Medical Assisting


  • Health, Public Safety & Human Services

The Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare students to assist medical providers in a variety of duties. 

Under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, duties may include preparing patients and assisting in examinations, performing tests, managing medical records, performing administrative tasks, using electronic medical records to enter orders, and educating and advocating for patients. 

Medical Assisting Information Session 

JJC offers a virtual information session for those who want to learn more about the medical assisting program. Watch our video below.

What Will I Learn?

The Medical Assisting Program at JJC is designed to prepare students for a career as member of a multidisciplinary health care team within an ambulatory care setting. Students develop the skills necessary to perform entry-level administrative and clinical procedures. 

Graduates will be eligible to take a national certification exam upon completion of all courses including 160 hours of externship.

JJC's medical assisting program offers: 

  • Expert professors with industry experience
  • Training with the latest equipment and during externships in clinical settings
  • Coursework that will prepare students for the national certification exam 

What is Unique About the Medical Assisting Program?

According to the US Department of Labor, this is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. In less than one year, students will learn how to manage the medical administrative role, as well as the clinical one. They will learn to draw blood, give injections, perform EKGs, collect specimens, and administer medications, among other important tasks. 

Students have the option of attending classes during the day or evening.  Upon graduation, they can sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams. 

Students can finish the JJC certificate program in three semesters:

  • The first two semesters are the in class lectures, hands on labs and simulations, where you will learn the skills needed to become an entry level medical assistant.
  • The third semester will be your practicum, which includes 160 hours of externship in an ambulatory care setting.

Classes include:

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

What Are My Career Opportunities?

Medical Assistants work alongside physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, in outpatient settings such as clinics, urgent care, chiropractors, and other ambulatory care facilities. Earnings depend of many factors including geographical area, skill level and experience. The average base pay for a Certified Medical Assistant is $35,919 annually*.

Employment of medical assistants was expected to grow 23 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, from 2018-2028**. The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

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

What Degree/Certificate will I receive?

Certificate