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Begin a Career Working as a Virtual Scribe

Learn all about medical terminology and how to produce reports that will become part of a patient's legal medical record with CanScribe’s Virtual Scribe Course

19 Week Virtual Scribe Course

If you want a career with a lot of flexibility—working as few or as many hours per week as you like, whenever you want—training to become a Virtual Scribe could be just what you need.

We provide all the knowledge and support you need to get trained and get working as quickly as possible. Our strong industry connections play a major role in that. Our entire program is both reviewed and created with input from employers you will work for!

CanScribe Career College is Best Choice for a Virtual Scribe Course

✓ CanScribe has the #1 employer recommended training program and you can get all of your training online in less than a year.

✓ We are the only school in Canada to have its MT/HDS program approved by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI), so our students are sure to receive a top-quality educational experience.

What is a Virtual Scribe?

Virtual Scribes can be employed at a hospital, clinic, lab or doctor’s office, but their work is often done from home.

The virtual scribe program will prepare the student to produce reports that will become part of the patient’s legal medical record. These will include medical histories, discharge summaries, physical examination reports, diagnostic imaging studies, consultation reports, referral letters, SOAP notes, and other documents. These reports are important because they serve as the foundation for ongoing clinical decision-making, continuity of care, and risk management.

Can I graduate faster?

Absolutely! One of the best parts about our Virtual Scribe Course is that you can complete it at your pace. This means you can graduate in as little as three months. If you believe you have enough knowledge in a certain area, you can attempt the quiz, and move ahead; there is nothing holding you back from completing your Virtual Scribe Course faster.

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Program Details

INCLUDED IN THE VIRTUAL SCRIBE COURSE

  • Access to all CanScribe staff via email, Live Support and toll-free phone numbers
  • Training following a current and relevant industry-approved curriculum
  • Program hosted on D2L, a state-of-the-art Learning Management System
  • Unique grade book that records all tests, transcription/SR reports and exams
  • Automated text comparison of transcription reports, showing any differences for easy assessment
  • All reference materials supplied at no extra cost
  • Access to staff, students and graduates via webinars, chats and forums
  • Scheduled webinars with CanScribe staff and guest speakers
  • Regular follow-ups to ensure your learning outcomes
  • All exams are instructor graded
  • Unlimited job placement assistance
  • Contacts with employers based throughout North America and Australia
  • Flexible payment plans
  • Tuition receipt for income tax purposes
  • Third-party funding and student loans may be available

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training

Tuition

Click here to see all financing options and the tuition breakdown for the Virtual Scribe course. Unsure how you'd even fund your education? No problem check out our Scholarship and Funding Finder to see if you're eligible to save on your tuition. If you and a friend enroll at the same time you will both receice a 5% discount on tuition costs.

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Requirements

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

If you take the Virtual Scribe course on campus, everything is provided.

If you take the Virtual Scribe course via distance learning, it is recommended to complete the program on a Windows PC. Apple computers are compatible, however, Microsoft Office Training from the point of view of a Windows computer. You are required to have the Microsoft Office suite installed on your computer

You must have a computer with speakers and Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word and Excel) on your computer. An internet speed of 15 mbps download, and 10 mbps upload is recommended.

We also recommend that you use the latest version of either Firefox or Chrome as your browser.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Students must have a minimum typing speed of 30 net-words-per-minute and pass an entry level grammar assessment. Students must also be a mature student, 19+, or have a high school diploma.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

Prior to admission, applicants must meet at least one of the following English language proficiency requirements:

1. Education

A) Secondary Education

Evidence of three (3) years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or two (2) years if the grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed where English is the principal language of instruction.

OR

B) Post-Secondary Education

Evidence of two (2) years of full-time post-secondary education have been successfully completed where English is the principal language of instruction.
OR

2. Assessment

By achieving a recognized standardized language test/assessment.

FAQ

How's the job market for Virtual Scribes?

There is currently a huge demand for CanScribe Virtual Scribe graduates. Our Virtual Scribe course was created in coordination with AQuity Solutions. AQuity needs to fill 1,000 Virtual Scribe positions every year, which means the demand for this job is high! Employment rates of Virtual Scribes are projected to grow even faster than the average over the next few years.

Because of CanScribe’s reputation in the Virtual Scribe industry, 88% of our grads find employment within the first two weeks after graduating. Our grads are in such high demand that we cannot keep up with employer requests from companies such as iMedX, Keizer Solutions, and AQuity, just to name a few.

How long will the program take?

The program is approximately 19 weeks in length. Students are recommended to work on the program 22 hours per week to graduate on time.

However, you can work at your own pace and complete the program in a faster timeline. Students who have previous medical experience can often finish much faster. After completion of the program, you will become fully qualified to work as a professional Virtual Scribe.

What if I need more than 19 weeks?

