Medical Assistant Program

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Medical Assistant, Associate in Applied Science
• Medical Assistant, Certificate

In accordance with program goals outlined by the American Association of Medical Assistants, College of DuPage Medical Assistant Program goals are: To prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Upon completion of the Medical Assistant Program, the graduate will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the subject matters required for competence in the profession and demonstrate competence in the following academic subjects:

Foundations for Clinical Practice

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Applied Mathematics
• Infection Control
• Nutrition

Applied Communications

• Concepts of Effective Communication

Medical Business Practices

• Administrative Functions
• Basic Practice Finances
• Third Party Reimbursement
• Procedural and Diagnostic Coding

Medical Law and Ethics

• Legal Implications
• Ethical Considerations

Safety and Emergency Practices

• Protective Practices

College of DuPage has transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities and through the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI). For more information on transferring, visit cod.edu/transfer

Medical assistant jobs vary from office to office, but in general, these health care workers will greet patients, update and file patient and medical records, fill out insurance forms, schedule appointments and handle billing and accounting procedures. In addition, a medical assistant takes patient medical histories and vital signs, prepares patients for examination, collects blood specimens by both capillary or veripuncture technique, gives injections, removes sutures, performs basic laboratory tests, sterilizes equipment, authorizes and phones in drug refills, perform EKGs and explains treatment procedures to patients.

In 2018, 95% of medical assistants surveyed work in physicians' practices and the other 5% in hospitals, in nursing homes, outpatient facilities, public health departments, and offices of other health practitioners, such as dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists.

Earnings vary depending on location, experience and skill level. However, the average entry-level medical assistant will earn approximately $19.02 per hour according to the AAMA 2021 salary survey.