Curriculum CMA.CMA.CERT (C318A)
Medical Assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals trained to perform a variety of administrative and clinical functions supporting diagnostic, treatment, and related health care services as part of the American health care industry. Medical Assistants typically operate under the supervision of licensed physicians or other similarly qualified independent health practitioners and therapists.
The Certified Medical Assistant Program offers a 32 credit course of study that prepares graduates to serve as medical assistants in organizations that typically employ them. Such organizations may include physician offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, clinical laboratories, paramedical examiner agencies, health insurance agencies, government and public health agencies, educational institutions, research institutions, and related medical diagnostic, treatment, and therapeutic facilities.
Common administrative duties include clerical tasks, written correspondence, document and information processing, medical reception, appointment scheduling, medical records management, billing and collections, insurance claims processing, practice finances, facilities maintenance, medical practice management, and the like. Common clinical duties include medical documentation; eliciting medical histories; infection control; measuring vital signs, health indicators, and physical dimensions; preparing for and assisting with physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, as well as treatment and therapeutic regimens; administering medications; collecting, processing, and analyzing patient specimens.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has consistently indicated that the employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the average number of job openings through 2022 is projected to be 706/year in Illinois and 232/year in the Chicago area (Cook County). The median full-time compensation for Medical Assistants in the Chicago area is approximately $15/hour or $30,000/year.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the successful completion of the Certified Medical Assistant Certificate, the graduate will be able to:
- demonstrate entry-level competence in the learning domains of the medical assistant profession;
- employ effective oral and written communication skills within the scope of health services delivery;
- comply with the legal and ethical standards of the medical assistant profession; and
- pass a recognized medical assistant credentialing exam.
All coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
| AHL 120 ◊ Comprehensive Medical Terminology | | 3 credits |
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| BUS 107 ◊ Microsoft Office in Business Applications | | 3 credits |
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| CIS 101 ◊ Computer Systems & Business Applications | | 3 credits |
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| CMA 101 # Introduction to Medical Assisting | | 2 credits |
| CMA 102 # Medical Assistant Administrative Applications I | | 3 credits |
| CMA 110 ◊ # Medical Assistant Clinical Applications I | | 3 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 14 |
| AHL 103 ◊ Basic Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals | | 1 credit |
| BIS 190 ◊ Anatomy & Physiology for Allied Health Majors | | 4 credits |
| CMA 103 ◊ # Medical Assistant Administrative Applications II | | 3 credits |
| CMA 130 ◊ # Medical Assistant Clinical Applications II | | 3 credits |
| CMA 180 ◊ # Medical Assistant Laboratory Applications | | 3 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 14 |
| CMA 200 ◊ # Medical Assistant Practicum | | 1 credit |
| CMA 250 ◊ # Certified Medical Assistant Seminar | | 3 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 4 |