Medical Assisting

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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:

Step 1: Apply to JJC

Complete the JJC Admissions Application and choose Medical Assisting as your program of interest.
Apply at: www.jjc.edu/apply

Step 2: Attend an Information Session (Optional but Recommended)

Learn more about the Medical Assisting Program, career opportunities, externship requirements, and what to expect as a student.

Step 3: Submit Your High School Transcript or Equivalent

This is mandatory for program consideration.
Send your transcripts electronically or by mail to the JJC Admissions Office.

Step 4: Complete Placement Testing

Take the Accuplacer (English) and ALEKS (Math) placement exams, OR submit official college transcripts showing completed English and math coursework.

Step 5: Complete the FAFSA

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid, scholarships, or work-study.
Apply at: studentaid.gov
JJC School Code: 001699

Step 6: Schedule an Advising Appointment

Email medassist@jjc.edu to set up an appointment with the faculty advisor or GAP advisor.
      - Review placement scores or previous credits
      - Plan your course schedule
      - Ask program-specific questions

Step 7: Complete the Enrollment Agreement

Once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll receive instructions to complete the Medical Assisting Enrollment Agreement.

Step 8: Attend the Mandatory Orientation

All new Medical Assisting students are required to attend orientation before starting the program.
You’ll receive the date, time, and location after your acceptance is confirmed.

Step 9: Start Classes!

You’re officially on your way to becoming a Medical Assistant.
Be sure to check your schedule, show up prepared, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Prerequisites 

Acceptance into the Medical Assisting Program 

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.

Delivery method of program is Residential (face to face) and Blended (hybrid).

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)

A student’s physical location and any change in that location may affect the student’s ability to complete clinical requirements or gain employment in the field, especially if relocating out of state. Students must notify the college of any change in their physical address using the Residency Status Change Request Form.

Licensure and Certification Disclosure

Each state determines its own requirements for licensure or certification as a medical assistant. The state of Illinois does not require licensure or certification to work as a medical assistant. However, employers may prefer or require certification, and students are strongly encouraged to pursue a national credential such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) to enhance employment opportunities.

The Medical Assisting program at Joliet Junior College meets the educational requirements for employment as a medical assistant in Illinois. The program does not make a determination regarding licensure or certification requirements for any other state or U.S. territory.

Students intending to relocate or seek employment outside of Illinois should consult the appropriate state licensing agency to determine eligibility, as requirements vary by state and may include certification, additional education, or other conditions.

For more information about certification and state-specific requirements, visit:

• AAMA – State Scope of Practice Laws
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Medical Assistants

What Degree/Certificate will I receive?

Certificate

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