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Medical Assistant and Patient Care
Open to International Students
Area of study
Health & Human Services
Credential
Diploma
Program Length
2 Years | Full time
Program Overview
CIP Code: 51.0801
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
September 2026 (Days)
January 2027 (Days)
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
2025-2026
Domestic
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- 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
- 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. Applicants must also meet the program-specific requirements, including:
- 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.
2026-2027
Domestic
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Credit in 40S Mathematics
- Credit in 40S English Language Arts
- Credit in 30S or 40S Biology
Mature Student eligibility and requirements for this program can be found on our Mature Students page.
International
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Minimum grade of 50% in a Senior Level Mathematics course
- Minimum grade of 50% in a Senior Level First Language Literature course
- Minimum grade of 50% in a Senior Level Biology course
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated English language proficiency (if educated outside Canada).
Visit Admission Requirements to learn more.
Tuition and Fees
| Estimated Program Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,745 | $6,745 |
| Fees | $965 | $865 |
| Estimated Textbook Costs | $700 | $850 |
| Total Estimated Program Costs | $8,410.00 | $8,460.00 |
Costs are estimates and are subject to change. Visit Tuition and Fees and Program Information for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students in this program can expect to attend classes for 8 months, followed by a 4-month break, and then another 8 months of study. This excludes student success weeks and holidays. See the Academic Schedule for details.
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 assistant practicum
- 4-week health unit clerk practicum
These placements help students build real-world experience and job readiness.
Pre-Practicum Clearance Requirements
To be eligible for practicum, students must meet the following 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
- Achieve 40 words per minute on typing speed after 3 errors
- Valid co-op work permit (International students)
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.
Yes. The program is accredited by CHIMA, allowing graduates to challenge the Health Information–Certified Associate (HICA) designation.
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.
Yes, we offer campus tours. Explore our Campus Tour options.
Yes, financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Explore financial aid options.
Take Your First Step Towards Success
Learn more about this program
Fill out this form, and one of our helpful recruitment experts will contact you to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Assistant and Patient Care
All Courses
Introduction to the Healthcare Environment (HLTH-1000) — 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.Communication Essentials (COMM-1000) — 42 hours
This course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills needed for effective communication within various professional settings in Canada. The course combines lectures, interactive workshops, group discussions, and practical exercises to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios and case studies appropriate for a range of industries to apply the concepts learned in class. Feedback from peers and instructors will refine and enhance communication skills throughout the course.Anatomy and Physiology 1 (HLTH-1010) — 42 hours
Learn about human body structure and major system functions essential for maintaining health.Human Development for Healthcare Professionals (HLTH-1020) — 42 hours
Study human growth across life stages, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as caregiving techniques.Software Application Skills (COMP-1000) — 42 hours
Learn essential software applications, including spreadsheets, scheduling tools, and research databases.Communications in Healthcare (HLTH-1100) — 42 hours
Develop advanced communication skills for interactions with healthcare professionals, patients, and families.Human Health Conditions and Disease States (HLTH-1120) — 42 hours
Focus on roles in healthcare, disease management, and culturally appropriate care.Global Citizenship (GLOB-1000) — 42 hours
Inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, this course introduces students to global challenges and issues to broaden their knowledge, skills, and perspectives on the world today. Through discussions, readings, and online and in-class activities, students will explore diverse cultural perspectives, critically examine systems of oppression and discrimination, and engage with the stories and experiences of global citizens who have fought for social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability around the world. Students will emerge from this course with greater cultural competence, improved intercultural communication skills, and a deepened commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at work, at school, and in their communities.Medical Terminology (HLTH-1130) — 42 hours
Study the language of healthcare, covering terms related to body systems and diseases. Emphasis on accurate documentation.Anatomy and Physiology 2 (HLTH-1110) — 42 hours
Continue exploring human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the relationships and functions of body systems.Supporting Complex Care Needs 1 (HLTC-1200) — 84 hours
Gain foundational patient care skills, including hygiene, skin care, and safe practice standards.Supporting Complex Care Needs 2 (HLTC-1300) — 84 hours
Expand on foundational skills to include medication assistance, fluid balance, and respiratory care.Health Care Aide Training Seminars (HLTC-1100) — 12 hours
Complete certifications in CPR, WHMIS, VPP, and more to meet healthcare industry standards.Health Care Aide Long Term Care Practicum (HLTC-1900) — 160 hours
Apply classroom skills in a long-term care setting. Practicum includes supervised patient care activities.Health Care Aide Acute Care Practicum (HLTC-1950) — 160 hours
Build on practicum experience with more advanced, independent acute care activities.Medical Office Communications (MDCL-1200) — 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 (MDCL-1210) — 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 (MDCL-1220) — 42 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 (MDCL-1300) — 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 (MDCL-1310) — 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 (MDCL-1320) — 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 Assistant Practicum (MDCL-1900) — 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 (HLTC-2000) — 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 (HLTC-2100) — 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 (HLTC-2900) — 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.