Testing, application deadlines extended for Medical Assistant program

ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information

New testing dates have been scheduled for the Rend Lake College Medical Assistant program to give students the chance to complete applications for entrance into the program’s Fall 2017 semester. Applications are due Friday, July 14.

The Medical Assistant entrance exam, called the Psychological Service Bureau (PSB), is a required part of the application process. The test costs $30 and is due at the time of registration, which must be done in person at the Testing Center, located in the Administration Building.

Testing dates have been set for the following times: 1 p.m. Thursday, June 22; 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 27; and 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 12.

Students must bring photo identification for admission to the test. The PSB is a five-part, computerized, timed test. Paper applications for the program will be available in the Allied Health Division or Testing Center for students to complete.

After graduation, medical assistants are prepared to work in medical offices, clinics, and other outpatient facilities doing a number of tasks, including maintaining appointment schedules and medical records, billing, recording vital signs, obtaining medical histories, and drawing blood.

RLC’s Associate in Applied Science degree requires two years, or four semesters, of study. The Occupational Certificate option is 36 credit hours, or two semesters. All general education courses are required for those who want to complete the associate degree program.

Medical assistants are projected to have much faster than average job growth by 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with more than 138,900 jobs coming into the market in the next seven years, a 23 percent increase. Medical assistants have an average pay of $31,540. After successful completion of the program at RLC, students can sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants examination.

For more information about the Medical Assistant program, visit online at www.rlc.edu or contact Nina Goloubeva, Program Director, at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1766. For questions about the PSB test, contact Beth Stevens in the Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266.