Contact: Cynthia Pavel, cpavel1@ivytech.edu, (574)289-7001ext. 5719
A graduate of the Medical Assistant Program is a professional, multi-skilled healthcare provider dedicated to assisting in patient care management in an ambulatory care setting. This practitioner performs administrative and clinical duties and may manage emergency situations, facilities and/or personnel. Competence in the field requires professionalism and effective communication skills as well as technical skills. A required externship provides valuable on-the-job experience.
Ivy Tech is an open admission college; however, admission to the Medical Assisting Program is a selective admission process. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the program. Call the Office of Student Affairs 574-289-7001 ext. 5325 for enrollment materials and program admission requirements.
Degrees, certificates and specialties
Degrees, certificates and specialties
Medical Assisting /Associate of Applied Science South Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08Medical Assisting /Technical CertificateAdministrative SpecialtySouth Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08 Medical Assisting /Technical CertificateClinical Specialty South Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08Medical Assisting /Technical CertificateGeneralist SpecialtySouth Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08Medical Assisting /Technical CertificateInsurance Specialty South Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08Medical Assisting /Technical CertificateTranscription Specialty South Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08
All classes are 3 credits unless indicated.
Program description A medical assistant is a professional, multi-skilled person dedicated to assisting patient care management, primarily in a physician’s office. The practitioner performs administrative and clinical duties and may manage emergency situations, facilities and personnel. Students learn to instruct patients, interact professionally and communicate effectively. Areas of specialization include Generalist, Administrative, Clinical, Transcription and Insurance. A required externship under the direct supervision of a physician provides valuable on-the-job experience.Program optionsOptions include the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and the Technical Certificate (TC), offered in each of the specialty areas. Credits may be transferred to four-year institutions including Bethel College, IU South Bend and Indiana State University.
Graduates of the AAS and TC (Generalist Specialty) are prepared to take the national exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The American Association of Medical Assistants Certifying Board awards the CMA credential after successful completion of the exam.Program admissionIvy Tech is an open-admission college. However, admission to the Medical Assisting Program is selective. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the program. Call the Office of Student Affairs for enrollment materials and program admission requirements.Typical careers• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
• Medical assistant, administrative or clinical
• Insurance specialist
• Medical transcriptionistEmployment outlookEmployment opportunities for medical assistants are expected to grow faster than average (21 to 35 percent) in Indiana and much faster than average (over 35 percent) nationally through 2010.Occupational areas• Health clinics
• Hospitals
• Physician offices
• Medical insurance companies
• Rehabilitation facilitiesEarningsNational: Average wage $11.46 an hour
Indiana: Average wage $11.53 an hour
South Bend: Average wage $11.77 an hourArea employers of program graduates• Ancilla Health Care
• Dunlap Occupational Health & Urgent Care
• Family Medicine of South Bend
• Houser-Norborg-MacGregor Medical Corp.
• Indiana Health Center
• Main Street Medical Group
• Medcor Data Inc.
• Memorial Hospital & Health System
• Michiana Pediatrics
• Nephrology Inc.
• Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center
• Otorhinolaryngology Inc.
• Radiology Inc.
• South Bend Clinic
• Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center
• Urology Associates
Sources: Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center (ICPAC); surveys of program graduatesAccreditationThe Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Endowment (CRB-AAMAE).
Address: 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, IL 60602-2208, (312)553-9355.
