Program Overview

Introduction to the Medical Assistant Program

The Medical Assistant program at Lake Land College is a CAAHEP accredited program that trains students in both administrative and clinical roles. The program's goals are to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the knowledge, skills, and behavior learning domains.

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the Lake Land College Medical Assisting program is to provide a balanced education of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning courses to ensure well-educated healthcare professionals that are employable in the healthcare field within the community. The program structure is designed to prepare students for employment, national certification, life-long learning, and a successful career.

Program Goals and Minimum Expectations

The program aims to prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains to enter the profession. Students who complete the program will take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Accreditation

The Medical Assistant program at Lake Land College received accreditation status from the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in March 2021 upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). The accreditation process evaluates multiple categories of the program or institution, including curriculum standards, courses, and goals, adequate facilities and equipment for training, as well as several other aspects.

Program Options

The Medical Assistant program is available as a one-year certificate program. The program will also be offered in a hybrid format, with all classes offered online and two evening labs each week. Medical Assistant is a special admission program requiring applicants to meet a specific list of criteria.

End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

The behaviors and characteristics expected of a Lake Land College Medical Assistant program graduate include:

• Demonstrating effective communication within the interprofessional healthcare team, patients, and family members of diverse populations.
• Practicing as an ethical, professional Medical Assistant while integrating organizational, professional, and national protocols and standards.
• Integrating technology and informatics into safe patient-centered care.
• Utilizing cumulative healthcare knowledge and clinical judgment to assist the provider in caring for patients.
• Prioritizing skills consistent with evidence-based practice and an understanding of patient risks.

High Demand Field

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of approximately $44,210 for medical assistants, based on May 2023 data, which translates to about $21.26 per hour.

Graduate Success

All graduates of the Medical Assisting program have a 100% pass rate on passing the certification exam on the first try and are highly sought after in the area. Most students enter the workforce after graduation at doctors' offices immediately following graduation of the program.

Exam Pass Rate and Job Placement Rate

The program's exam pass rate and job placement rate by year are as follows:

• Year: Exam Pass Rate, Job Placement Rate
  • Specific years are not listed, but the cumulative average is 100% for the exam pass rate and 92.31% for the job placement rate.

Technical Abilities and Occupational Hazards

Students applying to the program will need to be capable of performing all Functional Abilities required of the medical assistant and maintain and demonstrate these abilities through the duration of the program. The list of Functional Abilities can be found on the Medical Assistant Program Checklist.