HARRISBURG — Southeastern Illinois College is launching a brand-new Medical Assistant Certificate program beginning Aug. 18, providing students with the skills and credentials to step into one of the nation’s fastest-growing healthcare professions.
Medical assistants play a vital role in outpatient care settings such as clinics and doctors’ offices. They support physicians with both administrative and clinical tasks, including scheduling appointments, taking vital signs, documenting patient histories, and assisting with lab work. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 15% job growth in the field through 2033, the career outlook is strong.
“Our region’s employers have expressed a real need for medical assistants who are cross trained to work in multiple areas, including phlebotomy and patient intake,” said Dr. Emily York, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health at SIC. “This program prepares graduates to be job-ready for a wide variety of healthcare roles, offering a flexible entry point into the medical field without the time or cost of a full nursing degree.”
The full-time, one-year program runs fall through summer and includes a blend of hybrid, online, and in-person courses. Classes begin primarily with Tuesday/Thursday evening sessions and evolve into flexible scheduling based on internship placements. Students will complete two unpaid internships in phlebotomy and medical assisting, gaining hands-on experience in real clinical environments. Those who already hold CNA or phlebotomy credentials may be able to enter the program in the spring term, depending on prerequisites.
Dr. York noted that the program may appeal to recent high school graduates, young adults exploring a career in healthcare, or adults returning to school to change careers.
“We see a lot of students—mostly women under 30—who want to work in the medical field but aren’t sure what role is the best fit,” she said. “This is a fantastic option. It would allow young people to care for local patients and make a difference in their communities.”
Students will develop skills in medical charting, taking vital signs, drawing lab work, resume building, interview preparation, and direct patient care. Many students are hired by their internship sites upon successful completion of the program.
“Medical assistants are filling a critical gap in healthcare, especially as licensed practical nurses move more into long-term care,” said York. “This is a high-demand, flexible role that prepares students for quick employment and continued growth in the healthcare field.”
Enrollment is limited to 15 students. Those interested should contact an academic advisor at 618-252-5400, ext. 4130, or email advising@sic.edu to enroll before the Aug. 18 start date.
Phlebotomy and Pharmacy Technician Programs Also Revamped
In addition to the new Medical Assistant program, SIC has revamped its Phlebotomy course into a full certificate and expanded its Pharmacy Technician offering into Level I and Level II options to better meet the needs of employers and students alike.
The Pharmacy Technician Level II Certificate can now be completed full time in one semester, with a combination of online learning and a Wednesday evening on-campus component. The program now includes coursework in communication, medical terminology, and medical calculations—skills employers have specifically requested to better prepare graduates for job readiness.
The Phlebotomy Certificate has also been redesigned as a one-semester, full-time hybrid program. Students complete in-class instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the first eight weeks, followed by a hands-on internship at a local clinical site for the remainder of the semester. The program emphasizes direct patient care and hands-on clinical skills.
SIC partners with a variety of regional employers to support internships and job placements in all three healthcare programs. Partners include Ferrell Hospital/Clinicals, Hardin County General Hospital, Southern Illinois Healthcare locations, Hamilton Memorial Hospital/Clinicals, Beck’s Pharmacy, Medicine Shoppe, Plum Street Pharmacy, Hardin County Pharmacy, and Golconda Pharmacy. The college continues to seek additional employer partnerships to expand opportunities for students.
Graduates of the Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, and Pharmacy Technician programs may also choose to take a national certification exam through the National Healthcareer Association after completing required work experience. The exam is offered on SIC’s campus.
For more information about these programs, visit sic.edu/alliedhealth or email nursing@sic.edu. To register, email advising@sic.edu or call 618-252-5400, ext. 4130.
