

The Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate program offers hands-on training in clinical procedures, patient interaction, and healthcare support skills. This program prepares you for a rewarding career as a medical assistant, helping improve patient experiences and supporting medical professionals in a variety of healthcare environments.
Clinical externships are completed off-campus at area healthcare facilities under the supervision of physicians and medical staff. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) examination through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

MA 101 Patient Care Techniques
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 102 Functional Anatomy and Physiology
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 103 Healthcare Law and Ethics
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 111 Clinical Assisting and Pharmacology
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 112 Administrative Procedures/EMR
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 121 Medical Laboratory Procedures
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 122 Medical Billing and Insurance Processing
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 123 Diagnostic and Specialty Procedures
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 131 Professional Development
with a grade of C or higher.
MA 132 Externship
with a grade of C or higher.
All students accepted into the Clinical Medical Assisting program must complete a criminal background check through Castlebranch as a condition of admission into the program. Students with a history of felonies or multiple misdemeanors may not be accepted. Students shall be responsible for the required fees related to the criminal background check.
If a student鈥檚 criminal background check presents a positive personal history, the Dean of Allied Health and Emergency Services and/or the Vice President of Academic Affairs will review the findings to determine if the information would exclude the student from participating in the clinical experiences required in the program and thus exclude the student from being admitted into the dental assisting program. Disqualifying offenses defined in Section 955.160 of the Health Care Worker Background Check Act is used to determine offenses that would prohibit admission into the program. Details of disqualifying offenses can be found at
. If the student believes that the information is in error, they may obtain a fingerprint background check, at his/her own expense, to refute or confirm the initial findings.
Felony convictions may adversely affect their ability to sit for certification exams and to receive employment as a clinical medical assistant.
NHA will review the documentation related to each offense, and make a case-by-case determination in consultation with legal counsel as to the candidate鈥檚 eligibility to test, to earn certification or recertify.
Please note some medical facilities may require an additional criminal background check. Cost of all criminal background checks will be at the student鈥檚 expense.
All students accepted into the Clinical Medical Assisting program must complete a physical examination and demonstrate proof of immunizations and/or immunity. The physical examination must be completed on provided forms. Your physician must thoroughly complete the form.
The physical examination must include the following:
One of the above must be met.
Tetanus or booster within a 10-year period. If never immunized - 2 doses of TD, 4-8 weeks apart - Third dose 6-12 months later.
The cost of the physical exam and immunizations will be at the student鈥檚 expense.
If a student has chosen not to be vaccinated due to medical, religious or cultural reasons they will be asked to sign an acknowledgement that they are aware that an off-campus learning facility may not accept the student without proof of immunizations. The program will not guarantee an alternate placement if a student is rejected from a clinical site. Documentation from a medical facility and/or clergy will be required if vaccines have not been completed. All other components of the required physical including the TB test must be completed.
In-District Cost
Total: $8,875
Out of District Cost
Total: 15,763
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a 91重口 advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Program Coordinator
Email: mmurphy19@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-7929

Prairie State College provides a comprehensive array of resources designed to foster student success and well-being. These include disability support services, health and safety protocols, career development counseling, and personal support. Academic assistance is readily available through tutoring, advising, and library services, while transfer advising and campus security ensure a safe and seamless college experience. Additionally, the college offers various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational objectives.

