Medical Assisting A.A.S. - Career Degree

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 18%, 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 students for the entry-level psychomotor, cognitive and affective competencies required to obtain certification as a medical assistant by allowing them 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

We want to get you started in this program! First, make sure you have met the admission requirements.
You need to:
- Come to an info session: attend a Medical Assisting information session and enroll within two years.
- Meet prerequisites: Pass BIO 111 or BIO 244 and BIO 245 or equivalent transfer course with a grade of C or higher.
- Be in good academic standing: Have a CLC cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or above.
- Be 18 years old on the first day of class.
- Be eligible to work and have a valid Social Security number.
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will guide you through the admission process.

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 and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Degree

Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.

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
  
  $30,687
  
  Median
  
  $39,303
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48,668
  
  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
  
  $14.74
  
  Median
  
  $18.89
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $23.39
  
  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
  
  $34,212
  
  Median
  
  $39,601
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $49,919
  
  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
  
  $16.44
  
  Median
  
  $19.03
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $24.00
  
  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).

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with 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 inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
BIO 244	BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I Class Description This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, preserved sheep organs, and preserved cats are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.	4
BIO 245	BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II Class Description This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, preserved sheep organs, and preserved cats are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.	4
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
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
ENG 120	ENG 120 Technical Composition I Class Description A beginning college level writing course. Emphasis is on writing with conciseness, precision and objectivity. Specifically covered are business letters, memoranda, periodic reports, descriptions of mechanisms and processes, instructions and proposals. A variety of business and technical communication projects are completed, all based on practical situations in the students' fields of study. Graphic elements/unit on publishing technology.	3

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

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

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 244
Course Title	BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I Class Description This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, preserved sheep organs, and preserved cats are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 245
Course Title	BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II Class Description This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, preserved sheep organs, and preserved cats are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
Credits	4

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

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

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 120
Course Title	ENG 120 Technical Composition I Class Description A beginning college level writing course. Emphasis is on writing with conciseness, precision and objectivity. Specifically covered are business letters, memoranda, periodic reports, descriptions of mechanisms and processes, instructions and proposals. A variety of business and technical communication projects are completed, all based on practical situations in the students' fields of study. Graphic elements/unit on publishing technology.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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.	1
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
CIT 120	CIT 120 Introduction to Computers Class Description In this course students will learn about the significant role of computers in business and society. Students will be introduced to concepts addressing computer hardware and software, networking, multimedia, telecommunications, careers in the Information Technology field, and current computer-related issues. This course has a computer lab component where students get hands-on experience using a current integrated software package (Microsoft™ Office®) to better understand how computers are used in a business environment.	3

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

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

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	1

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

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 120
Course Title	CIT 120 Introduction to Computers Class Description In this course students will learn about the significant role of computers in business and society. Students will be introduced to concepts addressing computer hardware and software, networking, multimedia, telecommunications, careers in the Information Technology field, and current computer-related issues. This course has a computer lab component where students get hands-on experience using a current integrated software package (Microsoft™ Office®) to better understand how computers are used in a business environment.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
PBT 110	PBT 110 Introduction to Medical Lab Technology Class Description This course introduces students interested in phlebotomy to the roles of the medical laboratory personnel in the health care system. Topics include professionalism, communication, basic laboratory math, medical ethics, CLIA-waived testing, legal implications of laboratory testing, and educational preparation and certification of laboratory personnel.	2
PBT 115	PBT 115 Phlebotomy Techniques Class Description This course focuses on the development of skills in performing phlebotomy procedures. Topics include proper use of equipment, current safety standards, medical and legal policies and regulations, interpersonal and communication skills, and correct specimen collection, transport, and preparation for laboratory testing.	2
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

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

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	PBT 110
Course Title	PBT 110 Introduction to Medical Lab Technology Class Description This course introduces students interested in phlebotomy to the roles of the medical laboratory personnel in the health care system. Topics include professionalism, communication, basic laboratory math, medical ethics, CLIA-waived testing, legal implications of laboratory testing, and educational preparation and certification of laboratory personnel.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	PBT 115
Course Title	PBT 115 Phlebotomy Techniques Class Description This course focuses on the development of skills in performing phlebotomy procedures. Topics include proper use of equipment, current safety standards, medical and legal policies and regulations, interpersonal and communication skills, and correct specimen collection, transport, and preparation for laboratory testing.
Credits	2

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
CIT 119	CIT 119 Introduction to Office Software Class Description This course is a hands-on course for students wanting to learn the basics of productivity software including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Basic operating system tasks will also be presented. Software used for this class includes a current version of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. NOTE: This course is not intended for CIT majors and does not apply towards any CIT degree or certificate.	3
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
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
CMM 111	CMM 111 Communication Skills Class Description For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.	3
HUM 127	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description This course is an introduction to critical thinking skills (i.e., informal logic), including the following: problem solving, diagramming and evaluating arguments, constructing sound reasoning skills and habits, detecting fallacies, and reasoning from a variety of disciplines such as science, business, law, and the arts.	3

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

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 119
Course Title	CIT 119 Introduction to Office Software Class Description This course is a hands-on course for students wanting to learn the basics of productivity software including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Basic operating system tasks will also be presented. Software used for this class includes a current version of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. NOTE: This course is not intended for CIT majors and does not apply towards any CIT degree or certificate.
Credits	3

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

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

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 111
Course Title	CMM 111 Communication Skills Class Description For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUM 127
Course Title	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description This course is an introduction to critical thinking skills (i.e., informal logic), including the following: problem solving, diagramming and evaluating arguments, constructing sound reasoning skills and habits, detecting fallacies, and reasoning from a variety of disciplines such as science, business, law, and the arts.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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
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

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

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

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

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

Total Credit Hours

64

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

Frequently asked questions

After you receive your degree, you can sit for the CMA (AAMA) examination offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Once you pass the exam you will earn the CMA (AAMA) 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:

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Medical Assisting

Perform coordinated care

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

Admission: More needed

Highlights

160-Hour Externship

PATH Grant Stipends

Stackable Credentials

WIOA Program

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Degree

Career Outlook

Medical Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 12 Credits

Semester 2 13 Credits

Semester 3 14 Credits

Semester 4 13 Credits

Semester 5 12 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Medical Assisting at CLC

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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.?

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