Do YOU Have What It Takes to Be a Great Video Game Designer?

Your love of gaming could translate into a high-paying career as a video game designer. Video game designers are often excited about what they do because their work is dynamic, exciting and constantly growing and evolving. Plus, they get to put their skills of creativity and logic to the test.

So how do you know if YOU would be the right fit for a career in the video game design industry? Check out these six attributes that set you up for success in this career.

1. Passion

Are you the first in line to get the latest game? Do you daydream about how to beat that next level? Well, that kind of passion translates into success as a video game designer. Passionate game players become passionate game makers.  Finally, all those hours of playing games will really pay off.

2. Creativity

Video game design requires a high level of creative thinking all day, every day. You need a vision in order to imagine an entirely new world and then build it out, piece-by-piece. Therefore, if you have a vivid imagination, an interest in sci-fi, or you’ve ever been told that you “live in your head,” this could be a great career for you.

3. Logic & Problem Solving

Creating fun, challenging virtual games requires brain power. Once there is a clear vision for the overall project, there are still many technical and creative hurdles to overcome. So, if you like troubleshooting and finding a way forward despite obstacles, you have one of the major skills required for success.

4. Work Ethic

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! Video game designers often work long hours and a gruelling work schedule to meet deadlines. Be prepared to work 8+ hours a day and maybe up to 7 days a week (with the countdown clock ticking). Game designers will tell you that the pressure to complete a project can be high, but the satisfaction that comes with a finished project makes it all worth it.

5. Collaboration

Video game design is always a team project, with many people involved in the process. Production requires a large team, including a writer, an animator, a programmer, a level designer. Hence, the success of every project hinges on collaboration. As long as you are a team player and can work well alongside others, you will do well in this environment.

6. Communication

Team projects require excellent communication. To succeed as a video game designer, you don’t need to be especially outgoing or chatty. However, you do need to be able to explain ideas clearly so they can be translated into reality.

Convinced that you have what it takes to succeed in the exciting world of game design? Find out more about our Video Game Design diploma program here.

Here are some of the career possibilities after completing our program:

• Environment Modeller
• Animator
• Level Designer
• Mission Scripter
• Game Designer
• Technical Artist
• QA Engineer
• Writer
• Story Boarder
• Visual Effects Producer
  

  Get paid to do what you love. The video game design industry is growing and YOU could be part of it. 

The Formula for Success in Esthetics and Spa Operations

The cosmetics, esthetics and spa industry is thriving because people are looking to reduce stress and practice self-care. A successful career in esthetics and spa management is a mix of personal passion and the right education.

How do you know if you’re the right fit for this career?

• Am I outgoing?
• Am I creative?
• Do I have an interest in health and beauty?
• Working with people?
• Working with my hands?

If you already have a passion for beauty, wellness, and helping others, then you’re off to a great start! There are, however, two addition must-haves in order to ensure success in the esthetics field: practical techniques and business management skills. This is why an education at Trillium College will set you apart from the dreamers and the doers.

Education Must-Have #1: Practical Techniques

This is the hands-on aspect of an esthetics and spa course. This part of a program is where students learn the skills required for:

• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Applying cosmetics
• Facials
• Spa and body treatments
• Eyebrow waxing
• Body hair removal

Students should also learn how to customize treatments to match specific client needs. For maximum learning, these practical techniques should then be practised. At Trillium College, all students are given the opportunity to hone their skills on real clients in the public student clinic.

Education Must-Have #2: Business Management Skills

Some programs focus solely on industry techniques, but the Advanced Esthetic and Spa Management program at Trillium College also provides business management training.

Courses in business management are essential in preparing students to succeed in the beauty and wellness industry. Learning about marketing, finance and other parts of business management equips Trillium College graduates to take on a management role or even start their own business.

Consequently, without proper business training, students could be prepared to perform treatments on clients but not know how to find clients. They may not know how to manage inventory and track finances in order to be profitable.

Business management training is essential for anyone who wants to have an exciting and lucrative career in this industry. For this reason, Trillium College has worked to develop and include courses on Spa Operations and Management, Ethics and Professionalism and Communication Skills in our diploma program.

Questions? Call Trillium College now at 1.855.234.2008 or fill out the form below.

Our next start date is coming up soon! Find out when here.

