Certificate Code: 5874
Contact hsc@bhc.edu for information; Advising Center, 309-796-5100, Rm 1-213; East Campus Advising Center, 309-854-1709.
The Medical Assisting program prepares students to work under the supervision of a medical provider, performing both administrative and clinical duties in a healthcare setting. Clinical responsibilities include patient intake and care, pre-examination procedures, routine diagnostic testing, medication administration, and first aid, all performed according to scope-of-practice guidelines. Administrative coursework covers medical office procedures, health insurance, medical terminology, pharmacology terminology and calculations, and ethics and law. Students gain practical experience through clinical courses and a 160-hour supervised externship completed in an approved healthcare setting.
Graduates of the program are prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled medical assistants who provide quality patient care while supporting efficient office operations and accurate medical documentation. Employment opportunities are exected to increase as healthcare providers seek trained professionals capable of managing patient care and administrative responsibilities effectively.
When students complete this program, they will be able to:
1. Measure, record, and document patient vital signs, history, and intake information accurately using accepted clinical standards.
2. Perform clinical procedures-including injections, venipuncture, capillary puncture, ECGs, pulmonary function tests, and patient positioning-while adhering to infection control, aseptic technique, and safety protocols.
3. Collect, process, and analyze patient specimens and perform CLIA-waived laboratory tests with correct technique and accurate documentation of results.
4. Apply infection control, bloodborne pathogen safety, and legal/ethical standards-including HIPAA-in all clinical and administrative activities.
5. Interpret medication orders, apply pharmacological principles, and demonstrate safe, accurate medication preparation and administration within scope of practice.
6. Use electronic medical management systems to document patient information, schedule appointments, perform billing tasks, and complete insurance and referral processes.
7. Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams; demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, teamwork, and ethical conduct in all clinical and administrative settings.
8. Successfully complete a supervised externship demonstrating competency in clinical, administrative, and professional skills.
Admission Requirements:
• Appropriate placement score or passing appropriate developmental course with “C” or above for math and reading.
• Students must successfully document and meet all health care and background checks required by the Black Hawk College clinical sites prior to attending clinical experiences. A physical examination and immunization are required prior to beginning clinical externship. Students with chronic health problems or physical disabilities will be accepted unless the health problem or disability is such that the student would be unstable to complete the objectives of the program (See Technical Abilities required by Health Care Programs for more information).
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