Medical Assisting
A Medical Assisting Program prepares students to assume the role of a Medical Assistant in a variety of healthcare settings including outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. Medical Assistants perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by a physician.
The Medical Assisting Program at Elgin Community College strives to provide a well-rounded education for students looking to enter the healthcare field. This program will provide a personalized learning environment that will equip students to use critical thinking, professionalism and compassionate hands on care.
Entrance Requirements
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Reading: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
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Writing: Grade of C or better in ENG 098 or LTC 099 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
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Math: Grade of C or better in MTH 095 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
Program Requirements
Students must complete all required courses with grades of C or better to be eligible for graduation. Students must provide their own uniforms from the ECC bookstore, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and transportation to and from all clinical sites.
Policies and Procedures
Any student demonstrating a positive background check will be denied admission to any health professions program.
Prior to the first day of class, students must have the following documentation on file with the CastleBranch requirement tracking system: negative drug test results, negative background check, completed medical form, proof of immunizations/titer results including the covid19 vaccine, proof of health insurance coverage, and proof of American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers CPR certification.
Health professions students will be required to update their drug test, TB test/TB survey, and required vaccine information on an annual basis. Any student demonstrating a positive drug test will be dismissed from the Health Professions Division.
- Collect medical histories and be the liaison between the patient and medical provider using clear and effective communication skills
- Organize and assist in patient care throughout the ambulatory care setting
- Maintain administrative and clinical records using an electronic health record system
- Communicate and perform within medical law and ethics
- Demonstrate proper protective practices
- Demonstrate knowledge in medical billing, coding, insurance, referral management and office bookkeeping
- Perform phlebotomy, collect patient specimens, process and transport specimens
- Perform and assist the physician with procedures and testing using proper technique
- Prepare and administer injections including immunizations
- Perform electrocardiograms
- Communicate physician instructions to patients including health maintenance and disease prevention
- Maintaining office and medical equipment
- Apply concepts of human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and basic pharmacology
- Effectively demonstrate and perform the knowledge, skills and behavioral competencies of the medical assisting profession
- Demonstrate skills in resume writing, interview techniques and professionalism in a medical setting
- The student will be prepared to take and pass a certification exam at the completion of the program courses
Medical Assisting-Vocational Specialist
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| HPE 112 | Intro to Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MED 101 | Intro to Medical Assisting | 2 |
| MED 110 | Medical Asst Administrative Skills | 3 |
| MED 115 | Medical Asst Clinical Foundations | 3 |
| CMS 210 or CMS 215 | Interpersonal Communication or Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| Total | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| MED 120 | Medical Asst Patient Care Skills | 5 |
| MED 130 | Medical Asst Clinical Procedures | 4 |
| CLT 101 | Phlebotomy | 3.5 |
| Total | 12.5 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| MED 140 | Medical Assisting Externship | 5 |
| MED 150 | Medical Assisting Capstone | 2 |
| Total | 7 | |
| Program Total | 33.5 | |
Medical Assisting Courses
All MED courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
MED 101 Intro to Medical Assisting (2)(2,0)
Students will learn about the role of a medical assistant. Units on scope of practice, HIPAA, medical law and ethics, scheduling, effective communication and infection control will also be covered. Students will also shadow a certified medical assistant for 8 hours. Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification 10) fully vaccinated for COVID-19..
In-District Tuition/Fees: $370 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Medical Assisting Program
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
MED 110 Medical Asst Administrative Skills (3)(3,0)
Students will learn administrative functions of a medical assistant. Units on billing and coding, insurance and referrals, medical practice finances, communication with patients, administrative electronic medical record tasks and health information managements. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification 10) fully vaccinated for COVID-19..
In-District Tuition/Fees: $555 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Medical Assisting Program
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
MED 115 Medical Asst Clinical Foundations (3)(2,2)
Students will be introduced to the clinic foundations of medical assisting. Units on the human body systems and functions, common pathology related to each body system, measuring and record vital signs and rooming a patient. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification 10) fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $405 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Admission into the Medical Assisting Program.
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
MED 120 Medical Asst Patient Care Skills (5)(2,6)
Students will learn the clinical role of a medical assistant. Units on pharmacology, medication administration, medical testing, medical equipment and maintenance, nutrition, and applied mathematics.(1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification 10) fully vaccinated for COVID-19..
In-District Tuition/Fees: $675 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MED 101, MED 110 and MED 115
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
MED 130 Medical Asst Clinical Procedures (4)(2.5,3)
Students will learn the clinical role of a medical assistant. Units on medical exams and procedures, minor office surgeries, infection control, first aid and protective practices, and electronic medical record documentation. Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification 10) fully vaccinated for COVID-19..
In-District Tuition/Fees: $540 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MED 101, MED 110 and MED 115
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
MED 140 Medical Assisting Externship (5)(.5,13.5)
Students will participate in 160 hours of externship in a healthcare facility to enhance their administrative and clinical skill. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification 10) fully vaccinated for COVID-19..
In-District Tuition/Fees: $675 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MED 130 and MED 120.
Semester(s) Offered: Summer
MED 150 Medical Assisting Capstone (2)(2,0)
In this course students will prepare for the RMA exam, as well as develop a resume and practice interviewing skills. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification 10) fully vaccinated for COVID-19..
In-District Tuition/Fees: $270 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MED 130 and MED 120
Semester(s) Offered: Summer