ProgramsClassroom-Based ProgramsHospital Support Specialist

Hospital support specialist

Overview

If you're looking for a rewarding career in hospital administration, you'll love the many opportunities our Hospital Support Specialist Diploma Program will prepare you for.

Stenberg College is the only private post-secondary school in BC offering this unique industry specific program specializing in administrative duties within the heath care field. You'll receive training in medical terminology, professional communications, office operations, keyboarding/data entry, registration, diagnostic imaging, release of information, health records clerical duties, Meditech and other computerized health information systems as applicable.

This one of a kind program will prepare you for entry-level employment as an Admitting/Registration Clerk, Health Records Clerk, Diagnostic Imaging Clerk, Hospital Switchboard Operator, Medical Secretary and much more.

Want to know more about this exciting field? Read on...

Program Goals

The Stenberg College Hospital Support Specialist Program prepares graduates to:

1Demonstrate the knowledge base, skills and attitudes consistent with industry expectations for entry level employment.
2Gain employment in the field within 6 months of graduation.

Typical Job Duties

The Hospital Support Specialist job you choose will be limited only by your imagination and how hard you're willing to work. Typical duties can include:

  • The admitting and registration of patients into various departments and/or hospital units
  • Collecting and recording patient data for medical records
  • Collecting personal patient information such as age, medical history and insurance coverage
  • Data entry and performing clerical tasks such as reception duties, scheduling of diagnostic appointments, maintaining files and ordering supplies
  • Retrieving, assembling and disassembling patients' charts
  • Ensuring accurate completion of the patient records.

Potential Employers

As a Hospital Support Specialist, you could work in a:

  • Hospital
  • Private clinic
  • Family practice, walk-in clinic, specialist's office, primary healthcare organization, or enhanced full family practice
  • Sub-acute and non-acute care facility, e.g. long-term care home or extended care home
  • Allied care facility, such as a billing service bureau or medical insurance company
  • Society or agency related to healthcare
  • Private surgical centre

Wages and Career Outlook

Wage and career outlook information is difficult to predict. Unlike other occupations, opportunities in healthcare are driven by current government policy rather than the business cycle. The typical wage upon graduation tends to be in the range of $18.16-$21.00/hr. Some positions can lead to clerical supervisory roles, for which the wage ranges from $23.00-$28.00/hr.

Use the following sites to find further information about career outlook and wages. By no means is this a comprehensive list, but it is a place to start:

Is This Program For You?

It is if you:

1Enjoy working as part of a team comprised of many busy professionals

2Have an eye for detail

3Can multi-task

4Want to work in an hospital office environment – the work of a Hospital Support Specialist is largely clerical

5Are comfortable working with computers

Program Admission Requirements

  • Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent
  • Passing Stenberg College entrance examination
  • Successful completion of a short written essay
  • Passing Verbal Test of English (if English is a Second Language)
  • Passing Stenberg College entrance interview
  • Minimum typing speed of 20 wpm
  • Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act

Prior to Program Admission, Program Advisors will outline practice education requirements for the program. Upon enrollment, students will be informed of next steps and timelines. Non-compliance could result in program dismissal. Requirements for practice education placements include:

  • Acceptable Criminal Record Search under the Criminal Record Review Act
  • Proof of Immunity Status as required by industry
  • Acceptable Medical Examination Form completed by a physician

NB: Additional criteria may be required to fulfill industry guidelines; students will be informed in advance of any requirements that need to be fulfilled for placements

Duration and Financing

Duration: 51 weeks, including practicum

Financing: You could be eligible for Employment Insurance funding for education, government student loans, as well as other financing options; the Stenberg College Financial Aid Officer would be happy to provide further assistance.

Quick Links:

Hospital Support Specialist: Program Learning Outcomes

Hospital Support Specialist: Program Courses & Additional Certification(s)

Hospital Support Specialist: Top Reasons to Choose Stenberg

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Over 92% of our graduates are working in their field of study within 6 months of graduation

2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012 2010 - 2011

Hospital Support Specialist
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"The Practicum was invaluable because it prepared me for the reality of the profession. I'm proud to be a Stenberg grad."
Jennifer C.