A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant

What exactly does a dental assistant do all day? What should you expect when you land a great job at a dental clinic as an assistant? We asked Emma, a 30-year-old dental assistant in the Oshawa area, to share what it’s like to work as a dental assistant in a busy clinic.

Why did you choose to become a dental assistant?

I chose it because I needed a part-time job that paid well. I also chose it because I was interested in the healthcare field, but I didn’t think I’d enjoy nursing.

Can you describe the dental clinic you work in?

I work in a fast-paced, busy clinic. We have five operatories (clinic rooms), two dentists, two dental assistants and four hygienists.

What are your main responsibilities at the dental clinic?

Each day is a bit different, but almost every day I:

• Sterilize instruments
• Greet and seat patients
• Assist with procedures (restorations, root canals, extractions, crown preps, etc)
• Take x-rays
• Polish teeth
• Take impressions
• Do lab work
• Pull charts
• File
• Bill patients
• Accept payment
• Clean the operatory rooms where we work

How much time do you spend working with a dentist?

I work alongside my assigned dentist every day, all day long.

How is your job different than that of a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist works alone scaling teeth. As a dental assistant, I work along with the dentist doing different procedures to restore teeth.

What parts of the job are most challenging?

Working with kids can be fun but also challenging.

What are your favourite parts of the job?

I love helping someone love their smile!

Are you interested in joining the ranks of dental assistants? Trillium College offers a 12-month diploma program that will completely prepare you for a career as a dental assistant.

In conjunction with the in-class dental program components, you will gain valuable professional experience working in a clinical setting in our dental college clinic. After graduation, you you may find employment in general dentistry, community dentistry, specialty dentistry or dental sales.

A new program is starting soon! Find out more here.

Which one of these scenarios describe your situation?

• I’m looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding
• I want to support my family and create a better future for them
• I can’t imagine working at my current job for another year

No matter why you want a better career, the best way to get it is through the right education.

At Trillium College, we believe that in order to get the career you deserve, you need the right kind of preparation. You need career-focused education that teaches you the skills that employers demand. You need hands-on training in growing fields that will get you a rewarding, fulfilling career. We make it our goal to provide all of our students with the right education for their future career.

Is a Trillium College education the right education for YOU?

“ Through Trillium College I can better my situation permanently, not just for the next few months because I’ll be doing what I want to do.”  Amanda, Massage Therapy program

“My dreams and goals start with attending Trillium College.” Vanessa, Community Service Worker program

“It will give me the chance to earn a higher income and allow me to provide opportunities to my children.” Leah, Medical Laboratory Technician program

• Trillium College has over 20 years’ experience in the private career college industry
• We are registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

7 reasons to choose Trillium College today

1. Efficient Learning

Our classes are organized in order to allow students time to work and look after family responsibilities while they study towards their diploma.

• Classes run from Monday to Friday for 4 hours a day (8:30 – 12:30 or 1:00 – 5:00)
• Classes are broken down into modules so there is only one topic covered at a time. This modular approach means that our students do not get overwhelmed with multiple subjects.
• Trillium College offers a number of diploma programs that can be completed in under two years. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can start earning in your chosen field.

2. Nearby Campus Locations

With 3 campus locations, we bring education to your neighbuorhood.

We have in-demand diploma programs at multiple campus locations so you can get cutting edge training without the commute. Contact us to find out which programs are available at your local campus.

• Kingston
• Oshawa
• St Catherine’s

3. Multiple Start Dates

Starting in September is not your only option! Trillium College operates year round, so there is often a start date for each Trillium College diploma program every few months.

4. Qualified Instructors

All of our instructors are experienced and fully qualified. Each instructor has many years’ experience working in their field and has a wealth of knowledge to share with students.

5. Small Classes

The classes are small so there is more personal attention for each individual student. Most classes average between 10-15 students (with some exceptions), so you will never get lost in the crowd.

“The classes are small, so that means more detail in teaching.” Michael, Network Administrator program

6. Invaluable Career Placements

Trillium College offers field placements for diploma programs that require one. This provides students with hands-on experience in their chosen field.

For example, our Community Service Worker program (ADD LINK) includes 288 workplace training hours in the community, where our students learn about family dynamics, client assessment and crisis intervention in real life scenarios.

In addition, we have a dedicated Career Services Team who assists graduates in finding work following graduation.

