Clerk
• Nursing Assistant

Entry Requirements

• Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent.
• Grade 12 Math (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
• Grade 12 English Language Arts (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
• Grade 11 Biology (30S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.

International Students

• High school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent.
• International applicants must meet the general entrance requirements based on country/curriculum of study.
• Senior level Math with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
• Senior level First Language Literature with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
• Senior level Biology with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
• All high school grades will be converted to an equivalent Manitoba grade scale.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated English language proficiency (if educated outside Canada).

Tuition and Fees

• Estimated Program Costs (International) | Year 1 | Year 2
  • Tuition | $6,423 | $6,423
  • Fees | $965 | $865
  • Estimated Textbook Costs | $700 | $850
  • Total Estimated Program Costs | $8,088.00 |$8,138.00

Frequently Asked Questions

What practical experience is included in the program?

Students complete 19 weeks of practicum placements across two years:

• Year 1:
  • 4-week practicum in a long-term care facility (Health Care Aide)
  • 4-week practicum in an acute care hospital setting (Health Care Aide)
• Year 2:
  • 7-week medical office assistant practicum
  • 4-week health unit clerk practicum

These placements help students build real-world experience and job readiness.

What do I need to qualify for my work placement?

• Pre-Practicum Clearance Requirements
  • Clear Police Information Check (PIC)/Vulnerable Sector (VS) Check (completed in Manitoba, valid for six months)
  • Clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry Checks (valid for six months, covering practicum duration)
  • Current, approved immunization record as per WRHA guidelines
  • International students: Valid co-op work permit

Additional notes:

• Students must meet all clearance requirements, or they may be ineligible for practicum placement and program completion.
• Students are responsible for all costs associated with these clearances.
• Clearance documents must be obtained within the timelines specified by MITT.
• Students are covered by Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) insurance during their practicum.
• MITT may assign students to out-of-town placements, including remote regional health facilities such as The Pas, Thompson, and Churchill. Students are responsible for covering all transportation and accommodation expenses for these placements.

Are there any special certifications or designations?

Yes. The program is accredited by CHIMA, allowing graduates to challenge the Health Information–Certified Associate (HICA) designation.

What supplies and technology are required?

• Textbooks and Supplies
  • A complete supply list and textbook information can be found on the Program Information page.
• Laptop Requirements
  • Students must bring a Tier 2 laptop for this program. More information and technical specifications are available on the Laptop and Technical Needs page.

Do you offer campus tours for this program?

Yes, we offer campus tours. Explore our Campus Tour options.

Are there financial aid options available for this program?

Yes, financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Explore financial aid options.

