Illinois is a great place to work in the medical field because there is always a demand for nurses, doctors, medical assistants, and more. If you want to become a medical assistant in Illinois, you will need to go through some sort of training. This is available through many medical assistant schools in Illinois and online. All you have to do is find the one that you like the best.
Illinois Medical Assistant Schools at a Glance
Some employers will accept training from any medical assistant school in Illinois, but others expect the school to be accredited. If you want the best education possible, you will need to go to a school approved by the CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or the ABHES (Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools). You will spend about a year earning your degree, but then you will have an associate of science in medical assisting to put on your resume.
To add to your degree, you need to complete a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam. There are versions of this exam offered through the National Healthcare Association, the American Association of Medical Assistants, and other organizations. If you have a certification, you can show potential employers that you do in fact have the skills needed to work in their establishments. Pay attention in school, and you’ll pass your exam with flying colors.
If you would like more information about the certification exam, contact the Illinois branch of the AAMA.
Medical Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Medical assistant jobs in Illinois pay a little more than the national average. If you find work here, you can expect to earn about $14.19 an hour, which equates to $31,320 a year. There are 18,420 medical assistants working in Illinois, based on 2012 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While these numbers may indicate a heavy competition for work in this state, you can secure a job almost anywhere with a good education behind you.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Illinois
- Location: Glen Ellyn
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $14,125
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Grayslake
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $12,205
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
Moraine Valley Community College
- Location: Palos Hills
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $12,691
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: East Peoria
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $10,555
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Freeport
- Programs: Associate’s
- Tuition*: $18,470
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
