Choose a Program

Southwestern Illinois College offers both a 10-month Medical Assistant Certificate program and a two-year Associate in Applied Science Medical Assistant degree. Meeting with the program coordinator, Chelsea Bergmann is required before an applicant will be permitted to register for MA courses.

Medical Assistant Certificate

Medical Assistant Certificate (021A) Course Sequence

This is a 38.5-credit-hour, accredited certificate program that can be completed in 10 months.

The curriculum includes Medical Assistant technical courses and assigned clinical experiences.

Medical Assistant Degree

Medical Assistant Associate in Applied Science Degree (0021) Course Sequence

This is a 68.5-credit-hour degree program that can be completed in two years and one summer and includes:

• A 38.5-credit-hour medical assistant certificate program (first 10 months)
• 30 credit hours of general education courses

The curriculum includes financing, management, communication and interpersonal relations, as well as MA technical courses and assigned clinical experiences.

Course Information

General Education Courses

General education courses are required for the degree and can be completed prior to admission. These courses can be taken at the Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City or Red Bud campuses. If general education courses are not completed prior to admission, they must be completed during the semesters indicated.

Medical Assistant Courses

The Medical Assistant program courses begin each fall and spring for those applicants accepted into the program. MA courses are offered at the Belleville campus during the day.

Clinical Education Experiences

Clinical experience courses are completed off campus in various MA employment settings. Student may be required to travel outside the college district for clinical experience courses and must have background check and drug testing prior. Clinical practice courses begin in the third semester after the completion of all MA coursework. Specific clinical placement cannot be guaranteed.

MAERB and CAAHEP have a strict non-remuneration policy for practicum sites and students. Practicum sites cannot pay students for their time nor can students be provided with a travel allowance or a meal allowance or any other perk that involves the exchange of funds.