College of DuPage (COD), a public community college in Glen Ellyn, offers two medical assistant credentials, both full time or part time:
- Medical Assistant Certificate (39 credits)
- Medical Assistant Associate in Applied Science (64 credits)
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Est. Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant Certificate | ~$7,700 (in-district, est.) | ~1 year full time (est.) | 39 |
| Medical Assistant AAS | ~$13,000 (in-district, est.) | ~2 years full time (est.) | 64 |
Both estimates apply COD’s fall 2026 in-district rate of $160 per credit hour, which includes fees. The certificate adds about $1,410 for books and supplies, COD’s own one-year allowance; the AAS adds two years of that allowance. Durations divide credits by a full-time load. COD does not publish program totals, so confirm with the program director.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School type | Public community college (District 502) |
| Campus | Glen Ellyn |
| Format | Campus |
| Programmatic accreditation | CAAHEP, on MAERB recommendation (certificate program) |
| Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Exam eligibility | CMA (AAMA) for certificate and degree completers |
| Schedule | Full time or part time |
| First course | MASST 1125 Intro to Medical Assisting, with registration requirements |
| Transfer | Agreements with several four-year colleges |
Medical Assistant Certificate
The certificate costs about $7,700 in-district and takes about one year full time. See the official program page.
Certificate Curriculum
Structure. The 39-credit certificate covers administrative procedures, practice finance, biomedical terminology, legal and ethical aspects of health care, clinical procedures, and a supervised practicum. It begins with MASST 1125 Intro to Medical Assisting.
Distinctive elements. COD’s 13-credit Health Care Office Assistant certificate shares several administrative courses, so students can start with the office credential and continue into medical assisting.
You Should Know
- The program lists latex allergies and stress among workplace considerations in its registration packet.
Certificate Practicum
- Supervised, unpaid practicum in an outpatient setting; CAAHEP requires at least 160 hours
- Placement rules and hours are detailed in the program’s student handbook, revised December 2024
Certificate Admissions
- COD general admission application ($20, nonrefundable)
- Reading placement test for students with fewer than 12 college credits
- Completion of the program’s registration requirements before MASST 1125
You Should Know
- Registration requirements are updated each year; the current packet was revised April 2026 for fall 2026 entry.
Medical Assistant AAS
The AAS costs about $13,000 in-district and takes about two years full time. It adds 25 credits of general education and electives to the certificate core.
You Should Know
- COD’s accreditation statement names the certificate program, but the college states that both certificate and degree completers are CMA-eligible.
- Students can petition for the certificate once they finish the medical assistant core courses.
Tuition
COD’s fall 2026 rates include $19 per credit hour in fees.
| Residency | Per Credit | Certificate (39) | AAS (64) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-district | $160 | $6,240 | $10,240 |
| Out-of-district (Illinois) | $368 | $14,352 | $23,552 |
| Out-of-state | $440 | $17,160 | $28,160 |
- Lab and material fees apply to certain courses and appear at registration.
- Out-of-district residents who work at least 35 hours a week in District 502 may qualify for in-district rates.
Be aware that:
- Out-of-district tuition is more than double the in-district rate. Residents whose district has no medical assistant program can request a CAREER chargeback authorization for in-district pricing.
Outcomes
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, one year after completion | $42,274 | College Scorecard 2023 (medical/clinical assistant certificate) |
| MAERB retention, placement, exam pass | Not on pages reviewed | Ask the program |
CAAHEP programs must publish at least one MAERB outcome. COD’s program pages and handbook did not show one, so request the latest annual report figures from the program director before enrolling.
Why Choose This Medical Assistant Program?
COD fits a DuPage County resident who wants to choose between a one-year certificate and a transfer-friendly AAS.
Pathway choice. The certificate reaches CMA eligibility in about a year; the AAS adds general education and transfer agreements with four-year colleges.
Flexibility. Both credentials run full time or part time.
Drawbacks. Program outcomes are not easy to find, and out-of-district students pay $368 per credit hour unless they qualify for a waiver.
Accreditation
College of DuPage is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Medical Assistant Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Completers of the certificate or degree are eligible for the CMA (AAMA) exam.