7. Focus on Quality

All programs at Trillium College are diploma programs and are approved as vocational programs under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

• Trillium College has over 20 years’ experience in the private career college industry
• We are registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

The right career starts with the right education… and you can find that education today at Trillium College. Contact us now to get started on your dream career.

Working as a Video Game Designer

If you love playing video games, then designing video games may be your dream job. As a video game designer, you’ll have the opportunity to create new mobile apps and console games.

What does a Video Game Designer do?

Your main objective as a video game designer is to:

• Plan video games
• Create video games
• Design video games

Game Designer vs Game Developer

What’s the difference between game design and game development? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct career paths.

The role of a video game designer is more artistic and focused on how the frontend looks. A video game developer usually work on the more technical side, known as the backend.

While the two roles are distinct career paths, they are interlinked. A designer gives input and direction to a developer, which the developer then uses to create the game and gives suggestions back to the designer. A designer and developer work together to develop the best game possible.

These terms are similar to ones used in other industries. For example, a web designers handle the front-end graphics (how the site looks and feels), while a web developer works in the backend or on the ‘brains’ of the site.

Working for a Small Design Company

Video game designers who work for an “indie” or small design company usually juggle many responsibilities. Smaller gaming companies take a different approach to production than larger companies and require designers to do a large variety of different tasks over the course of production.

To excel at a small company requires an assortment of skills, including:

• Technical skills
• Artistic skills
• Analytical skills

Finding Your Niche in a Big Company

Video game designers working for a big mainstream company will generally have a highly specialized role. Specializations can be narrowed down to cover almost every aspect of the game creation process. Highly specialized teams usually allow for faster turnaround of error-free games. The number of employees assigned to each specialty can vary from a few individuals to a few hundred individuals.

For example, a video game designer might work exclusively on the pre-production team, setting production schedule with clear goals and deadlines. A different designer working for the same company may be assigned to a team that handles writing aspects of the project. Another designer might work exclusively on sound effects.

What Role Suits You Best?

With so many specialities available, how can you decide which one to pursue? All aspects of video game design are exciting, but they each require a different skill set. Some require greater creativity and imagination, while others require sharp analytical and mathematical skills.

Content Design & Writing Team

Requirement: High levels of creativity

If you’re excited by the idea of conceptualizing a theme, backstory and settings for video games, this could be a great fit for you. This is a highly imaginative role that is all about vision and creativity. The content design team is responsible for creating the overall theme, dreaming up missions, designing obstacles and conceptualizing weapons.

Audio & Sound Design

Requirement: Good sense of hearing

If you have an especially good sense of hearing, you may be interested in working on the audio design and manipulation team. The audio team uses utilizes industry standard audio software and highly sophisticated computer programs- also called a digital audio workstations (DAW)- to create game sounds.

User Experience

Requirement: Math & computer programming

If you have have a passion for user interface design (menus and displays) or system design (rules and models that dictate game behaviour), then this might be a great fit. The User Experience team designs and implements features, while trying to avoid creating bugs in the game.

How to Get Started:

The best way get started in the video game design industry is by getting the right education. Game design is a competitive business, and in order to secure a position as a junior designer you’ll need to put yourself above the rest. With the right edge you’ll have no problem outshining the competition.

At Trillium College, our Video Game Design diploma program focuses on the artistic and transmedia skills required in this highly creative industry. You will learn how to take your graphics further and you’ll also learn the computer programming and problem-solving skills this industry requires.

Find out more:

Reasons You Should Become a Community Service Worker NOW

Trillium College’s Community Service Worker diploma program gives you the knowledge and confidence to help change people’s lives for the better.

The Good News

According to Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report, employment as a Community Service Worker occupation “has experienced fairly strong growth in Ontario over the last decade.”

According to the report, these workers are “mostly employed in the health care and social assistance sector, mainly with individual and family services, and residential care facilities such as group homes. Public administration, largely local governments, and elementary and secondary schools are also key employers.”

The Better News

Government funding for social programs is the main factor driving job creation for community service workers. Over the next few years, a fair amount of job openings in this field are expected due to increased government investments in social initiatives.

An Upward Trend

Government funding has recently been delegated for developmental services systems to expand existing programs, provide more residential supports and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities. This translates into a bigger demand for community service workers.

