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
- Springfield
- Chicago
- Libertyville, Aurora
- Tinley Park
- Olney, Fairfield, Robinson, Mt. Carmel
- Harwood Heights
- Chicago
- Springfield, East Peoria, Moline
- Chicago
- Rockford
- Rockford
- Springfield
Capital Area Career Center (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
The Medical Assisting program at Capital Area Career Center (CACC) in Springfield, Illinois, is a comprehensive two-year course designed specifically for high school students. Over this timeframe, the curriculum balances classroom instruction with advanced on-the-job clinical experiences in local physicians' offices and clinics. Graduates of the program earn several professional credentials, including certifications in CPR, First Aid, HIPAA Privacy Rules, and OSHA safety standards. Upon successful completion of both years with a grade of B or higher, students become eligible to sit for a national credential-earning certification assessment, such as the CCMA or RMA, providing a direct head start into the 2026 healthcare workforce.
City College of Chicago (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Malcolm X College offers a CAAHEP-accredited Advanced Certificate in Medical Assisting that can be completed in as little as three semesters (approximately 12 months) with both full-time and part-time tracks available. Based on local Google reviews and program data, the curriculum focuses on three core domains of learning to prepare students for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certifications through the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The program includes a 160-hour clinical practicum and features flexible day or evening courses at both the Jackson Blvd campus and the West Side Learning Center for the 2026 academic year.
First Institute (Rating: 4 out 5)
50 week Medical Assisting program with externship located close to Chicago. Prepares students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) exams. Flexible scheduling.
Fox College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
Fox College provides a streamlined, 12-month Medical Assisting degree program that allows students to dive into hands-on clinical training from their very first day without any prerequisite requirements. Based on local Google reviews and the ABHES-accredited curriculum, the timeframe includes a two-month real-world externship to ensure students are career-ready for the 2026 job market. Graduates are fully eligible to sit for both the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exams, providing a dual-certification advantage for employment in hospitals and private practices.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) program trains students for versatile roles in healthcare, combining clinical duties like taking vitals and collecting specimens with clerical tasks such as processing insurance forms and scheduling appointments. The program includes hands-on internships at local hospitals, preparing graduates for certification exams and equipping them with valuable skills for a growing industry. Graduates can pursue additional certifications, enhancing their qualifications and job prospects in the rapidly expanding healthcare sector.
Illinois Health Careers (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
The Illinois Health Careers Clinical Medical Assistant Program is a comprehensive 16-week course designed to prepare students for a fast-growing career in healthcare. This program covers essential skills such as phlebotomy, EKGs, medical terminology, and patient care, combining practical clinical training with classroom instruction. Upon completion, students receive a certification, making them job-ready for various medical environments, with discounts available for military veterans and active-duty personnel.
Lincoln Tech (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Lincoln Tech offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting program that can be completed in approximately 37 weeks (roughly 9 months) for a diploma or 79 weeks for an Associate of Science degree. Based on local Google reviews and the provided curriculum, the training emphasizes hands-on experience in "Doctor's Office Classrooms" and includes a mandatory 160-hour clinical externship to ensure real-world readiness. Graduates are specifically prepared to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam through the American Medical Technologists (AMT), providing a fast-tracked path to professional certification and the 2026 workforce.
Midwest Technical Institute (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
The Medical Assisting Program at Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) is an accelerated 9-month (35-week) diploma course that provides 765 clock hours of training, including a mandatory 225-hour externship in a real-world medical facility. Students are trained in both clinical and administrative duties—ranging from phlebotomy and EKGs to medical coding—and are specifically scheduled to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exams prior to graduation.
Midwestern Career College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
Midwestern Career College offers a comprehensive 40-week Medical Assisting program that trains students for entry-level positions in various healthcare environments. The program features hybrid learning options across multiple campuses and includes hands-on training in phlebotomy, EKG, and medical assisting. Students are eligible for certifications such as the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) and Certified EKG Technician (NCET). Additionally, those who complete the optional 120-hour externship may qualify for phlebotomy certification through the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The program begins on multiple dates, with some cohorts nearing capacity.
Rasmussen University (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
Rasmussen University offers an ABHES-accredited Medical Assisting Diploma program that prepares students for direct patient care and administrative roles in as few as 12 months. The curriculum is designed to qualify graduates for national certification exams, specifically the CMA and RMA, with the first attempt fee for these exams included in the total program cost. This pathway also allows for a seamless credit transfer toward a Healthcare Associate’s degree for those looking to further their academic credentials.
Rockford Career College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
Rockford Career College provides a high-speed 10-month Medical Assistant diploma program, delivered in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with essential on-campus clinical labs. Based on local Google reviews and the 60-quarter-credit-hour curriculum, students are cross-trained in diverse skills like phlebotomy and EKG technology, culminating in a supervised externship to ensure workforce readiness by late 2026. While the diploma is the primary credential, the program serves as a direct pathway to professional certifications such as Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and offers an optional seven-month online extension to earn a full Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration.
WorkForce Institute (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) offers a fast-track Clinical Medical Assistant program that can be completed in approximately seven months, combining 144 hours of evening classroom instruction with a intensive 160-hour clinical externship. Based on local Google reviews and the 2026 spring schedule, the program follows a structured path from February orientation to a final certification exam in September. Graduates are specifically prepared to earn the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), with the exam fee and textbooks conveniently included in the tuition.
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.
Key Responsibilities for Dental Assistants in Illinois
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Many Illinois dental assistants work in multi-specialty healthcare settings, performing tasks such as:
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
Skills & Certifications That Make Candidates Competitive
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.