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
- Chicago
- Crystal Lake, Libertyville, Aurora
- Tinley Park
- Olney, Fairfield, Robinson, Mt. Carmel, Noble
- Harwood Heights, Homewood, Mundelein, Arlington Heights, Rockford
- Melrose Park
- Springfield, East Peoria, Moline
- Chicago, Evergreen Park, Naperville
- Aurora, Mokena, Rockford, Romeoville
- Rockford
City Colleges of Chicago
Malcolm X College's CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting advanced certificate is 31 credits: three semesters full time (fall, spring and summer) or four part time, with day, mid-day and evening sections at the main Jackson Blvd campus and at Malcolm X West Campus on W. Madison St. It ends with a 3-credit practicum, and the department names the RMA and RPT exams from American Medical Technologists. Future Ready covers tuition for eligible Chicago residents; otherwise in-district tuition is $163 per credit from Summer 2026.
First Institute
First Institute's Medical Assisting program is a 50-week, 768-hour Certificate of Completion (Diploma) with online lectures, on-campus clinical labs and a 160-hour externship in a medical office. It prepares students for the NHA's CCMA, phlebotomy (CPT) and EKG (CET) exams, which the school hosts as an NHA test site, and graduates are eligible for AMT's RMA exam. Day classes meet twice a week and evening classes four nights. Tuition, fees and books total $17,925 at every campus (price effective October 2024).
Fox College
Fox College's Medical Assisting program takes 12 months of full-time, on-campus study, including a two-month externship. The program is accredited by ABHES, and graduates are eligible to sit for either the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam of the AAMA or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam of American Medical Technologists. Students move through it as a cohort. Federal data put Fox College's tuition and fees at $17,670 for 2024-25, the same for every student regardless of residency.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
Lincoln Trail College offers medical assisting as a 71-credit AAS titled Certified Medical Assistant (about 65 weeks) and a shorter Medical Assistant certificate. Neither is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, so the program does not lead to the AAMA's CMA exam. IECC's fee schedule lists a testing fee for American Medical Technologists and the National Healthcare Association, whose exams include the RMA and CCMA. Its Illinois workNet listing put the AAS at $14,198 in total at 2025-26 rates.
Illinois Health Careers
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certificate takes 16 weeks of classes twice a week, one weekday plus Saturday, followed by an internship that the 2026 catalog puts at 100 hours and the state workforce listing at 80, to be finished within a month. It prepares students for the National Healthcareer Association's CCMA exam. Applicants need a physical and immunizations. Tuition is $3,800 plus a $220 textbook and platform fee and a $210 admin fee in the 2026 catalog. The school claims no programmatic accreditation.
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech's Medical Assistant program is 880 clock hours, about 37 weeks with day, afternoon or evening classes, ending in a 160-hour daytime internship. Courses cover cardiopulmonary procedures, medication administration, clinical lab techniques, surgical procedures and front-office work, including vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG and injections. Some campuses name the RMA exam from American Medical Technologists. At Iselin, NJ the total cost was $23,697 (Feb 2025 tuition sheet).
Midwest Technical Institute
MTI's Medical Assisting diploma is CAAHEP-accredited and takes 35 weeks: 765 clock hours, including a 225-hour externship, plus 135 outside hours. MTI names the AAMA's Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam as the certification graduates can pursue. New students start with a two-week trial enrollment with attendance and 70% grade standards. Day and evening classes run Monday to Thursday at the Illinois campuses; Springfield, MO stopped new enrollment under changes announced in September 2026. An undated Illinois workNet listing for the Springfield, IL campus gives about $15,800.
Midwestern Career College
Midwestern has two medical assisting certificates. Medical Assisting takes 40 weeks over two terms and prepares for NCCT's medical assistant certification plus phlebotomy and EKG exams. Clinical Medical Assisting takes 60 weeks and 930 clock hours, includes a 165-hour externship and links to UChicago Medicine's Preferred Partners Pathways Program; graduates can also pursue the RMA, CMA or CCMA after meeting extra requirements. Both are taught at the LaSalle and Evergreen Park campuses. We could not confirm their tuition, so ask the school for a written price.
Rasmussen University
Rasmussen's Medical Assisting diploma takes 12 months (10 with transfer credit) and 51 credits over 12 courses and includes a 6-credit externship. It is hybrid, not fully online: lectures are live online and labs are on campus. It is ABHES-accredited and prepares students for the CMA and RMA exams, with the first attempt at each included. The 2026–27 estimate is $21,239, and the Medical Assisting Inspire Grant can take off up to $4,000. A Healthcare associate's degree with a medical assisting specialization is also offered.
Rockford Career College
Medical Assistant is a 60-quarter-credit diploma of about 10 months in a hybrid format, with a supervised externship. Clinical training includes EKGs and blood draws. The program is recognized by American Medical Technologists, so graduates can sit the AMT's Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam, and they can continue into the online Healthcare Administration AAS in about 7 months. 2026-27 tuition at the Rockford, IL campus is $19,950 before fees and books; the college's self-reported January 2026 employment rate was 53%.
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.