Medical Assistant

Scholarships & Grants

At Northwest Suburban College, we believe no student should be denied an education due to lack of financial resources. While NWSC is not currently eligible for FAFSA, many students take advantage of our generous institutional aid, scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans. Through our scholarships and grants, we strive to make your educational journey accessible and manageable, so you can move forward with confidence without the burden of overwhelming debt. Our team is always available to meet with you one-on-one, discuss your options, and create a personalized plan that fits your needs.

Institutional Aid Grant

• Award Amount:Variable, up to 40% of tuition (as approved by the Institutional Aid Committee)
• Eligibility Criteria: Students may be eligible based on demonstrated financial need, completion of the Institutional Aid Application, and enrollment in an NWSC program. Recipients must also maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) throughout their studies.

Presidential Award

• Award Amount: 100% of tuition (full-ride scholarship – Applied for Bachelor Degree students only)
• Eligibility Criteria: Students may be eligible based on a minimum GPA of 3.75, demonstrated leadership and community service, and a recommendation from the Admissions team. Recipients are selected for their academic excellence and commitment to making a positive impact.

Presidential Grant

• Eligibility Criteria: Students may be eligible based on a minimum GPA of 3.25 and enrollment in an undergraduate program at NWSC. This grant recognizes strong academic achievement and supports students as they pursue their educational goals.

Presidential Hardship Award

• Award Amount:Up to $1,000
• Eligibility Criteria:Students may be eligible based on documented financial hardship. This award is designed to provide additional support to students facing financial challenges, helping them stay on track with their education.

Dean's Academic Grant

• Award Amount:Up to 40% of tuition
• Eligibility Criteria: Students may be eligible based on a minimum GPA of 3.5, enrollment in an undergraduate program at NWSC, and an academic recommendation. A referral from a partner organization may also be considered. This grant recognizes strong academic performance and supports students in achieving their educational goals.

Healthcare Leadership Grant

• Award Amount:40% of tuition
• Eligibility Criteria:Students may be eligible if they are NWSC graduates or current students enrolling in the Healthcare Management Certificate Program with a minimum GPA of 2.0. This grant supports students looking to advance their careers in healthcare leadership and management.

Alumni Grant

• Award Amount:40% of tuition
• Eligibility Criteria: Students may be eligible if they are NWSC graduates enrolling in another certificate program with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Recipients must also maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) throughout their studies. This grant supports alumni in continuing their education and advancing their careers.

Alumni Advancement Scholarship

• Award Amount:40% of tuition
• Eligibility Criteria: Students may be eligible if they are NWSC graduates enrolling in a higher-level program (AAS-MA and BHS) with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Recipients must also maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) throughout their studies. This scholarship supports alumni in advancing their education and reaching their professional goals.

Community Partner Scholarship

• Award Amount:40% of tuition
• Eligibility Criteria:Awarded to students admitted to an NWSC academic program with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference is given to students who reside in the Northwest Suburban College service area—including Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Wheeling, Elk Grove Village, and Palatine—or who are referred through one of the College’s community partners. This scholarship supports local students in achieving their educational and career goals while strengthening the communities we serve.

Workforce Development Grant

• Award Amount:40% of tuition
• Eligibility Criteria:Students may be eligible if they are employees of a healthcare partner, have an employer referral, and are enrolled in an NWSC program. This grant supports workforce development by helping employees advance their skills and careers through education.

Veteran & First Responders Award

• Award Amount:40% of tuition
• Eligibility Criteria:Students may be eligible if they are veterans, active-duty military personnel, or first responders. This award honors their service and supports their educational and career advancement at NWSC.

Occupational Objectives

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in healthcare settings such as:

• Medical Assistant
• Clinical Assistant
• Medical Receptionist
• Medical Secretary
• Insurance Biller
• Medical Records Clerk
• Ward Clerk
• Phlebotomist

Employment opportunities are commonly found in:

• Physician offices
• Outpatient clinics
• Specialty practices
• Urgent care centers
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Diagnostic laboratories

The Medical Assistant Certificate Program at NWSC prepares students for entry-level employment in healthcare settings including physicians’ offices, clinics, outpatient facilities, laboratories, and hospitals. This comprehensive program provides students with the administrative, clinical, and professional skills needed to function effectively as a multi-skilled member of the healthcare team. Students are trained to support both front-office and clinical operations through hands-on instruction and applied learning experiences. Administrative training includes patient scheduling, reception and intake procedures, medical records management, insurance processing, coding, and HIPAA compliance. Clinical training includes assisting with examinations, obtaining patient histories and vital signs, performing venipuncture, collecting and transporting laboratory specimens, performing EKGs, administering medications under supervision, and supporting patient education. The program includes a required externship experience that allows students to apply their skills in a real healthcare environment under professional supervision. This provides valuable exposure to clinical workflow, patient interaction, and workplace expectations in healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a Certificate in Medical Assistant and are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Students are prepared to function as essential members of the healthcare team in fast-paced clinical environments.

The Medical Assistant Certificate Program consists of 720 clock hours of instruction, including classroom, laboratory, and externship training.