What were you doing before attending Sprott Shaw College?

I wasn’t able to find work with my Business degree, so I spent time volunteering at our local wildlife park and rehabilitation center.

Why did you choose Sprott Shaw College?

Sprott Shaw was recommended to me for the MOA program, and I had been looking for a way to get into administration. They offered the program, whereas the university did not. Sprott Shaw also purposefully select programs based on jobs demand in the area, which made me feel confident I could finally get hired.

How was the admissions process?

There were lots of steps, but it was not hard to follow.

What program did you choose and why?

I chose the Medical Office Administration and Health Unit Clerk program because I wanted to break into administration, I have been looking for ways to get hired into our local health authority, as there are many opportunities for both horizontal and vertical movement within the organization. I also love working in healthcare, as I feel it is the best way I can help improve someone’s quality of life.

What was the environment like during your time at Sprott Shaw College?

It was conducive to learning, supportive, interactive

Where was your practicum or co-op and how was it?

I completed my Unit Clerk practicum at Royal Inland Hospital. It was a great experience and I was offered a job within a week. I gained a lot of hands-on experience that helped me learn quickly and truly understand what the role is like.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?

Before graduation, I was hired while still completing my practicum

Where do you work? Can you explain your duties?

I work at Royal Inland Hospital, where I oversee all clerical aspects of patient lifetime at the clinic – new patient files, appointments, discharge. I liaise between patients, other doctors, other dialysis centers, our doctors and nurses, pharmacies, laboratories, diagnostics, and other units via multifaceted communications. I also scheduled and rebooked patients, process charts, input orders into Meditech, update patients’ medication histories in PROMIS, manage patient records and demographics, and coordinate daily unit activities.

If you could give advice to someone coming to Sprott Shaw, what would you say?

Take a breath. The teachers support you very well through the program and make it easier for you to successfully complete the program. Honestly, it is a much better experience than university.

Miranda Gray
Medical Office Administration and Health Unit Clerk
Abbotsford Campus