Students are able to purchase extensions gives them more time in their program. These extensions are available to all students, however; students who receive government or third-party funding may be required to finish the program on the original schedule.

What does a Virtual Scribe do?

A job as a Virtual Scribe appears a little like an assistant job. A Virtual Scribe sits in virtually with the doctor in real-time and types out the interaction between the patient and doctor, recording the interaction for the patient health record. A Virtual Scribe’s job is to reduce doctor burn out, decrease time the doctor spends on filling out forms and paperwork, and supports the physician to focus on increasing one-on-one patient time.

What is the advantage to being a Virtual Scribe?

A Virtual Scribe listens to the patient and doctor interaction through video conferencing or phone from your own home. For the doctor the medical practice, this means a greater sense of privacy and flexible service. For the patient, it means more accurate documentation of their file. For the Virtual Scribe, it means an employee wage where you can work from home and contribute to the healthcare field and help to improve and save patient lives.

Do Virtual Scribes get paid as employees or contractors?

Virtual Scribes are paid as employees, rather than as contractors.

What is the eBook Upgrade?

The eBook Upgrade is a digital version of the program curriculum which can be downloaded onto a tablet or laptop. This allows the student to continue their studies when you happen to be away from the computer.

The eBook Upgrade is an optional upgrade to the program and is not required for successful completion. If you are interested in purchasing the eBook Upgrade, please contact CanScribe via email at info@canscribe.com or call us toll-free at 1-800-466-1535.

What skills do you need as a Virtual Scribe?

An interest in the healthcare field, a desire to learn, and average typing skills. If you’re worried about your typing skills, we provide training to help increase your typing accuracy and speed.

I’m a Medical Transcriptionist. Do I need to take this course to get a Virtual Scribe job?

AQuity does employ Medical Transcriptionists, and they have hired MT's as Virtual Scribes. However, this course was created hand-in-hand with AQuity Solutions and is tailored to the Virtual Scribe role and what AQuity requires for the job.

Virtual Scribe Course Curriculum

The most up-to-date content in the industry, created from input from the employers you will graduate and apply with.
 
  • Introduction to Virtual Scribing
  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Keyboarding Techniques
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Introduction to Industry Technologies
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking Skills
  • Medical Terminology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Fundamentals of Pharmacology
  • Creating Medical Records
  • SOAP Notes
  • Professional Development
  • Final Exam
 
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Becoming a Virtual Scribe

Quality training will be the key to your success as a Virtual Scribe and CanScribe graduates are highly sought after by employers throughout the industry. This program includes focused training in keyboarding, computer fundamentals, grammar and punctuation, medical terminology, and includes anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, active listening, critical thinking, and professional development. The program also provides students with an introduction to real-world technology.

Students have 19 weeks to complete the Virtual Scribe course (extensions may be available) and you can study in the privacy of your own home or learn on campus in Kelowna.

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What a Virtual Assistant Course Teaches You

CanScribe's virtual assistant course covers the full range of remote administrative support skills an employer or freelance client expects from a working VA. The curriculum includes Microsoft Office proficiency, basic bookkeeping, business communication skills, calendar and email management, meeting coordination, and record maintenance. Graduates leave with both technical competence and the administrative assistant skills transfer knowledge that makes VA training applicable across industries. The virtual assistant training course was developed in response to direct employer requests for candidates trained in this specific combination of skills.

Core Administrative and Office Skills

CanScribe's virtual assistant course builds practical capability in office operations from the ground up. Students learn to organize meetings, produce meeting minutes, maintain contact lists, generate correspondence, and develop filing systems. These tasks form the backbone of remote administrative support roles, whether a graduate works for a single employer or manages multiple freelance clients.

Business and Financial Fundamentals

The program includes bookkeeping and basic accounting instruction alongside marketing and event planning basics. Students also cover human resources fundamentals, time management, grammar and business writing, and text expansion software. Travel booking rounds out the operational skill set. This breadth of training reflects the employer feedback that shaped the curriculum: businesses hiring virtual assistants expect candidates who can handle a wide variety of tasks without hand-holding.

How Long a Virtual Assistant Course Takes to Finish

CanScribe's virtual assistant course runs 26 weeks, with students expected to invest roughly 20 to 23 hours per week to meet that timeline. Students who study more intensively can complete the certificate program in as little as three months. Extensions are available for students who need additional time. The program operates on a self-paced online learning model, meaning each student sets a study schedule that fits around existing commitments rather than following a fixed class timetable.

Accelerating Completion Through Prior Knowledge

CanScribe's virtual assistant course allows students to test out of modules where they already have competence. A student with prior bookkeeping experience, for example, can attempt the relevant assessment immediately rather than working through all preparatory material. This mechanism compresses the home-based career training timeline for candidates who bring transferable skills from previous administrative or office roles.

