Huntley High School and First Institute of Crystal Lake recently entered into an exclusive partnership to offer graduating seniors an opportunity to fast track their medical careers by earning a medical assisting certification.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in the country. It comprises both clinical and administrative duties, from taking medical histories, explaining treatment procedures and performing basic laboratory tests to managing patient medical records and arranging for hospital admissions.
First Institute’s medical assisting program gives students an opportunity to get started in this essential field without years of schooling and prepares them for the following healthcare certification exams:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
To qualify, seniors must have graduated from high school and completed specific coursework (with a C or better), which includes either Medical Skills & Services and Human Anatomy & Physiology or PLTW Human Body Systems. Qualifying students will receive 16 academic quarter credits for coursework completed at Huntley High School, shortening the time to complete the program at First Institute to 45 weeks versus the traditional 53 weeks. Director of Career Services Tricia Maxim shared, “This is a great opportunity for high school students to start a career in healthcare and set a path for limitless possibilities!”
“We are very excited to have a post-secondary program acknowledge the work of our Medical Academy students and allow them this unique opportunity,” said HHS Medical Academy founder and teacher Renae St. Clair. “We hope this is the first of many partnerships with post-secondary programs that will benefit our students.”
