Medical Assistant--FAQs

Where do medical assistants work?
Medical assistants may be employed in physician offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, occupational health centers, long term care facilities, and offices of other practitioners such as chiropractors.

How long can I take to complete the program?
Of course, the faculty is committed to students’ successful completion of the program and would like students to progress to completion as efficiently as possible. Because several of these courses develop clinical skills, the courses must be completed in a finite time frame. Therefore, students must complete the following courses within a 12-month timeframe or less: MOA-115, MOA-144, MOA-147, MOA-155, MOA-156 and PHB-110.

What may be my salary?
In 2004, the mean annual salary for medical assistants in Illinois was $28,060 - Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistic, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Medical Assistants. Of course, salary is commensurate with skills and experience.

How does my future look in the job market?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health care industry is predicted to add 3.5 million new jobs between 2002 and 2012, an increase of 30%. “From 2002-2012, 10 of the 20 fastest growing occupations are concentrated in health services. These positions include medical assistants (59% growth)… (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)”. (http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/Indprof/Healthcare_profile.cfm)

How will I practice my skills as a student?
Courses taught on campus will provide hands-on experience in the classroom and lab. In addition, students will complete 160 hours of an unpaid clinical externship at an affiliated ambulatory health care center. Clinical personnel will supervise student learning. Students will be apprised of the available clinical assignments and efforts will be made to accommodate requests. However, the ultimate decision for clinical assignments rests with the Program Coordinators.

Can I work full time while attending classes?
If you are planning on a full-time course schedule it would be very difficult to work full time. In addition, students in the Medical Assistant Program are required to achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite and required courses in order to progress within the Medical assistant Program. The number of hours spent in the classroom and amount of study time required outside class time is considerable to review and practice concepts. Students should plan to spend approximately 2 hours at home studying, reviewing and preparing assignments for every hour spent in class.

Do I need a physical exam?
Yes, you will need a completed health history and physical examination form signed by a licensed physician. In addition you will need proof of required immunizations. Student History and Physical Forms will be distributed the semester before you begin your externship. Also, proof of health insurance will be required at this time.
Do I need a drug screen?
Yes, in order to comply with clinical affiliation requirements, students will be asked to submit a sample for drug screening prior to the start of externship. Positive drug screen results will prohibit a student from being placed in a clinical site.

Do I need a Criminal Background Check?
In order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements, students will be asked to complete a criminal background check. Application forms for criminal background checks may be obtained through the Career Programs Subdivision Office (B150). For information on criminal background application procedures, please contact the Career Programs Subdivision Office at (708) 974-5708.

Do I need a CPR card?
A valid CPR Healthcare Provider card will be required prior to your externship assignment. Your instructor will provide you with a number of resources where you may obtain CPR training for Health Care Providers, including resources available through Moraine Valley’s Workforce Development Department. The Moraine Valley course number is AH8-039. Students are financially responsible for the CPR training required. For more information on CPR for Healthcare Providers, please contact Enza Piech, Workforce Development, at (708) 974-5536.

Do I need to pass a certification exam before I can be employed?
Graduates may be employed without having formal credentials. However, the trend is toward certification and students are strongly urged to challenge a certification exam following graduation.

How do I become certified as a medical assistant?
Currently, graduates of the program are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant certification examination through the American Association of Medical assistants. Information about this organization can be obtained from their Web site www.aama-ntl.org.

In addition, the registered Medical assistant certification exam can also be challenged through the American Medical Technologists. Information about this organization can be obtained from their web site at www.amt1.com.