Some of the factors driving employment for the services of these workers are:

• The province of Ontario has developed a long-term Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, which means more mental health support for children and youth.
• There’s been a significant increase in investments in Indigenous communities
• More funding has been provided for the homelessness strategy generally in Ontario.

Ontario Facts

Here are some key facts, according to Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report, about social and community service workers in Ontario:

• Approximately 48,300 people work in this occupation.
• Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Social assistance (NAICS 624): 42%
  • Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 26%
  • Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%
  • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 6%

Exciting Employment Opportunities

As a graduate of Trillium College’s CSW program, you may find rewarding employment as an addictions support worker, group home support worker, community service worker or shelter support worker in a variety of community facilities and settings.

Within this occupation, individuals working under the title, ‘social service workers,’ are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), which also approves related educational programs.

Career Options

There are many job options open to community service workers. Here’s just a few:

• Addictions services worker
• Community health worker
• Intake worker
• Rehabilitation care worker
• Residential counsellor

Make a Real Difference

Want to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life? As a community service worker, you can do that every day. Start now!

Our Community Service Worker diploma program gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to create, implement and oversee a variety of social and community-based programs. You will develop skills to assist in client assessment, proper referral procedures, assisting in monitoring clients’ treatments and evaluating treatment effectiveness to help change people’s lives for the better.

What Does a Community and Developmental Service Worker Do?

As a graduate of Trillium College’s Community and Developmental Service Worker (CDSW) diploma program, your opportunities will span nearly all aspects of human services.

A service worker is trained to help those who struggle with a variety of social challenges. Here are just a few careers options available to graduates of our Community and Developmental Service Worker diploma program.

Life skills instructor

Life skills instructors work one-on-one or in small groups to help those with unique challenges develop basic life skills– such as cooking, basic hygiene, and money management skills. This helps these individuals gain independence and move forward in life.

Community development worker

A community development worker works to help those who are marginalized or excluded from society to integrate into their community. Their work helps to create social change and improve the quality of life for those who are otherwise overlooked.

Crisis intervention worker

Crisis intervention workers counsel people in distress. They help those in danger of harming themselves or others; support those undergoing acute mental health crises; and help those affected by terror attacks or natural disasters.

Program Coordinator

Program coordinators run community-based social programs and services. They assess a community’s needs and then develop group programs to meet these needs. These programs could be in the area of legal help, medical attention, financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, and more.

Family service worker

A family social worker can help to restore harmony by providing services to families in crisis. Their work varies, depending on the clients they serve. These workers work with clients and other professionals to develop a treatment plan; coordinate services provided to clients by their or other organizations; research community services available to their clients; help clients fill out application paperwork; and monitor clients to ensure that their family gets the help they need.

Group home worker

Group home workers act as a liaison. They communicate between the resident and law enforcement agencies; families; social service agencies; and community organizations to update these parties of the status of the resident. They also monitor the behavior of residents, help to resolve disputes and teach residents basic quality-of-life life skills such as hygiene, meal preparation, taking medications, cleaning the home, and going to work.

Mental health worker

Mental health workers are responsible for providing support, counselling and services to individuals and families experiencing mental health issues. This includes early intervention strategies, mental health education and advocacy and relapse prevention work.

Addictions worker

Addictions workers provide individual or group therapy to individuals struggling with addiction. These workers counsel patients and work with a patient’s family members or close friends. They participate in orientation sessions, informational programs and/or dependency prevention initiatives.

Do you have a strong desire to assist others and make a true difference? A career as a Community and Developmental Service Worker will be a rewarding, satisfying career. Start today!

At Trillium College, our Community and Development Service Worker program gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to offer support as a community service worker. Learn the skills needed to properly work alongside social workers who assists people of all ages with mental and/or physical disabilities or who face challenges with mental health and/or addictions.

Get the Facts About Healthcare Careers in Ontario

At Trillium College, we offer more programs in the healthcare industry than in any other industry. And with good reason– the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise in Ontario.

With an aging population increasing in size, there is a growing demand for trained professionals to work in a field that has no limitations. Will you leverage the province’s changing demographics to your advantage and pursue a career in healthcare?

We’ve pulled relevant information from the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report about the prospective job outlook for each one of our healthcare courses.

Advanced Esthetics and Spa Operations

This diploma program gives you the hands-on training and expertise to perform professional client consultations, facials, hair removal, manicures, pedicures, specialized body treatments and more.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be good for Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (NOC 6562) in Ontario.

