Medical Assisting A.A.S.

Perform coordinated care

Collaborate with healthcare practitioners while delivering high-quality administrative and clinical care for patients in the outpatient healthcare setting. As a medical assistant, you will work in physician offices or other outpatient medical office settings assisting the provider with patient exams, obtaining vital signs, recording patient histories, obtaining samples for diagnostic testing, performing electrocardiograms, giving vaccinations and many other exciting job functions.

Your degree in medical assisting will prepare you for work in the fast-growing health care field providing the administrative and clinical skills required to succeed in your new career. With a projected industry growth of 15%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can be confident your future is bright.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Medical Assisting?

A degree in Medical Assisting prepares you for the entry-level psychomotor, cognitive and affective competencies required to obtain certification as a medical assistant by allowing you to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and to begin work in the field as a medical assistant. Medical Assistants typically work in the outpatient medical setting in areas such as physician offices, outpatient care centers and immediate care centers.

Clinical duties include:

performing first aid and CPR
collecting and processing specimens
taking patient histories and vital signs
assisting physicians with examinations and treatments
performing select diagnostic tests
giving medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law

Administrative duties include:

scheduling and receiving patients
preparing and maintaining patient records
submitting insurance claims
handling telephone calls and written correspondence
performing medical transcription
maintaining practice finances

Attend information session

Admission requirements
To get started with the Medical Assisting program, you need to:
1. Attend a Medical Assisting information session and enroll within two years.
2. Meet prerequisites: Pass BIO 111 or BIO 244 and BIO 245 or equivalent transfer course with a grade of C or higher.
3. Be in good academic standing: Have a CLC cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or above.
4. Be 18 years old on the first day of class.
5. Meet the following health and safety requirements:
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will guide you through the admission process.
Workforce requirements
To earn national certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants and work in this field, you must possess the following:
- Social security number or ITIN
This requirement is subject to change. Employer needs and requirements evolve, as do regulations for licensure and accrediting bodies. Please contact the Biological and Health Sciences Division Office for more information.

See what students love about the medical assisting program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

Watch video on YouTube

Highlights

160-Hour Externship

Complete the program at a CLC-affiliated medical practice for work experience.
PATH Grant Stipends

Get extra financial support for school and living expenses through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) grant.
Stackable Credentials

Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Degree

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.
WIOA Program

Become eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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 physician.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,597
  
  Median
  
  $44,947
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $55,029
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.63
  
  Median
  
  $21.61
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $26.46
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  20.54%
  
  Certificate
  
  44.74%
  
  Some college
  
  17.2%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  0.05%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  17.47%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,719
  
  Median
  
  $46,184
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57,270
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.13
  
  Median
  
  $22.20
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $27.53
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  52.96%
  
  Certificate
  
  19.88%
  
  Some college
  
  1.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  25.97%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

