Program of Study: Medical Assisting

Academic Division: Biological & Health Sciences

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Medical Assisting students perform an electrocardiogram.

Degree and Certificate Programs

Medical Assisting (Associate in Applied Science) Plan 21MD
Medical Assisting (Certificate) Plan 21MA
Health Care Office Assistant (Certificate) Plan 21ME

For details, view the medical assisting program in the catalog*.

About Medical Assisting

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of health practitioners running smoothly.

Administrative duties include scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, handling telephone calls and written correspondence, performing medical transcription, submitting insurance claims, and maintaining practice finances.

Clinical duties may include asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, performing first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, and preparing and administering medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law.

Accreditation and Certification

The certificate Medical Assisting program at the College of Lake County in Waukegan, Illinois, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Graduates are eligible to sit for the AAMA Certification Examination, where, upon passing the examination, the individual earns the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.