Procedure for Entering the Medical Assistant Program

Students new to Waubonsee:

All students:

  • Review the Medical Assistant Application Packet (PDF) and meet with Academic and Career Advising to establish a schedule for taking prerequisite courses and program requirements. Medical Assisting (MLA) courses are offered once a year in a designated sequence. Enrollment is limited to give each student the best possible educational experience.
     
  • Complete required Pre-Entrance Criteria:
     
    • Prerequisites:
      Documented grade of C or higher in the following Waubonsee courses or transfer equivalencies. Courses may be complete prior to applying, or in process at the time of application.
      • HIT110 Medical Terminology
      • BIO260 Human Structure and Function
        • Accepted Equivalent: BIO270 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO272 Anatomy and Physiology II.
           
  • Students who have completed prerequisites or equivalent courses at previous colleges or universities should arrange to have official transcripts sent to Registration and Records to be evaluated for transfer credit before applying for the program.
     
  • Complete and return the enclosed ONE-PAGE Medical Assistant Application Packet (PDF) per instructions by June 1, 2024 to begin in August 2024.
     
    • Notice of application review and selection status will be emailed to students within four weeks of the application deadline. Students admitted to the program must confirm their placement following the criteria in emails.
      • Students enrolled in prerequisite(s) at the time of application will receive tentative selection status pending successful completion of required prerequisite courses.
         
    • In-district students will receive priority among applications. Contact Registration and Records with district status questions.
       
    • Advanced Placement: Applicants who wish to transfer medical assistant courses from another college or vocational school to Waubonsee must include Official transcripts and documentation of courses (ie syllabi and/or course descriptions) with the application. Requests are considered on an individual basis. Credit will not be awarded for life or work experience.

 

Are you a veteran or military service member that has current eligibility for either federal VA Education benefits for Illinois military grants?
Federal VA Education programs include: Chapter 30, 31, 33, 1606 and REAP. State grants are the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) or Illinois National Guard (ING). If "yes," please attach a copy of your benefits Certificate of Eligibility to your application. Our office will confirm your benefit eligibility by contacting the Waubonsee Financial Aid Offices' VA School Certifying Official.

Completing the Medical Assistant Certificate of Achievement

Once accepted into the program, the student must:

  • Attend the mandatory Medical Assistant Program Orientation (details provided upon program acceptance).
  • Complete all MLA courses in prescribed sequence with a grade of C or higher and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in all program requirements.
  • Maintain proper attendance in lecture and clinicals.
  • Understand and follow requirements and guidelines detailed in the Medical Assistant Student Handbook (PDF).
  • Submit mandatory requirements prior to beginning clinical experience (details provided at program orientation):
    • Physician-signed medical clearance form
    • Documentation of current health insurance
    • Two-step tuberculosis skin test or QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test
    • Proof of up-to-date immunizations including Influenza, Hep-B, TdAP, and COVID-19. NOTE: Complete COVID-19 vaccination is required due to clinical agency mandates. NO exceptions or waivers.
    • Illinois Background Check
    • Drug screen

Required Course Pathway*

Fall (part of term/duration) – 7.5 credit hours
MLA150 - Basic Administrative Procedures for the Medical Assistant (half term, first 8wks)
MLA230 - Medical Law and Ethics (half term, first 8wks)
MLA171 - Medical Assistant Clinical I (half term, second 8wks)
Spring (part of term/duration) – 7.5 credit hours
MLA210 - Laboratory Procedures for the Medical Assistant (half term, first 8wks)
MLA220 - Pharmacology for the Medical Assistant (half term, second 8wks)
MLA172 - Medical Assistant Clinical II (half term, second 8wks)
Summer (11 weeks) – 2 credit hours
MLA298 - Medical Assistant Externship

*Semester courses are taken concurrently. Students must register for all noted courses at the same time. All courses must be completed successfully to progress in the program.

PSY100 and CIS110 General Education Requirements can be taken at any time.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition and regular fees, the medical assistant student has the following minimum fees and expenses.

Textbooks for MLA courses
(does not include general education courses)		 $300
Uniform/white shoes $80
Stethoscope $80
Physical exam, immunizations, TB testing Per health care provider
Total Estimated Costs
(excluding medical requirements)		 $450

Note: These fees and expenses are approximate costs and are subject to change without prior notice to the student.

Certification

After successful completion of the Medical Assistant Certificate of Achievement Program, students who meet requirements are eligible to take the national Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants. Details will be provided by course instructor when students complete program coursework.

Contacts and Questions:

Information Symbol

General questions not addressed here or by an advisor can be directed to the Office of Health Professions and Public Service via: HPPS@waubonsee.edu or (630) 870-3900.

Program specific questions should be directed to Lisa Giese, Program Director and Instructor of Medical Assistant: lgiese@waubonsee.edu or (630) 870-3909.