How Technology Training Can Build Job-Ready Skills in Healthcare and Social Services Roles 

Employers hire for real-world skills like accurate charting, clean data entry, safe reprocessing, confident phone work, and excellent privacy habits. The right technology training helps you show those skills on day one, whether you study health care administration or community support at ABES.  

Here’s a quick guide to gaining confidence in using technology for your new role. 

Technology Training Needed in Health Care and Community Support Roles 

• Electronic records (EMR/EHR): finding info, documenting clearly, patient ID safety. In Alberta, hospitals and many facilities use Connect Care. Training access comes through AHS/your placement or employer.  

• Practice systems by setting: clinic EMRs (PS Suite, Med Access, Accuro), dental software (ClearDent, Dentrix), pharmacy systems (Kroll). You learn the workflow first; the employer gives system logins later.  

• Simulation: safe practice using scenarios, manikins, or standardized patients to build confidence before real patients. Alberta’s eSIM program sets provincial simulation guidance.  

• Privacy: follow Canadian/Alberta rules (HIA, PIPA/PIPEDA) depending on your workplace.  

• Everyday digital skills: email, schedules, spreadsheets, scanners, secure file handling. ABES curricula include applied computer skills in admin programs. 

Program-by-Program: Useful Technology Training vs. What to Skip 

Health Care Aide (HCA) & Practical Nursing (PN) 

• Do: Basic EMR literacy (flowsheets, vitals, progress notes), BLS from a Canadian provider, and simulation where offered. If your practicum is in AHS, expect Connect Care access and role-based training through AHS.  

• Don’t: Paid “Epic/Connect Care” courses from non-AHS vendors; employers may not count them. 

Unit Clerk & Medical Office Assistant (UC/MOA) 

• Do: Scheduling, ADT (admit/discharge/transfer), order processing, chart management, and Applied Computer & Productivity Skills (this is in the ABES diploma). Get familiar with common clinic EMRs (PS Suite, Med Access, Accuro) at a high level; you’ll learn the live system on the job.  

• Don’t: Costly “EMR masterclasses” not tied to Canadian systems your employer actually uses. 

Dental Office Administration 

• Do: Dental practice software concepts (scheduling, billing/insurance, imaging links, recalls). Know two Canadian-market platforms (ClearDent, Dentrix) at a basic level.  

• Don’t: Generic dental software courses with no Canadian focus or no hands-on exercises.  

Pharmacy Assistant 

• Do: Understand pharmacy workflow (intake → clinical check → fill → pickup). Learn what Kroll does and where training/resources live; most Canadian community pharmacies use it, and employers provide access.  

• Don’t: “Certification” from third parties not recognized by vendors; stick to employer or vendor resources.  

Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) 

• Do: Label logic, order entry, and LIS basics (receiving, aliquots, result status). Practice barcodes and specimen handling accuracy; that’s the skill labs hire for. (ABES program page outlines MLA focus and employer ties.)  

• Don’t: Avoid falling for paid courses that offer any training outside the guidelines specified above. 

Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR)/Sterile Processing 

• Do: Washer-disinfector and sterilizer cycles, indicators, and documentation that meet CSA Z314 and Alberta standards. Keep a tidy digital/printed audit trail.  

• Don’t: Out-of-date reprocessing modules that don’t align to CSA Z314 or AHS guidance. 

Community Support Worker (Addiction & Disability) 

• Do: Case-note accuracy, secure records, and privacy under PIPA (private agencies) or FOIP/POPA (public bodies). Learn safe client communications (email/text policies) and scheduling tools.  

• Skip: Non-Canadian privacy courses that don’t match Alberta rules. 

How to Integrate This Training 

Before your program 

• Book BLS (health programs). 

• Refresh typing, email etiquette, and spreadsheets. 

• Read a short overview of HIA/PIPA/PIPEDA so privacy terms feel familiar in class and at practicum.  

During your program & practicum 

• Ask what system tasks students can do (e.g., ADT entries, scan/upload, supply tracking). 

• Use simulation sessions seriously; practise your hand-offs and documentation. 

• Keep a skills log of software tasks and equipment cycles. Those become résumé bullets.  

After graduation: targeted upskilling 

• Take employer or vendor training first (Connect Care via AHS; Kroll via TELUS; clinic EMR onboarding via PS Suite/Med Access/Accuro).  

• Renew BLS on schedule (if required by role). 

• For MDR roles, keep up with CSA Z314 updates and AHS IPC materials. 

Talk to an ABES Advisor About Getting Job-Ready Today 

ABES offers focused, job-ready programs with practicum placements and small classes.  We’ll map the exact tools you’ll see in class, practicum and work to get the jobs you want. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and support services.