Medical Assistant Pathway

Program Overview

The Accelerate U Medical Assistant program provides comprehensive training in clinical and administrative skills for a career as a Medical Assistant. Through a blend of online learning, live sessions, and in-person labs, participants develop essential knowledge in medical law, anatomy, communication, and more. The program prepares individuals for high-demand roles in healthcare facilities, with a focus on career advancement and professional success.

Program Outline

Outline:

Curriculum:

The Accelerate U Medical Assistant program is designed based on the nation's best practices in medical training. Over the course of the experience, participants will develop the clinical and administrative skills necessary to launch their career as a Medical Assistant. Participants will gain essential medical and science knowledge, join a network of others in the healthcare field, and build their clinical skills through a balance of online, remote, and in-person learning activities. Topics covered include:

Clinical Skills:

Asepsis; phlebotomy (i.e., drawing blood); sterilization techniques; administering immunizations; checking vitals such as pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and weight; administering an electrocardiogram (i.e., EKG); pharmacology.

Administrative Duties:

Medical billing and insurance; financial bookkeeping; banking procedures; phone etiquette and directing calls; scheduling appointments; medical records and chart management.

Medical Law and Ethics:

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); American Medical Association (AMA) Patient Bill of Rights; Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88).

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of online learning, live sessions with instructors/coaches, monthly in-person "Skills Labs," and an in-person externship. Students will engage with expert instructors and classmates without traveling to campus and in a way that fits into their busy schedules. Each course uses innovative software and lots of engagement to make it an exceptional learning experience in about 20 hours a week. Students will also be matched with a professional coach who is 100% focused on their professional and personal success.

Careers:

Medical Assistants is one of the fastest-growing, in-demand jobs in the United States. First-year Medical Assistants in the Chicago area typically earn $37,000-$40,000 a year and play a mission-critical role on their healthcare team. Because Medical Assistants handle a variety of clinical and administrative tasks, it's a great way to learn about healthcare and get your "foot in the door" in a hospital or health system. There are Medical Assistant employment opportunities in various healthcare facilities: hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, and insurance companies, and the CCMA certification will be recognized just about everywhere you go!