Schools to Become a Medical Assistant in Illinois

Medical assistant professions often offer job stability and opportunities for advancement.

Compared to other healthcare careers, medical assistant typically requires less time and investment.

Trade Schools & Online Programs

The fastest way to get started is through an online certification program from a local school.

Why Should You Take a Course?

Besides learning everything you need to know, you will prepare for a certification.  It could be any of these:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMAA)
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
• Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA)

Your instructors can help you choose the right certification for you.

How Much Does It Cost?

Certification courses (12 months or less) are typically between $2k to $3k.  An associate degree can be substantially more

How Long Does It Take?

Medical assistant certificate programs last 9 to 12 months.  Sometimes they can be completed faster if they are online, self paced courses.

An associate degree program would be at least 2 years.

What Do You Study?

Most substantial curriculums cover the following:

Introduction to Medical Terminology

• Overview of Medical Terminology
• Systems of the Body:
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Lymphatic and Immune Systems
  • Respiratory System
  • Digestive System
  • Urinary System
  • Nervous System
  • Special Senses: Eyes and Ears
  • Integumentary System
  • Endocrine System
  • Reproductive System

II. Diagnostic and Clinical Procedures

• Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Infection Control and Medical Asepsis
• The Chief Complaint and Patient History
• Body Measurements and Vital Signs
• Preparing for Examinations
• Complete Physical Examination (CPE)
• Specialty Examinations and Procedures
• Physician’s Office Laboratory (POL)
• Specimen Collection and Processing
• Introduction to Phlebotomy
• Diagnostic Testing
• Minor Office Surgeries

III. Medical Assisting Skills

• Medication Dosage Calculations
• Administering Medications
• Emergencies and First Aid in the Medical Office
• Rehabilitation
• Nutrition and Special Diets

IV. Professional Skills and Office Management

• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Overview
• Medical Assisting Foundations
• Professional Behavior
• Legal and Ethical Issues
• The Art of Communicating
• Telecommunications, Telephone Professionalism, and Techniques
• Written Communications
• Medical Office Environment
• Patient Scheduling
• Managing Medical Records
• Introduction to Health Insurance
• Medical Coding: An Overview
• Patient Accounts, Insurance Claims, Billing, and Collections
• Daily Financial Practices
• Managing the Office

V. Career Preparation

• Certification
• Preparing for Your Career

Other Local Trade Schools

Illinois Requirements

There are no formal education or training requirements mandated by the state of Illinois to become a medical assistant.

However, obtaining a certification or associate degree from an accredited post-secondary institution can give you the necessary training and help you stand out from other applicants.

Common certifications include:

• Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification

Those who are interested may also become certified in a specialty, such as optometry, podiatry, or ophthalmology.

Salary Range in IL

• $37,709 – ZipRecruiter
• $41,575 – Salary.com
• $47,189 – Indeed.com
• $47,790 – Bureau of Labor Statistics

Below is a table with average hourly wages and annual pay for parts of the state.

Location	Per Hour	Per Year
Bloomington	$19.37	$40,290
Carbondale-Marion	$18.51	$38,500
Champaign-Urbana	$19.84	$41,270
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin	$21.25	$44,200
Danville	$18.12	$37,700
Decatur	$19.33	$40,200
East Central Illinois	$19.18	$39,900
Kankakee	$19.93	$41,450
Northwest Illinois	$18.63	$38,740
Peoria	$19.55	$40,660
Rockford	$19.95	$41,490
South Illinois	$18.55	$38,580
Springfield	$19.30	$40,150
West Central Illinois	$19.53	$40,620

_{Occupation: Medical Assistants (SOC Code319092)
source: data.bls.gov}

Career Overview

What Employers in Illinois Look for in a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants in Illinois are increasingly in demand, with employers seeking professionals who can handle both clinical and administrative responsibilities. From assisting dentists with patient care to managing front-office tasks, dental assistants play a vital role in hospitals, specialty clinics, and private dental practices.

Employers such as UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Great Lakes, Advocate Aurora Health, and Rush University Medical Center look for candidates with strong communication skills, technical proficiency, and attention to detail.

Many positions involve crossover into related fields, including oral surgery, orthodontics, and general healthcare, making a dental assisting career in Illinois both dynamic and rewarding.

