Certified Medical Assistant Certificate
Total Program Credits: 32
A Medical Assistant is a multi-skilled allied health care professional trained to perform clinical and administrative tasks in an outpatient setting under the supervision of a licensed health care provider, usually a physician. Medical Assistants assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and perform other tasks to meet patient needs and to manage clinic operations.
As an important member of the health care team, the duties of medical assistants vary according to a clinic’s location, size, and specialty. Medical Assistants record patient histories, measure vital signs and physical dimensions, prepare for and assist with examination and treatment procedures, collect and test laboratory specimens, provide patient education, prepare and administer medications, and perform diagnostic tests. Administrative responsibilities may include reception and telephone management, scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, preparing financial records, preparing insurance claims, and related operational tasks.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon 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.
- Pass a recognized medical assistant credentialing exam.
(Reviewed Fall 2023)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| AHL 120 ◊ Comprehensive Medical Terminology | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| BUS 107 ◊ Microsoft Office in Business Applications | Core Course | 3 |
| OR | | |
| CIS 101 ◊ Computer Systems & Business Applications | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| CMA 101 # Introduction to Medical Assisting | Core Course | 2 |
| CMA 102 # Medical Assistant Administrative Applications I | Core Course | 3 |
| CMA 110 ◊ # Medical Assistant Clinical Applications I | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 17 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
| AHL 103 ◊ Basic Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals | Core Course | 1 |
| | | |
| BIS 101 ◊ Human Biology | Life Science Gen-ed | 4 |
| OR | | |
| BIS 136 ◊ # Functional Human Anatomy I | Core Course | 4 |
| OR | | |
| BIS 240 ◊ # Human Anatomy & Physiology I | Core Course | 4 |
| | | |
| CMA 103 ◊ # Medical Assistant Administrative Applications II | Core Course | 3 |
| CMA 130 ◊ # Medical Assistant Clinical Applications II | Core Course | 3 |
| CMA 180 ◊ # Medical Assistant Laboratory Applications | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 22 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers. Attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. (if applicable) |
| CMA 200 ◊ # Medical Assistant Practicum | Core Course | 1 |
| CMA 250 ◊ # Certified Medical Assistant Seminar | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 4 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your academic plan for graduation and register for stackable certificate/degree (option).
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabus.) |
Notes: Submit application for and subsequently take a medical assistant credentialing exam.
All program requirements must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
See CMA course descriptions.
Chairperson: John Cody, Ext. 3474; email: johncody@triton.edu
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |