Lindsay Jerome never expected to go into the medical field.

Yet, Jerome decided to take the medical office assistant certificate at Okanagan College and upon graduation was hired by the North Okanagan Medical Clinic at Superstore in Vernon. Three years later, she enjoys a challenging career at the clinic where every day is different.

鈥淚 had no idea what I wanted to do and was just working retail 鈥� going nowhere,鈥� saidJerome. 鈥淚 knew I wanted to make more money, and I also wanted a job that was in-demand and that I could be proud of.鈥�

Jerome decided to start investigating post-secondary education and her research led her to consider a career as a medical office assistant.

鈥淓verybody that I talked to about the job had been doing it for 20-plus years, and they loved it,鈥� said Jerome.

Jerome enrolled in the college鈥檚 part-time, medical office assistant certificate and worked two jobs 鈥� retail and dog grooming 鈥� while completing her education.

The flexibility of the program, which includes evenings and some weekend classroom time, allowed her to fit both work and school into her busy schedule.

Jerome found the instructors knowledgeable and ready to answer all of her questions, and appreciated the fact that her training included an observation.

鈥淚 did my observation at the clinic that I now work at, and I know for a fact that they wouldn鈥檛 have hired me without the course,鈥� said Jerome. 鈥淧lus, there鈥檚 only so much the books can tell you. Our teacher would often say 鈥榠t depends on where you work.鈥� So by doing my observation I learned things that were specific to working in a walk-in clinic.鈥�

The medical office assistant program is offered at the Vernon and 91大黄鸭 campuses and covers medical terminology, medical office procedures (including computerized medical billing), medical office guidelines, and medical and legal ethical standards. Instructors also help students develop time management and effective verbal and written communication skills.

鈥淭he training really is a great jumping off point for our graduates to go into a versatile career,鈥� said instructor Carrol Tull. 鈥淲e鈥檝e got grads working in doctor鈥檚 offices, vet clinics, walk-in clinics, and hospitals.鈥�

Tull also says that the instruction is designed to be hands-on and practical.

鈥淗aving been an MOA for many years I get great pleasure passing on my knowledge to the students who are eager to be part of this industry. It鈥檚 exciting to be part of this learning process, watching the students become skilled, confident and eager to start their rewarding careers.鈥�

What does Jerome like best about her job?

鈥淵ou never know what鈥檚 going to walk through the door,鈥� she laughed. 鈥淚t鈥檚 chaotic, it鈥檚 crazy busy, and it鈥檚 challenging because the medical field is always changing and we have about 20-30 doctors who rotate through here. So you鈥檙e always learning and definitely never bored.鈥�

Jerome has a message for students considering the program: 鈥淛ust do it 鈥� you won鈥檛 regret it.鈥�

To find out more about Okanagan College鈥檚 medical office aAssistant certificate, visit .