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Key Responsibilities for Dental Assistants in Illinois

1. Chairside Assistance & Patient Care
   • Assist dentists during examinations, fillings, and minor surgeries.
   • Take and record vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, before treatments.
   • Prepare patients for dental procedures, explaining each step to ensure comfort.
   • Administer fluoride treatments, take impressions, and prepare filling materials as permitted by Illinois law.
2. Radiology & Diagnostic Testing
   • Take dental X-rays (radiographs) and ensure compliance with radiation safety protocols.
   • Document images in electronic health record (EHR) systems.
   • Assist oral surgeons and orthodontists in diagnostic imaging and surgical planning.
3. Sterilization & Equipment Maintenance
   • Maintain a sterile environment, cleaning and storing dental instruments according to safety guidelines.
   • Troubleshoot dental equipment and tools, ensuring they function properly before procedures.
4. Administrative & Office Management Duties
   • Schedule patient appointments and maintain electronic dental records.
   • Assist with insurance billing, coding, and claims processing.
   • Manage phone inquiries, check-ins, and other front-office tasks.
5. Crossover into Other Medical Specialties
   • Many Illinois dental assistants work in multi-specialty healthcare settings, performing tasks such as:
     • Drawing blood and collecting lab specimens in hospitals and clinics like Advocate Aurora Health.
     • Assisting in surgical procedures related to maxillofacial surgery and pediatric dental care at hospitals like Rush University Medical Center.
     • Educating patients on oral hygiene, post-surgical care, and overall wellness.

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Where Do Dental Assistants Work in Illinois?

Illinois dental assistants can find employment in a variety of healthcare and dental settings, including:

• General & Specialty Dental Practices – Assisting with orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
• Hospitals & Outpatient Clinics – Supporting oral surgeons in operating rooms and emergency dental care.
• University & Research-Based Dental Clinics – Working alongside dental students and faculty at institutions like UChicago Medicine AdventHealth.
• Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Offices – Providing dental care for children and teens at Children’s Healthcare of Chicago.
• Multi-Specialty Medical Clinics – Assisting dentists and oral health specialists in broader healthcare networks such as Advocate Aurora Health.

Some of the top employers for dental assistants in Illinois include:

• Advocate Aurora Health
• Ascension
• Heartland Health Services
• Hopedale Medical Complex
• Northwestern Medicine
• Rush University Medical Center
• Southern Illinois Healthcare
• Will County Health Department

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Skills & Certifications That Make Candidates Competitive

1. Certification & Training
   • Employers prefer or require candidates to have certification from an accredited dental assisting program.
   • Radiology certification and CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification are often required.
2. Technical & Clinical Skills
   • Four-handed dentistry, sterilization protocols, and patient care experience are highly valued.
   • Familiarity with dental software, digital radiography, and electronic health records (EHR) is a plus.
3. Interpersonal & Organizational Abilities
   • Strong communication skills to educate patients on oral hygiene and treatment plans.
   • Ability to multitask in a busy dental office and handle administrative duties efficiently.
   • Employers such as Advocate Aurora Health prioritize candidates with experience in high-volume patient care settings.

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Work Schedule & Salary Expectations

• Most dental assistants work full-time, averaging 40 hours per week.
• Some positions require evenings, weekends, or holiday shifts in hospital or emergency dental settings.
• Larger healthcare networks, such as Advocate Aurora Health, may offer flexible schedules and overtime opportunities.
• Salaries vary by experience and location, with higher wages in metro areas like Chicago.

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Career Outlook for Dental Assistants in Illinois

If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, job growth in Illinois looks promising.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 16% increase in medical assisting jobs from 2021 to 2031, which will likely lead to thousands of new openings for dental assistants as well.

This above-average growth is driven by:

• An aging population, increasing the need for dental and oral health services.
• Expanding healthcare networks, requiring more dental assistants in multi-specialty and hospital settings.
• A rising demand for orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, leading to more specialized assistant roles.

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Final Takeaways

Employers in Illinois seek skilled, adaptable, and certified dental assistants to support dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists in both clinical and administrative capacities. Opportunities exist in hospitals, private practices, research clinics, and specialty centers, making it a versatile career choice.

With strong career growth, opportunities for advancement, and crossover potential into broader medical assisting roles, a career as a dental assistant in Illinois is a stable and rewarding option for healthcare professionals.