Chicago, Illinois is the third largest city in the United States and had a population of over 9 million in 2003. The state is also home to many sports teams, shopping areas, and attractions that bring more residents to the state with each passing year. There are currently over 1,500 medical assistants working throughout the state and the need for more is on the rise. To meet this demand, Illinois has almost 20 medical assisting programs, most of which are accredited. In addition, many students can get scholarship help from the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants.
Employment Environment in Illinois
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical assistants in Illinois earn nearly $17 an hour, much more than those of neighboring states. This salary combined with ample job opportunities and benefits makes Illinois a prime location to enter the medical assisting field. In addition, the various chapters of the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants helps out by providing a job bank and mentoring services for its members.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Illinois
The field of medical assisting is expected to grow rapidly over coming years. In Illinois, the predicted growth is much faster than average for other occupations. This growth provides a fertile ground for new medical assistants who are looking to start a meaningful career. In addition, the already lucrative wages offered are sure to grow as employers are forced to compete for the best medical assistants.
Illinois Medical Assisting Schools
Coyne College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting diploma program; Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting
- Description: At Coyne College’s Loop campus, students can earn a diploma in as little as 54 weeks or an associate’s degree in medical assisting in as little as 17 months. Both programs cover the administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting as well as some valuable hands-on experience during a clinical externship. In addition, Coyne is one of only three schools in Illinois to hold the ABHES accreditation.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: diploma – 54 weeks (day), 90 weeks (night); A.A.S. – 17 month (day), 29 months (evening)
- Tuition: diploma – $18,617; A.A.S. – $26,041
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 67%
- Fun Fact: Coyne has been in business for over 110 years.
Rasmussen College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Rasmussen prides itself on providing a high quality medical assistant education that includes clinical information such as venipuncture and laboratory specimen collecting and testing as well as administrative information such as health information records and insurance billing. Students who complete this program will have the knowledge and hands-on experience that is needed to become a successful medical assistant. Students who complete this program are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma; associate of science degree
- Average Program Length: diploma – 15 months; degree – 2 years
- Tuition: diploma – $17,940; associate’s degree – $27,508
- Clinical Experience: externship
- Job Placement Rate: diploma – 67%; degree – 83%
- Fun Fact: Rasmussen blends online and on-site courses to make getting your education easy and convenient.
College of DuPage
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: The College of DuPage is located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and offers a certificate or an associate of science in medical assisting. The program includes clinical and administrative education as well as externship experience. Students who complete the medical assisting programs at DuPage are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination as well as the Certified Phlebotomy Technician examination.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate; associate of science
- Average Program Length: certificate – 52 credit hours; A.S. – 2 years
- Tuition: certificate – $6,864; A.S. – $22,400
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: College of DuPage has been in business since 1967.
Midwest Technical Institute
- Program Link: Medical assisting diploma program
- Description: Midwest Technical Institute offers medical assistant training at its campuses in Springfield and East Peoria. The program is broken into four modules and students can take the modules in any order they choose as long as module four is last. Upon graduation, students can sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination and can be placed with one of the many organizations that have partnerships with Midwest Technical Institute.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: 36 weeks
- Tuition: $13,400
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 77%
- Fun Fact: Midwest offers a variety of student services and can help you locate child care, transportation, and affordable housing, if needed.