Medical Assisting Course Description

The Medical Assistant course is a yearlong foundational course, structured to prepare the high
school student for a rewarding career in the medical field.  This is the first step in their
academic journey into Medical Assisting, and would need to finish the Medical Assistant
Program at Joliet Junior College. (Credit for MA 102 through this course)
This course is also an excellent foundation for any student that is considering a career in
healthcare.  Students generally choose to continue their education, working towards numerous
higher education opportunities in the health care field.  Some of these examples are: Dental
Hygienist, Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Respiratory Therapist,
Ultrasound Technician, Pre-Med, Nurse Practitioner, Sports Medicine, Radiology and other
exciting health career options.
This program offers dual credit, earning 6 credit hours in total. 3 through Joliet Junior College
and 3 through College of DuPage.

What will my classes be like?
Students enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program will attend classes at WILCO Area Career
Center as part of their high school daily schedule. This program has multiple levels of
instruction.  Students will have in-class lecture, support and discussion, hands-on skills practice
and labs, and online self-directed segments. 
Students will learn the structure and function of the body systems and gain a strong foundation
in medical terminology. Students in the program will be taught important hands-on skills which
will allow them to deliver quality patient care in the medical office setting.  Students will
receive knowledge to be able to work the front end of a Medical Office, work hands-on with
patients in the clinical setting and work the back end of the office process as well.  The students
receive a well-rounded “real-life view” of what to expect in clinic.  
Students will be encouraged throughout the class to work on critical thinking when it comes to
observing their patients’ signs, symptoms and triggers.  Students will run through numerous
scenarios in a “clinical” setting, exhibiting their critical thinking, while practicing their newly
learned skills.  Students are also continually encouraged to be able to focus on showing
sympathy and empathy toward their patient at all times, not just in-office, as this is part of
quality patient care. 

Students will have the option to earn Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) CPR
certification through the American Heart Association (AHA).