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Medical Assistants are vital members of the healthcare team who perform both clinical and administrative tasks to ensure the smooth operation of medical facilities. Clinically, they assist with patient care by taking medical histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for exams, administering medications as directed by a physician, and performing basic lab tests. On the administrative side, they manage tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and insurance processing. Their diverse skills and compassionate care make them indispensable in providing high-quality patient support in various healthcare settings.

What Will I Learn?

 At Joliet Junior College, you can complete your training in less than a year and gain the skills needed to excel in both the administrative and clinical roles of a medical assistant. From drawing blood and giving injections to performing EKGs, collecting specimens, and administering medications, you’ll master the essential tasks to thrive in this rewarding field.

The Medical Assisting Program equips you with the skills and knowledge to become an essential part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in ambulatory care settings. Through hands-on training and expert-led instruction, you’ll gain the confidence to perform entry-level clinical and administrative procedures.

Upon completing the program, including a 160-hour externship, you’ll be eligible to sit for a national certification exam through the American Medical Technologist to earn your RMA.

Why Choose JJC’s Medical Assisting Program?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. At Joliet Junior College you will...

• Learn from dedicated professors who bring valuable industry experience and real-world insights into the classroom.
• Train with cutting-edge equipment and gain practical experience during externships in clinical settings.
• Comprehensive coursework designed to prepare you for national certification and professional success.

Take the first step toward your future in healthcare at JJC!

How do I get started? 

Getting started in JJC’s Medical Assisting Program is simple! Follow these steps:

1. Complete the JJC Admissions Application:
   Begin by submitting your application to Joliet Junior College and selecting NU350 Medical Assisting as your program of choice.
2. Schedule an Advising Meeting:
   Email medassist@jjc.edu to set up an appointment with the faculty advisor or GAP advisor. 
3. Submit Your Transcripts:
   If you have previous coursework, submit your transcripts for evaluation to determine any applicable credits.
4. Take Placement Exams:
   Complete the Math and English placement exams to ensure you meet the program’s entry requirements. 

Prerequisites 

Placement testing into ENG 101 or minimum grade “C” in one of the following: ENG 099, ENG 022, and ENG 021; or the EAP course sequence ENG 079 and ENG 089; or ENG 096 and placement testing into MATH 094 or minimum grade “C” in Math 090. Student must be in good academic standard with a 2.0 GPA or greater. 

What do I need to know?

As part of JJC’s Medical Assisting Program, the externship is a required component that must be completed to graduate. 

Joliet Junior College partners with healthcare facilities to provide the clinical experiences for its students. These facilities prescribe various health requirements for all students who are placed at their clinical sites. Students who intend to participate in the clinical component of any program must submit documentation reflecting their compliance with the following clinical health requirements prior to the deadline established by their program coordinator.

• Measles (Rubeola) Titer
• Mumps Titer
• Rubella Titer
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) Titer
• Hepatitis B Titer
• 2-step TB skin test or QuantiFERON-TB Gold Blood Test Annually
• Tdap Vaccine every 10 years
• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Annually
• COVID-19 Vaccination (encouraged)
• Physical Exam by Healthcare Professional
• American Heart Association BLS CPR for Healthcare Professionals every 2 years
• Background Check
• Drug Screen
• Medical Health Insurance 
   

Unless otherwise indicated, in writing, by a student's assigned clinical site, all of the above health requirements must be met before the student may participate in a clinical rotation. If a student is accepted into the program and fails the criminal background check or drug screen and/or does not have the mandatory vaccinations, they will not be able to complete the program.

For more information and the Completion Guide visit the Catalog for Medical Assisting. 

What is Unique About the Medical Assisting Program?

Our flexible program allows students to attend classes during the day or evening, making it easier to fit education into their busy lives. Additionally, we offer two start options each year, in the fall and spring, so you can begin your path at a time that works best for you.

Program Highlights:

• Complete the certificate program in just three semesters.
• Engage in in-class lectures, hands-on labs, and simulations to build real-world skills.
• Gain practical experience during your final semester with a 160-hour externship in an ambulatory care setting.

Classes include:

• Patient Care Techniques
• Clinical Assisting and Pharmacology
• Functional Anatomy and Physiology
• Administrative Procedures and EMR
• Clinical Lab Procedures
• Medical Billing and Insurance Processing
• Diagnostic and Specialty Procedures
• Professional Development
• Healthcare Law and Ethics
• Externship

What Are My Career Opportunities?

As a graduate of JJC’s Medical Assisting Program, you’ll have access to a variety of exciting career opportunities in the healthcare field. Medical assistants are in high demand, with roles available in settings such as:

• Physician Offices: Support doctors with patient care, administrative duties, and clinical procedures.
• Outpatient Clinics: Assist with diagnostic tests, treatments, and patient education in specialized care environments.
• Hospitals: Provide clinical and administrative support in larger healthcare facilities.
• Urgent Care Centers: Work in fast-paced environments where immediate care is needed.
• Specialty Practices: Collaborate in areas such as pediatrics, dermatology, cardiology, or orthopedics to provide specialized care.
• Medical Laboratories: Assist with specimen collection, preparation, and testing.
• Insurance and Billing Offices: Utilize administrative training for medical coding, billing, and insurance processing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for medical assistants is $42,000,

Source: Glassdoor
** Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

What Degree/Certificate will I receive?

Certificate

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