Skip Navigation

Medical Assisting Program

What You’ll Learn in the Medical Assistant Program

Medical assistants can work for nearly any health care provider, including clinics, hospice, hospitals, private medical practices, , and urgent care centers.

Some people who are considering enrolling at First Institute are surprised when they read about the classes included in the Medical Assisting program. Because the position involves clinical and administrative duties, in order to be successful and assist doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and most of all, patients, students in the MA program learn the front office skills as well as clinical skills.

What you learn in each class builds and adds skills to help you become a medical assistant and succeed in your new career. The classes include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Medical Terminology I
  • Medical Office Procedures
  • Computer Billing
  • Anatomy and Physiology II
  • Medical Terminology II
  • Medical Law and Ethics
  • Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
  • Laboratory Procedures I
  • Clinical Procedures
  • Laboratory Procedures II
  • Work Study – 160 hours

Job outlook for medical assistants

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the number of medical assistant jobs will increase by 29% by 2022*, making it one of the fastest growing professions in the country. The expansion in health care can be attributed to several factors. First, Americans prefer specialists, so there is an increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities being created to meet demand. Second, more procedures will be required by Baby Boomers – the largest segment of the population, who were born between 1946 and 1964 – who are living longer and staying more active than previous generations.

Thirdly, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”), which requires that all citizens and legal residents have health insurance. Adding millions of insured people is bound to have an effect on the number of visits to the doctor and procedures they perform.

Are you ready for a rewarding career?

First Institute offers medical assistant education to help you on the path to a fulfilling and exciting career. For more information about the program, contact us today at 815-459-3500.

* Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm

Medical Assisting