Study Format and Admissions

The program runs entirely online, with no mandatory in-person attendance. Students can study from home or on campus, depending on their preference. Anyone considering the program can review admissions requirements to confirm eligibility before applying. The work from home certificate issued at completion documents the credential formally, which matters when presenting qualifications to employers or prospective freelance clients.

Whether a Paid Virtual Assistant Course Is Worth It

CanScribe's virtual assistant course carries a recognized institutional credential that free online resources cannot replicate. The program has been reviewed by the Canadian Association of Virtual Assistants (CAVA) and approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of British Columbia's Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. Those two markers matter when a graduate applies for employment or pitches freelance clients, because they signal that the training met a documented standard rather than being self-assembled from scattered online content.

Employment and Salary Outcomes

Graduates who complete CanScribe's virtual assistant course and report back on their employment status show a 78% rate of finding work within one year. For students who were unemployed before starting the program, the average starting salary after graduation reached $56,000. Graduates working full-time who were already employed before training increased their average salary by $9,075. These figures reflect reported outcomes from the student population rather than projections, which makes them a more reliable basis for evaluating whether the investment pays off.

Is paid virtual assistant course is worth it?

The question of whether a paid virtual assistant course is worth it depends largely on what the student needs after training. Free resources can build familiarity with individual tools, but they do not provide a structured credential, employer recognition, or post-graduation career support. CanScribe offers unlimited resume and cover letter assistance to VA graduates for life, and actively posts job opportunities through an online employment forum. Those ongoing supports extend the value of the training beyond the certificate itself. Students who need help covering tuition costs can review financial assistance options available through the college.

Credential Recognition and Career Pathways

CanScribe's virtual assistant course prepares graduates for entry into mid-level administrative positions immediately after graduation. The Canadian career college credential also supports freelance business setup: graduates who want to work independently rather than as employees have the documented training history to present when setting rates and contracts with clients. Finding clients as a virtual assistant is easier when a candidate can point to a recognized certificate program rather than an informal skills list. Developing a specialized VA niche, such as bookkeeping or calendar management, becomes a more credible proposition once the foundational training is verifiable.

Which Tools a Virtual Assistant Course Should Include

CanScribe's virtual assistant course covers the core software stack employers expect VAs to operate. Microsoft Office proficiency is a baseline requirement across virtually all administrative support roles, and the program addresses Word, Excel, and related applications at the practical level. QuickBooks and bookkeeping training gives graduates the financial literacy to handle basic accounting tasks for clients or employers. Project management fundamentals prepare students to coordinate work across multiple stakeholders without direct supervision.

Digital and Communication Tools

CanScribe's virtual assistant course includes instruction in text expansion software and business communication tools that accelerate routine correspondence. Google Workspace skills, email management, and calendar management round out the daily-use software coverage. Modern VA roles increasingly require working with AI tools for task automation and efficiency, and familiarity with these platforms is becoming a standard expectation in job postings. Students who want to deepen specific technical skill areas after completing the core program can explore the micro-course collection for targeted add-ons.

Bookkeeping and Financial Software

CanScribe's virtual assistant course pairs basic accounting instruction with software training because bookkeeping is one of the highest-demand specialized VA niches. Clients who need financial record management are willing to pay premium rates for a VA who can handle it accurately. Students who want to pursue financial administration more deeply can extend into the accounting assistant course, which builds on the bookkeeping foundation from the VA program.

Software and Skill Areas Covered in the Program

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and related applications) for document creation, spreadsheet management, and correspondence.
  • Basic bookkeeping and QuickBooks for financial record keeping and client billing.
  • Text expansion software for high-volume administrative correspondence.
  • Project management fundamentals for coordinating tasks and meeting deadlines across multiple clients.
  • Marketing and event planning basics for graduates supporting business development or operations roles.
  • Human resources fundamentals for graduates entering administrative positions with HR responsibilities.

Who Should Enroll in a Virtual Assistant Course

CanScribe's virtual assistant course suits candidates who already hold some background in administrative work, customer service, reception, or office coordination. Administrative assistant skills transfer directly into VA training, which means students from those backgrounds move through the curriculum faster and graduate with a clearer sense of how their prior experience connects to the new credential. The program also accommodates complete career changers who have no formal administrative background, since the self-paced online learning format allows each student to work through material at the pace their current knowledge level supports.

Who is this program for?

The program fits candidates in two main situations: people who want remote work flexibility and need a credential to access it, and people currently working in-office administrative roles who want the option to move into freelance or home-based work. Both groups benefit from the industry-recognized credential the program produces. Graduates can pursue traditional employment in entry-level administrative positions, or use the certificate to build a freelance VA business with verifiable training behind their client pitches. Students exploring other program areas alongside this one can browse CanScribe's online college courses to assess compatible options.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Virtual Scribe Program and to explore whether online distance education is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

A helpful CanScribe College Admissions Representative will be happy to answer any questions and can help with everything from career paths to financial aid.

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