View more careers

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in catalog

Icon Key

Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BIO 111	BIO 111 Human Form and Function Class Description This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.	4	Online/Virtual options available
HIT 111	HIT 111 Medical Terminology Class Description This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 111
Course Title	BIO 111 Human Form and Function Class Description This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
Credits	4
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HIT 111
Course Title	HIT 111 Medical Terminology Class Description This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose BIO 244 or BIO 245 instead of BIO 111. Student can also choose ENG 120 instead of ENG 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
MOA 111	MOA 111 Clinical Medical Assisting I Class Description This course introduces the students to the role of the Medical Assistant in the clinical area of the medical clinic, hospital or laboratory. Topics include brief review of medical terminology and anatomy, therapeutic communication, infection control, physical examination, patient coaching, nutrition, vital signs, ECG medical emergencies and assisting with minor surgical procedures.	4
MOA 112	MOA 112 Basic Medical Office Administrative Skills Class Description This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in the front office of a medical or dental office. It introduces students to the basic administrative skills in an outpatient healthcare setting. Some topics include: scheduling appointments, telephone techniques, legal and regulatory topics, managing the patient's health record, safety and emergency operations in the healthcare setting, among other healthcare related administrative skills. Students should be basic keyboard proficient and comfortable using a computer.	4	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
HIT 119	HIT 119 Pharmacology Class Description This course introduces students to pharmacology. Content includes terminology, drug classifications, therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be discussed.	1	Online/Virtual options available
MOA 119	MOA 119 Pharmacology Math and Medication Administration for Medical Assistants Class Description This course is an introduction to pharmacology including terminology, drug category, use, side effects, contraindications, and interactions. Common dosage ranges, pharmacology math and routes of administration including oral and parenteral will also be examined.	2
AMT 112	AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications Class Description This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MOA 111
Course Title	MOA 111 Clinical Medical Assisting I Class Description This course introduces the students to the role of the Medical Assistant in the clinical area of the medical clinic, hospital or laboratory. Topics include brief review of medical terminology and anatomy, therapeutic communication, infection control, physical examination, patient coaching, nutrition, vital signs, ECG medical emergencies and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	MOA 112
Course Title	MOA 112 Basic Medical Office Administrative Skills Class Description This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in the front office of a medical or dental office. It introduces students to the basic administrative skills in an outpatient healthcare setting. Some topics include: scheduling appointments, telephone techniques, legal and regulatory topics, managing the patient's health record, safety and emergency operations in the healthcare setting, among other healthcare related administrative skills. Students should be basic keyboard proficient and comfortable using a computer.
Credits	4
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HIT 119
Course Title	HIT 119 Pharmacology Class Description This course introduces students to pharmacology. Content includes terminology, drug classifications, therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be discussed.
Credits	1
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MOA 119
Course Title	MOA 119 Pharmacology Math and Medication Administration for Medical Assistants Class Description This course is an introduction to pharmacology including terminology, drug category, use, side effects, contraindications, and interactions. Common dosage ranges, pharmacology math and routes of administration including oral and parenteral will also be examined.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 112
Course Title	AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications Class Description This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose CIT 120 instead of AMT 112.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
MOA 115	MOA 115 Insurance and Billing for Medical Assistants Class Description This course introduces the theory, structure, and organization of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (Current edition) Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) coding systems. Emphasis will be on the application of coding principles to accurately assign CPT and ICD-10-CM codes to patient encounters in the medical record and on billing forms. Health Insurance, billing, reimbursement and financial management topics will also be covered. This course is for students pursuing a certificate or degree in Medical Assisting and not designed for those who want to become medical coders or billers in hospitals.	3	Online/Virtual options available
MOA 211	MOA 211 Clinical Medical Assisting II Class Description This course provides the medical assisting student with skills beyond the basic introductory course. This will be an overview of advanced skills. Emphasis includes: assisting with medical specialties, electrocardiography, assisting with diagnostic imaging. Additional focus will be on surgical instrumentation and assisting with surgical procedures.	4
MOA 210	MOA 210 Clinical Laboratory Procedures for Medical Assisting Class Description This course will provide Medical Assisting students with an Introduction to clinical laboratory procedures in an outpatient medical/physician office setting. Topics will include basic introduction to clinical laboratory safety, specimen collection protocols, infection control procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This course will also introduce students to point of service (POS) CLIA waived testing performed in physician office laboratory setting including urinalysis, basic blood collection and analysis and some microbiology and immunology procedures through both physical and simulation-based learning methods. This course is indented for students in the Medical Assisting program and not those seeking careers in outside the physician?s office laboratory settings.	4
PSY 121	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MOA 115
Course Title	MOA 115 Insurance and Billing for Medical Assistants Class Description This course introduces the theory, structure, and organization of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (Current edition) Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) coding systems. Emphasis will be on the application of coding principles to accurately assign CPT and ICD-10-CM codes to patient encounters in the medical record and on billing forms. Health Insurance, billing, reimbursement and financial management topics will also be covered. This course is for students pursuing a certificate or degree in Medical Assisting and not designed for those who want to become medical coders or billers in hospitals.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MOA 211
Course Title	MOA 211 Clinical Medical Assisting II Class Description This course provides the medical assisting student with skills beyond the basic introductory course. This will be an overview of advanced skills. Emphasis includes: assisting with medical specialties, electrocardiography, assisting with diagnostic imaging. Additional focus will be on surgical instrumentation and assisting with surgical procedures.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	MOA 210
Course Title	MOA 210 Clinical Laboratory Procedures for Medical Assisting Class Description This course will provide Medical Assisting students with an Introduction to clinical laboratory procedures in an outpatient medical/physician office setting. Topics will include basic introduction to clinical laboratory safety, specimen collection protocols, infection control procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This course will also introduce students to point of service (POS) CLIA waived testing performed in physician office laboratory setting including urinalysis, basic blood collection and analysis and some microbiology and immunology procedures through both physical and simulation-based learning methods. This course is indented for students in the Medical Assisting program and not those seeking careers in outside the physician?s office laboratory settings.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 121
Course Title	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose PBT 111 or PBT 115 instead of MOA 210.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
MOA 212	MOA 212 Medical Assisting Externship Class Description This requires the medical assistant student to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from all previous medical assistant courses in actual patient care settings. Students will perform medical assistant administrative, clinical, and laboratory duties under the supervision of a mentor to effectively transition to the role of a medical assistant. The Medical Assistant Externship takes place during the final semester of the program.	3
MOA 213	MOA 213 Seminar in Medical Assisting Class Description Prepares students with study skills and tips necessary to successfully pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. Course will cover the guidelines for submitting the CMA exam application and review content on the CMA exam. Resume writing and interviewing skills will also be introduced.	1	Online/Virtual options available
CIT 111	CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Class Description Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
CMM 121	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
HUM 127	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MOA 212
Course Title	MOA 212 Medical Assisting Externship Class Description This requires the medical assistant student to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from all previous medical assistant courses in actual patient care settings. Students will perform medical assistant administrative, clinical, and laboratory duties under the supervision of a mentor to effectively transition to the role of a medical assistant. The Medical Assistant Externship takes place during the final semester of the program.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MOA 213
Course Title	MOA 213 Seminar in Medical Assisting Class Description Prepares students with study skills and tips necessary to successfully pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. Course will cover the guidelines for submitting the CMA exam application and review content on the CMA exam. Resume writing and interviewing skills will also be introduced.
Credits	1
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 111
Course Title	CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Class Description Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 121
Course Title	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUM 127
Course Title	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose CIT 112 or CIT 119 instead of CIT 111. Student can also choose other Communication courses instead of CMM 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HWP 240	HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues Class Description This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
PSY 220	PSY 220 Lifespan Development Class Description This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
SOC 121	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ANT 221	ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology Class Description This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.	3	Credit for prior learning available Global citizenship Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 240
Course Title	HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues Class Description This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 220
Course Title	PSY 220 Lifespan Development Class Description This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	SOC 121
Course Title	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ANT 221
Course Title	ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology Class Description This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other 21MD-MOA courses instead of HWP 240. Students can also choose other General Education courses instead of SOC 121 or ANT 221.

