Medical Assistant Program Frequently Asked Questions

Launch your healthcare career in just one year. At CALC, you will master the clinical and administrative skills that make you an essential member of any medical team. Get the hands-on training you need to succeed, fast.

What are some of the specific job duties of a Medical Assistant?

  • Assisting physicians with physical examinations, executing clinical procedures, and performing minor surgical interventions
  • Administering injections, including immunizations
  • Applying and changing dressings, and removing sutures under clinical direction
  • Collecting and preparing blood and urine specimens and performing essential on-site diagnostic testing.
  • Cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical equipment and exam rooms to maintain safety and infection control standards
  • Managing Electronic Health Records (EHR), medical billing, accounting, and professional office workflows to ensure practice compliance and efficiency.

Medical Assistant Program Details

How long is the program?

We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate student needs:
  • Full-Time (Day): 18 hours per week for 50 weeks.
  • Part-Time (Evening): 16 hours per week for 60 weeks.

What are the admissions requirements?

You must be a high school graduate or possess a GED or equivalent. Students are encouraged to meet with an Admissions Advisor to discuss their educational goals and complete an initial assessment.

Does the program include hands-on training?

Yes. Classroom book work is reinforced through hands-on training in our professional, industry-standard medical labs. You will practice clinical skills in an environment that mirrors the modern medical office.

Does the program prepare me for certification?

Yes. Our curriculum is aligned with the requirements for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification, underwritten by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The program includes dedicated review days and exam preparation modules to ensure you are confident and ready for your certification exam.

What career opportunities are available after graduation?

Graduates are prepared for roles as General Medical Assistants in diverse settings, including private practices, specialty clinics, and hospital systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical assistants is projected to grow 14% through 2032—a rate significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. We are committed to transparency in our financial planning. CALC provides comprehensive guidance on federal and state financial aid opportunities. Our Financial Aid office works with each student to determine eligibility and construct a personalized plan to manage the cost of education.

Learn more about financial aid opportunities.

Does the school offer job placement assistance?

Yes. We view job placement as a partnership. Our career services team provides resume development, interview coaching, and access to our network of local healthcare employers to assist you in transitioning from graduation to employment.

Learn more about our job placement assistance.

When does the next program start?

You can start the process now to be ready for the next start.

View our progam schedules.

Where can I attend classes?

Our Medical Assistant program classes are held at our Alton, IL, O’Fallon IL and Maryland Heights MO campus locations. We have Morning, Afternoon AND Evening Classes. Please Contact our Admissions Office for more information about class times and the admissions process.

If you’ve ever dreamt of working in the healthcare field alongside doctors and nurses, Medical Assisting is a great option for you.  

What are the Core Medical Assistant Program Courses?

  • Medical Terminology
  • Clinical Procedures
  • Laboratory Procedures
  • Pharmacology Medical Math
  • Medical Professional Billing
  • Medical Accounting
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Medical Office Procedures
  • RMA Exam Review
  • Internship
To learn more about what a medical assistants  duties are, check out the following video:
 

CONTACT CALC