Health Careers are a high growth industry with great opportunities for those with
the required credentials. Prepare for a career in health care through a certificate
program at Harper College. Many of Harper’s certificates are stackable to a degree
program through additional coursework. Students have an opportunity to work for an employer with pay while getting on- the-job
training and employer-paid schooling. Our apprentice program offers a pathway to a
thriving career in health careers.
Job Functions
Depending on your employer you may do all or some of these functions:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Use CNA skills to assist nurses in the care of patients across a wide variety of health care settings. Provide basic bedside care such as eating, dressing and bathing. Employment is found in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, hospitals, and other settings.
Medical Assistant (MA) – Perform a wide variety of responsibilities including patient contact and administrative and clerical tasks to facilitate physicians’ work. Utilize skills including patient communication, computer functions, and record keeping, along with clinical skills such as assisting with examinations, treatments, diagnostic testing, patient education and preparation/administration of medications. Other areas of study include legal and ethical issues in health care, maintaining patient confidentiality and principles of insurance billing.
Salary Outlook
Please note: The following are NOT a guarantee of salary, just an estimated outlook
in this industry.
Certified Nursing Assistant $25, 363 - $31,479
Medical Assistant $29,533 - $37,211
Job Titles in Health Care
Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA)
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Medical Assistant (MA)
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Doctor’s Assistant
Documents (PDFs)