Huntley High School enters an exclusive partnership to help fast-track students interested in medical careers

HUNTLEY — Graduating seniors attending Huntley High School can now accelerate their medical careers by earning a medical assisting certification thanks to an exclusive partnership the school has entered into.

According to Huntley Community School District 158’s Director of Communications and Public Engagement, Denise Barr, the partnership is with First Institute of Crystal Lake, and the program is being offered to students interested in fast-tracking their medical careers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country. It comprises both clinical and administrative duties, from taking medical histories, explaining treatment procedures, and performing basic laboratory tests to managing patient medical records and arranging for hospital admissions.

First Institute’s medical assisting program allows students to get started in this essential field without years of schooling and prepares individuals for various healthcare certification exams.

Passing those exams can assist students in becoming certified to practice as a Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) as well as working as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). Additional opportunities include the possibility of working as a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) and a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

“We are very excited to have a post-secondary program acknowledge the work of our Medical Academy students and allow them this unique opportunity,” said Huntley High School Medical Academy founder and teacher Renae St. Clair in a press release statement. “We hope this is the first of many partnerships with post-secondary programs that will benefit our students.”

To qualify for First Institute’s program, seniors must have graduated from high school and completed specific coursework (with a C grade or better), which includes either Medical Skills and Services and Human Anatomy and Physiology or PLTW Human Body Systems.

“This is a great opportunity for high school students to start a career in healthcare and set a path for limitless possibilities,” stated Tricia Maxim, First Institute’s director of Career Services.

Qualifying students will receive 16 academic quarter credits for coursework completed at Huntley High School, shortening the time to complete the program at First Institute to 45 weeks versus the traditional 53 weeks.