About Our Program
Midwestern Career College’s Medical Assisting program prepares students for entry-level positions in the medical field as multiskilled medical assistants and front or back office assistants in clinics, hospitals and doctor’s offices.
Key Features
- Classroom-based, hands-on training in phlebotomy, EKG and medical assisting
- Eligibility for Phlebotomist, EKG, and Medical Assistant certifications through NCCT
- 160-hour optional clinical externship at our affiliated sites
- Eligibility for phlebotomy certification from American Medical Technologists (AMT) for those who complete 120-hour optional externship at our affiliated sites.
Paying for College
Federal student financial aid is available to those who qualify. Eligible students may apply for funding from the Veterans Administration (VA) or the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Program Objectives
- Provide knowledge and comprehensive training in Anatomy and Physiology of the body structures
- Demonstrate knowledge of pathological conditions and skills in performing routine clinical procedures
- Perform entry-level medical assisting with both clinical and administrative duties
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in Electronic Health Records and Medical Insurance, Billing and Coding
- Develop working knowledge in CLIA-waived laboratory procedures such as infection control, sterilization processes, phlebotomy, pharmacology
- Prepare patients and help physicians in diagnostic procedures and minor surgical procedures performed in clinics
- Demonstrate professionalism and effective communication in a healthcare setting
- Provide patient care in accordance with laws, policies and regulations
- Demonstrate effective critical thinking skills
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (B.L.S.), medical assistant employment is expected to grow by 29% from 2016–2026. The B.L.S. also has information on career outlook for medical assistants. Check out job listings in the Chicagoland area for medical assistants on Indeed, Career Builder,Monster.com and Ziprecruiter.com
Externship
This program offers a 160-hour optional medical assisting externship and a 120-hour optional phlebotomy externship at our affiliated sites. The externship is not required to earn the certificate. However, it may be required to sit for certain credentialing and certification exams.
Certifications
Graduates of this program who complete the externship are eligible to sit for exams that provide the following national certifications:
Medical Assisting
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT), upon completion of additional requirements
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Phlebotomy
- National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) from American Medical Technologists (AMT), with completion of additional draws
EKG
- Certified EKG Technician (NCET) through National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)