Total Credit Hours

65

Medical Assisting at CLC

Get the bigger picture

The Medical Assisting A.A.S. is just one possible way to study biological and health sciences. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Medical Assisting program overview

Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Apply to CLC

Frequently asked questions

After you receive your degree, you can sit for the CMA examination offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you pass the exam you will earn the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant credential.
In the program’s final semester, students will be placed in a medical practice affiliated with CLC to complete a 160-hour clinical externship. The externship is required by program accreditation, must be an education experience and cannot be completed in a current employment setting. This clinical externship can be something valuable to add to your resume and may provide the clinical shadow hours required to apply for some Physician Assistant Programs after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
With an A.A.S. in medical assisting, you can continue on to any bachelor’s program, enter an LPN program and receive your R.N. or B.S.N.
If you have a bachelor’s in a science-related field, you can further market your skills to a wide array of employers with additional certificates, such as:
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work in medical assisting in the state of Illinois.
You may be able to work elsewhere with this degree.
View professional licensure disclosures
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!

Perform coordinated care

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Medical Assisting?

Information for prospective students

Admission requirements

Workforce requirements

Highlights

160-Hour Externship

PATH Grant Stipends

Stackable Credentials

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Degree

WIOA Program

Career Outlook

Medical Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 12 Credits

Semester 2 14 Credits

Semester 3 14 Credits

Semester 4 13 Credits

Semester 5 12 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Medical Assisting at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

What exams will I be qualified to take after I complete the program?

Will I receive hands-on experience in this program?

How do I continue my education after my A.A.S.?

Where can I work in medical assisting?

How much does this program cost?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Request info

Visit us

Get started