Course List

• Introduction to the Healthcare Environment (Health-TBD 1) — 42 hours
  • Explore the diverse roles of healthcare practitioners in Manitoba. Topics include the Canadian Health Care System, government roles, patient and provider rights, culturally appropriate care, and social determinants of health. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: None.
• Communication Essentials (HHHPG-TBD 1) — 42 hours
  • Develop essential communication skills for professional settings in Canada. Includes lectures, workshops, discussions, and practical exercises in real-world scenarios. Minimum Passing Grade: 50%. Course Requirements: None.
• Anatomy and Physiology 1 (Health-TBD 2) — hours
  • Learn about human body structure and major system functions essential for maintaining health. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: None.
• Human Development for Healthcare Professionals (Health-TBD-3) — 42 hours
  • Study human growth across life stages, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as caregiving techniques. Minimum Passing Grade: 50%. Course Requirements: None.
• Software Application Skills (HHHPG-TBD-2) — 42 hours
  • Learn essential software applications, including spreadsheets, scheduling tools, and research databases. Minimum Passing Grade: 50%. Course Requirements: None.
• Communications in Healthcare (Health-TBD-4) — 42 hours
  • Develop advanced communication skills for interactions with healthcare professionals, patients, and families. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: Introduction to the Healthcare Environment, Communication Essentials.
• Human Health Conditions and Disease States (Health-TBD-5) — 42 hours
  • Focus on roles in healthcare, disease management, and culturally appropriate care. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: Introduction to the Healthcare Environment, Anatomy and Physiology 1.
• Global Citizen (HHHPG-TBD 3) — 42 hours
  • Examine the relationship between diversity, social justice, and sustainability. Inspired by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, students gain skills in equity, justice, and intercultural communication. Minimum Passing Grade: 50%. Course Requirements: None.
• Medical Terminology (Health-TBD-6) — 42 hours
  • Study the language of healthcare, covering terms related to body systems and diseases. Emphasis on accurate documentation. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: Anatomy and Physiology 1, Human Health Conditions and Disease States.
• Anatomy and Physiology 2 (Health-TBD-7) — 42 hours
  • Continue exploring human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the relationships and functions of body systems. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: None.
• Supporting Complex Care Needs 1 (HCA-TBD-1) — 84 hours
  • Gain foundational patient care skills, including hygiene, skin care, and safe practice standards. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: Multiple prerequisites including Anatomy and Physiology 1 and Communications in Healthcare.
• Supporting Complex Care Needs 2 (HCA-TBD-2) — 84 hours
  • Expand on foundational skills to include medication assistance, fluid balance, and respiratory care. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: Supporting Complex Care Needs 1 and other program prerequisites.
• Health Care Aide Training Seminars (HCA-TBD-3) — 12 hours
  • Complete certifications in CPR, WHMIS, VPP, and more to meet healthcare industry standards. Minimum Passing Grade: 70%. Course Requirements: None.
• Health Care Aide Long Term Care Practicum (HCA-TBD-4) — 160 hours
  • Apply classroom skills in a long-term care setting. Practicum includes supervised patient care activities. Minimum Passing Grade: Pass. Course Requirements: Completion of prior program courses and certifications.
• Health Care Aide Acute Care Practicum (HCA-TBD-5) — 160 hours
  • Build on practicum experience with more advanced, independent acute care activities. Minimum Passing Grade: Pass. Course Requirements: Completion of Long Term Care Practicum and all prior program requirements.
• Medical Office Communications (MOA-TBD 1) — 84 hours
  • This course teaches the skills necessary for effective medical office communication, including creating and maintaining medical documentation. Students will develop prioritization and workflow management strategies to support patient care and collaboration in a medical environment.
• Medical Clinical Procedures I (MOA-TBD 2) — 84 hours
  • The first in a two-part series, this course introduces foundational clinical procedures. Through hands-on practice, students will develop the skills necessary for success in real-world medical settings.
• Medical Procedure Coordination and Billing (MOA-TBD 3) — 12 hours
  • This course provides students with the skills to coordinate medical procedures and manage clinical billing processes, emphasizing accuracy and efficiency in medical office workflows.
• Medical Office Correspondence (MOA-TBD 4) — 84 hours
  • This advanced course focuses on managing medical correspondence and documentation tasks, including prescriptions, scheduling, and diagnostic coordination. Students will refine their communication skills for professional interactions with patients and healthcare providers.
• Medical Clinical Procedures II (MOA-TBD 5) — 84 hours
  • Building on the foundational knowledge from Clinical Procedures I, this course covers advanced clinical techniques through in-depth simulation and practical activities.
• Electronic Medical Record Application (MOA-TBD 6) — 42 hours
  • This course provides comprehensive training on electronic medical record (EMR) systems, from basic functionalities to advanced features, to streamline medical office workflows.
• Medical Office Assistant Practicum (MOA-TBD 7) — 240 hours
  • This preceptor-led practicum allows students to apply their skills in real-world healthcare settings. Under supervision, students will gain industry experience and develop entry-level competencies.
• Clinical Transcription and Order Management for Health Unit Clerks (HUC-TBD 1) — 90 hours
  • This course introduces students to the roles of Health Unit Clerks, focusing on managing patient records, processing physician orders, and understanding basic pharmacology, making them valuable members of healthcare teams.
• Admission, Discharge, and Transfer (ADT) for Health Unit Clerks (HUC-TBD 2) — 30 hours
  • Students will learn the essential responsibilities of Health Unit Clerks, focusing on patient admission, discharge, transfer, and flow management processes.
• Health Unit Clerk Practicum (HUC-TBD 3) — 140 hours
  • This practicum bridges the classroom and workplace, offering students supervised experience in healthcare environments. Students apply learned skills in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced professionals.