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Medical Assisting in Illinois

There is no state requirement for medical assistants working in Illinois to be either licensed or certified, and there are no state regulations defining the duties that medical assistants are permitted to perform.

Illinois has a strong demand for medical assistants. The Chicago, Naperville, Arlington Heights area has one of the best employment levels for medical assistants of all metropolitan areas in the US.

Medical assistants in Illinois earn a decent average salary of $31,970 or an hourly wage of $15.37. Those with a higher level of education or training are likely to be paid more, so it is worth considering becoming Certified or Registered. In order to earn these credentials, you will need to have completed your training on an accredited program.

The Illinois Society of Medical Assistants is a good source of information if you’re considering doing your medical assistant training in the state of Illinois. They can offer scholarship help to students and can assist newly qualified medical assistants find entry level jobs. This is the Illinois state society of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), of which there are several local chapters:

  • Aux Plaines
  • Central Illinois
  • Chicago
  • Illinois Valley
  • Lincolnland
  • Mississippi Valley
  • Northwest Cook
  • Rockford
  • Southern Illinois Regional

Illinois Medical Assistant Schools and Programs

Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College offers an ABHES accredited medical assisting Associate’s degree and diploma program at its campuses in Aurora, Mokena, Rockford and Romeoville. Instruction is given through a blended mix of online and on campus classes. Students are required to complete a 240 hour externship prior to completing their training, to gain real world work experience. On completion of their studies, students can apply to sit the RMA exam to earn the Registered Medical Assistant credential.

Diploma

  • Length: 15 months
  • Cost: $17,940
  • Job Placement Rate: 65%

Degree

  • Length: 23 months
  • Cost: $27,508
  • Job Placement Rate: Not available

Midstate College

From its campus in Peoria, Midstate College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree program, which is CAAHEP accredited. Day, night, hybrid and online classes are available, making it easier for students to fit their training into a busy schedule. Students will complete courses in a range of subjects, including medical office procedures, clinical procedures, medical terminology, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare. In addition, students are expected to complete a medical assisting externship to gain a practical insight into the responsibilities of working in a healthcare facility. The program will prepare students to begin a career in an entry level medical assisting position.

Degree

  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $40,740
  • Job Placement Rate: Not available

Midwest Technical Institute

Midwest Technical Institute has campuses in East Peoria and Springfield where students can study on a medical assistant diploma program. The program is split into 4 modules. Courses include clinical procedures, medical office procedures, and communications. The fourth and final module involves completing 225 externship hours and must be taken after the other 3 modules. On completion of their training, students are required to sit the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) exam.

Diploma

  • Length: 36 weeks
  • Cost: $14,000
  • Job Placement Rate: 84%