Employment in this occupational group has shown strong growth over the past decade. The majority of these workers are employed in the personal care services sector. Other key employers can be found in the retail trade industry, mainly in health and personal care stores.

Job opportunities for this group are dependent on population growth, but more so, mostly driven by consumer discretionary spending. Although personal care trends can shift, there are indications that there have been increased interests and usage for some of these services, maintaining demand in this field. A fair number of estheticians, electrologists and related occupations are self-employed. They can increase their client base by keeping up to date with the latest trends and by using social media tools for self-marketing.

Intra Oral Dental Assistant Program Level 1 & 2

Our diploma program is one of the most in-depth dental assistant programs offered. It gives you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills and experience needed to work competently, effectively and safely as a dental assistant.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Dental assistants (NOC 3411) in Ontario.

In Ontario, the overwhelming majority of dental assistants are employed in the offices of dentists. They can also work in clinics supervised by dental hygienists.

Employment growth in this field is dependent on the demand for dental services. Over the past decade, a growing and aging provincial population and increasing public awareness of the importance of oral hygiene has spurred demand for dental services. In addition, the ongoing expansion of geriatric dentistry and the access to improved cosmetic, aesthetic and orthodontic procedures will continue to support demand in this field. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover most dental services, yet for several years now, more private spending on dental services has been coming from insurance than from patients’ pockets.

Massage Therapy

This program introduces you to a variety of Swedish soft tissue manipulation techniques. You will develop the knowledge and skills to assess clients’ needs and develop treatment plans.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Massage therapists (NOC 3236) in Ontario.

This outlook is the result of an analysis of a number of factors that influence employment prospects in this occupation. Some of the key findings are that:

• Employment growth is expected to be strong.
• A small number of people are expected to retire.
• This occupation has recently experienced low levels of unemployment.

Medical Lab Assistant/ Technician

This diploma program gives you the knowledge and practical skills needed to play an important role in promoting community health while working under the direct supervision of physicians, registered medical technologists and other healthcare professionals.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants (NOC 3212) in Ontario.

This outlook is the result of an analysis of a number of factors that influence employment prospects in this occupation. Some of the key findings are that:

• Employment growth is expected to be strong.
• A large number of people are expected to retire.
• This occupation has recently experienced low levels of unemployment.

Medical Office Assistant

Our Medical Office Assistant curriculum provides you with the in-depth training in medical terminology, medical administration procedures and the medical transcription skills needed to effectively support our communities’ medical professionals.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Medical administrative assistants (NOC 1243) in Ontario.

Employment of medical administrative assistants has remained relatively stable in Ontario over the past few years. Over half work in offices of physicians, while a significant portion is also employed in hospitals. Although hospital downsizing across Ontario may temper employment growth, increased provincial funding to promote community-based health initiatives and clinics targeting specific demographics or health specializations may contribute to opportunities in this field. Job opportunities will also arise due to the high portion of medical administrative assistants nearing retirement age in the province.

Candidates with training in medical office administration should have the best opportunities for securing employment, though applicants with administrative experience in a doctor’s office may also be considered by some employers. Medical administrative assistants are expected to work closely with both doctors and the general public, therefore strong interpersonal and customer service skills are assets for job seekers. Employment opportunities are also improved for candidates familiar with medical terminology, and who have a strong working knowledge of healthcare information system software, such as electronic medical records, and Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing.

Personal Support Worker

Trillium College delivers the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) program, providing a solid educational base for workers who provide long-term care and support services in both institutional and community settings.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report:

For the 2016-2018 period, the employment outlook is expected to be fair for Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 3413) in Ontario.

This outlook is the result of an analysis of a number of factors that influence employment prospects in this occupation. Some of the key findings are that:

• Employment growth is expected to be strong.
• A large number of people are expected to retire.
• This occupation has recently experienced low levels of unemployment.

Looking for a career in demand now and in the future? Look no further than a rewarding career in Health Care. At Trillium College, we’ll help you do what you love, and you will get your medical diploma in less time than you think.

Whether you have an entrepreneurial flair and wish to work independently as a registered massage therapist or esthetician, would love to work in a residential setting as a personal support worker or see yourself working in your local medical or dental office, Trillium College has a variety of medical programs to get you into a healthcare career in demand – and FAST.

