Train for a new career as a medical assistant!
This program prepares students to work alongside other health care professionals in a variety of medical settings. As a medical assistant, you will play a vital role in both the administrative and clinical aspects of a medical office, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality patient care.
Typical responsibilities
- Clinical – Obtain and document patient medical histories; take and record vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature; perform basic laboratory tests; administer medications as directed by a physician; remove sutures; and conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs).
- Administrative – Greet patients and manage check-in/check-out procedures, schedule appointments and coordinate referrals, answer phone calls and provide general office support and handle medical billing and insurance processing.
Note: The scope of practice and responsibilities of a medical assistant are governed by state-specific laws and regulations and will vary by state.
Work environment
Medical assistants work in a wide variety of settings but are mainly found in physicians’ offices and urgent care clinics. They typically work Monday-Friday during regular business hours; however, some offices may require nights and weekends.
Upcoming Classes
Fall 2025
Springfield
Orientation: July 29, 2025, 5-6:30 p.m.
July 31-Oct. 9, 2025
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-9 p.m. (Will meet Mon/Wed the first week of August)
Externship: Oct. 13-31, 2025 (60 hours)
The externship is Monday-Friday during normal business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NHA certification review: Nov. 4, 2025
What to expect in class
Students enrolled in the medical assistant program can expect a comprehensive and engaging learning experience designed to prepare them for real-world health care environments. Classes are held in the evenings, twice a week, for four hours per session, making the program accessible for those balancing work or other commitments. Over the course of the program, students will complete 72 hours of classroom instruction. You will learn:
- Medical terminology
- Pharmacology
- Medical law and ethics
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Infection control and safety
- Phlebotomy and laboratory testing
- EKGs
- Basic first aid
- Vital signs
- Medication administration
- Medical record management
- Medical coding and billing basics
Externship
As part of the program requirements, students must complete 60 hours of externship training at one of our partner health care facilities. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world clinical setting under the supervision of experienced professionals. During the externship, students will be expected to have open availability during normal business hours. This invaluable training provides exposure to daily medical assisting responsibilities, enhances practical skills and helps students gain confidence in patient care, administrative tasks and clinical procedures.
Certification
After successfully completing 72 hours of classroom instruction and a 60-hour externship, students will have the opportunity to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), included in the cost of tuition. Earning the CCMA credential demonstrates proficiency in both administrative and clinical medical assisting skills, enhancing job prospects and increasing employability in various healthcare settings.
Job Outlook
Cost
$2,149 (includes textbooks and CCMA national certification exam)
Additional costs: drug screen, background check and scrubs.
Note: This course is not eligible for financial aid; however, payment plans are available.
Support available
The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program provides financial and other supports for occupations within the health care field. Learn more about PATH, including support services, programs and eligibility.
Registration Information
Registration for this program must be done by appointment only. To schedule a registration appointment during open registration, use the online registration appointment button or email Continuing.Education@llcc.edu.
Schedule a registration appointment
View prerequisites below.
