Medical Assistant Schools in Illinois

Medical assistants are trained to provide valuable help in a medical establishment. Although their duties may not be as complex and technical as those of other prominent allied health workers, a clinic or hospital can’t operate smoothly without them.

The following sections highlight the requirements to start a successful career as a medical assistant in Illinois. We go over the general requirements for the profession and specific requirements for candidates in the state.

Readers will also discover other important considerations, such as the top training programs around the state and the expected annual average salary.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Illinois

Candidates are expected to start their medical assisting career in Illinois following the steps below.

Preparatory Steps

Medical assistants don’t need to complete postsecondary education. However, hospitals and medical establishments prefer working with those with a high school diploma or GED.

Some soft skills that come in handy include decisiveness, attention to detail, quick thinking, and effective communication.

Classroom Training

Medical assistant training programs prepare candidates for their real-world duties. Those who have completed such programs usually find it easier to secure entry-level employment and continue developing their job skills.

These programs cover classroom topics such as clinical and administrative duties, pharmacology, medical terminology, and lab techniques. Students may be fast-tracked into certificate programs that can be completed in 6 - 9 months or extended into part-time programs that often take 12 - 18 months.

Hands-On Training

Classroom training prepares candidates for the tasks they must perform in a clinical environment. Candidates should gain some experience doing this before they are officially employed.

Most training programs adopt internships/externships to help students gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment.

Employment & Career Growth

Candidates who have received the right level of training may proceed to secure employment as medical assistants in Illinois. They may also consider the certification options below for additional career opportunities.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Having one or more nationally recognized professional credentials can help medical assistants stand out in their field. This will increase their appeal to potential employers and help them start their careers on a platform that will yield more career opportunities.

The American Association of Medical Assistants offers a CMA credential (Certified Medical Assistant) that provides all the above benefits. Candidates who would like to have more or a different credential may also consider the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) credential issued by the American Medical Technologists.

Of course, there are several other options, but they all have one thing in common: candidates must be willing to complete an examination and renew their credentials periodically through continuing education.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Illinois

The following are some prominent training programs for aspiring medical assistants in Illinois.

Explore medical assistant schools in Illinois by city:

• Medical assistant schools in Chicago

Salary & Career Outlook

Most medical assistants in Illinois earn an annual average salary of $47,404, which is good enough to place them among the mid-point earners in the state. Naturally, some fall below or above the middle line.

In this case, those who fall among the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $59,094, while those who fall among the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $38,026. A survey of medical assistants in the state carried out by Indeed revealed these figures.

The same data revealed Joliet as the best location for medical assistants in Illinois, with an annual average salary of $54,773. Those in Danville and Peoria follow with annual average salaries of $52,378 and $52,118 respectively.

Chicago and Geneva are also notable, with annual average salaries of $50,806 and $46,687, respectively. Location, experience, and establishment of employment can also influence how much a medical assistant in Illinois earns at the end of the year.