Working as a Medical Office Assistant

Our Medical Office Assistant diploma program prepares students for a career in medical administration. As the Canadian population ages, the medical field is experiencing rapid growth, creating demand for a huge range of careers in medical administration.

Our graduates find well-paying jobs in offices, clinics, and hospitals as:

• Receptionists
• Administrative assistants
• Office managers
• Medical transcriptionists
• Medical billing clerks
• Unit/ward clerks
• Patient registration clerks

But what does a typical day in the life of a medical office assistant look like? Given the scope of job options, there are many possibilities. Our example graduate, Laura, can fill in the details of what an average workday for her looks like. Although some of the details might change, any job as a medical office assistant will include similar tasks and responsibilities.

A Day in the Life: Laura Smith, Clinic Office Manager

Laura is a 29-year-old graduate who works full-time as Dr. Greene’s office manager. Dr. Greene is a busy cardiologist who splits her time between her private office, where Laura has worked for three years, and the local hospital. Laura’s role is to care for all clerical aspects of Dr. Greene’s practice, while Dr. Greene’s nurse looks after clinical aspects.

8:00 am: Laura arrives at office, ahead of other staff. She unlocks the door, turns off the alarm and turns on all the computers and tablets. She records a new voicemail stating today’s availability. Laura listens to voicemail messages and checks office e-mail, taking note of any cancellations or urgent messages. She calls patients from her waiting list to fill any same-day cancellation slots.

8:30 am: Greets Doctor Greene and the office nurse as they arrive, updating them on the day’s schedule and any urgent patient messages.

9:00 am: Laura greets the first patient as he arrives. She confirms his demographics and OHIP information is up-to-date in medical record software. After discovering the patient had recent blood work done that is not on his file, she calls the lab to have it sent over immediately before the doctor sees him.

9:30 am: Laura continues registering patients as they arrive. In between patient arrivals, she processes all documents that have arrived since the last work day. She files lab work electronically in patients’ electronic medical records, prints off prescription renewals for the doctor to sign, and sets aside referral requests to deal with later in the day.

10:00 am: The phone is ringing off the hook. Calls include ones from a pharmacist who needs a Limited Use code for a prescription the doctor just sent in, an Emergency Room nurse who is caring for one of Dr. Greene’s patients, and another doctor who wants to speak with Dr. Greene about a mutual patient.

11:00 am: Laura registers a first-time patient and creates electronic medical record for her. She helps the patient fill out basic paperwork and enter her demographics and allergies into her medical record. The new patient forgot her lengthy list of medications at home, so Laura calls her pharmacy to get a list sent over right away for the doctor’s review.

12:00 pm: Lunchtime.

12:30 pm: Laura calls tomorrow’s patients to remind them of their appointments. She leaves messages for any who do not answer, reminding them to bring their health card and list of medications.

1:30 pm: Processes referrals. Laura sorts referrals by urgency, according to office guidelines. She finds appointments for each patient, sending their appointment times and instructions to their referring doctor.

2:30 pm: After finding out that Dr. Greene is attending a conference next Friday that she forgot to mention, Laura begins rescheduling all of that day’s patients. There are few openings in the doctor’s schedule, so this task requires patience and problem-solving.

3:30 pm: A patient arrives without an appointment, explaining that he urgently needs to see the doctor. After asking the patient questions and discussing the situation discreetly with the office nurse, Laura adds him to the day’s schedule.

4:30 pm: Although the patients should all be gone by now, there are still a few patients to be seen. The doctor is running overtime and patients are restless in the waiting room. Laura stays until all patients are seen, making their follow-up appointments and booking any tests the doctor ordered for them.

5:30 pm: After recording a new voicemail stating that the office is now closed and checking the office e-mail one last time, Laura finishes her workday by turning off the computers and lights, setting the alarm and locking the door.

After reading what a typical day for Laura looks like, it’s clear that working as a medical office assistant is a demanding profession that requires:

• Multitasking
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Excellent people skills

A career as a medical office assistant can be immensely rewarding. Medical office assistants act as a liaison between patients who need help and the practitioners who can offer that help. They assist people in their most vulnerable moments and help them navigate the healthcare system. Medical office assistants often make the difference between a patient falling through the cracks or getting the help they need, when they need it.

If you love people, enjoy being organized, and want to make a difference, then a career as a medical office assistant might be the perfect fit for you!