Medical Assistant Schools in Illinois
The first step toward becoming a certified medical assistant in Illinois is to earn a certificate or associate degree in medical assisting, or at least to gain some vocational training in the field. While it is not legally required to obtain a license or certificate to work as a medical assistant in the state, becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) will give you a competitive edge in the job market and a major advantage on the job in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office. Increasingly, more and more employers are seeking candidates who have passed the national certification examination, which requires completion of an accredited medical assistant educational program. Below you will find Medical Assistant programs in Illinois.
Medical Assistant Programs in Illinois
There are many medical assistant training programs throughout Illinois that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Choose a program accredited by the CAAHEP or ABHES if you would like to take the certified medical assistant exam later on. Find these accredited medical assistant programs listed below. It usually takes nine months to complete a medical assistant program and close to two years if you earn and associate degree in medical assisting. Medical assistant program instruction covers basic clinical training as well as administrative training. Medical assistants are the basic connection between physicians and their patients, as well as physicians and other healthcare workers. There are many skills to learn in order to fulfill this role responsibly. They learn how to conduct some technical procedures, such as taking vital signs and taking blood. Students might learn about human anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, as well as proper procedures for communicating with insurance companies, patients, billing, and record keeping. Passing the certification exam is the final step. This is given by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants.
The mean salary for a medical assistant in Illinois is usually between $22,000 and $32,000. It is higher in more urban areas, especially in Chicago, Peoria, and Springfield. As with most positions, experience, employer, and location can affect your salary. The outlook for medical assistants is very good, as the healthcare industry in general is growing at a rapid pace to meet the needs of a growing aging population. Statistically, the most openings for this position are located in the biggest towns and cities. Relative to population, Peoria, Danville, and Springfield have the highest number of positions. Support staff like medical assistants will be in demand even more as healthcare providers look to operate facilities in the most cost-efficient manner possible. Additionally, Illinois Society of Medical Assistants has many chapters throughout the state that offer professional assistance and networking and job listings. Make the first step toward this career by finding a certified medical assistant training program that is right for you and get started on a promising career in the growing healthcare field.
Check out the Medical Billing and Coding programs in Illinois to learn about another growing career field and what it takes to get started.
