Launching a Rewarding Career as a Medical Assistant in Chicago

Considering becoming a medical assistant? As a rapidly growing field, medical assisting offers tremendous opportunities to launch a stable and rewarding allied healthcare career without needing years of schooling. If you’re interested in joining this high-demand profession, the next step is finding the right medical assistant (MA) training program.

This comprehensive, expert-researched guide profiles the top accredited medical assistant schools and training programs in the Chicago metro area. You‘ll gain insights on the MA career path, admissions requirements for area programs, tuition costs and financial aid, graduate outcomes, and more — everything you need to pick the best springboard into this fulfilling career.

The Medical Assistant Career: A Closer Look

While responsibilities vary across work settings, medical assistants play a vital role in supporting healthcare operations and patient care through a blend of clinical and administrative duties:

Administrative

• Scheduling appointments and managing patient intake
• Maintaining electronic health records
• Coding services for insurance billing
• Communicating with patients and coordinating care teams

Clinical

• Preparing examination rooms and equipment
• Assisting physicians during appointments, procedures, and minor surgeries
• Documenting patient health histories
• Performing diagnostic tests like EKGs and vision screenings
• Administering medications and immunizations

Core skills and qualities for succeeding as a medical assistant include:

• Organization, precision, and comfort using healthcare technologies
• Clear written and verbal communication abilities
• A caring, supportive bedside manner
• The ability to remain calm under pressure

Medical assistants work in various healthcare delivery settings such as hospitals, ambulatory care centers, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Their specialized responsibilities differ across states and employers based on regulations and facility needs.

However, the core demand for their administrative and patient care support abilities continues growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nationwide employment of medical assistants is projected to expand 23% from 2020-2030 — over 4x the average growth rate for all occupations.

This exponential demand makes medical assisting an appealing choice if you want:

• Job stability and security
• The ability to launch a career without 4+ years of college
• Meaningful work supporting patient health and medical teams
• Solid compensation for an allied healthcare role

The median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,250 nationally and $39,190 in Illinois based on May 2021 BLS data. With experience, specialized skills, and moving into lead/supervisory roles, seasoned MAs can earn over $50,000 per year.

Why Complete An Accredited MA Program?

While only a few states require postsecondary training or certification to work as a medical assistant, completing an accredited program — even where optional — provides major advantages.

Formal medical assistant education delivers essential skills and learning you’ll apply daily, including:

• Understanding today‘s digital systems and tools for electronic health records, billing, scheduling, telehealth and more
• Building clinical capabilities to properly assist physicians, nurse practitioners, and patients during appointments
• Learning how to code procedures, diagnoses, process billings accurately based on current laws and guidelines
• Getting comfortable using equipment found in modern medical facilities – EKG machines, vision screening devices, prescription dispensers etc.

Accredited programs also provide:

• Opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships and hands-on clinical labs
• Networking opportunities with healthcare employers for job placement after graduation
• Prep for professional MA certification exams like CMA, RMA, and CCMA, which can improve competiveness for jobs and salaries

There are two nationally-recognized accreditation bodies for evaluating medical assistant programs on quality standards for curriculum, faculty, resources, graduate outcomes and more:

• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

When researching programs, confirm which accreditations they hold for assurance you’ll receive current, effective education for a dynamic healthcare career.

Exceptional Medical Assistant Training in Chicago

Home to cutting-edge medical centers and robust healthcare job growth, the Chicago metro area offers many exceptional options for accredited medical assistant training geared towards in-demand jobs.

Here are six of the top CAAHEP-accredited medical assistant programs in Chicago:

1. Malcolm X College (City Colleges of Chicago)

Overview: As part of the City Colleges of Chicago network, Malcolm X College (MXC) provides an affordable pathway to prepare for allied health careers including medical assisting. MXC’s hands-on certificate program covers clinical and administrative competencies on site with a curriculum aligning with industry certification.

Details:

• Comprehensive 750 hour Medical Assistant certificate
• Blended coursework in medical terminology, health records management, pharmacology, insurance billing processes + hands-on clinical skill training
• Externships at Chicagoland medical facilities like UI Health and Erie Family Health Centers
• CAAHEP-accredited program
• Financial aid and scholarships for Chicago residents

Outcomes: With 80% of Malcolm X College graduates passing the CCMA exam in recent years along with a 100% career placement rate for completers of the medical assistant certificate, MXC delivers exceptional preparation for entering this growing field.

2. Everest College

Overview: Everest College‘s Chicago metro campuses in Melrose Park and Burr Ridge offer medical assistant diplomas plus an associate degree option, blending online and on-campus learning for scheduling flexibility. Students develop clinical and administrative skills through applied course content, labs, and 160-200 hour externships.

Details:

• Administrative and clinical assistant courses
• Hands-on medical lab experience
• Test prep for the RMA and CMA exams included
• 80-100 medical facility partners for clinical externships
• Job placement support: resume/interview coaching, portfolio reviews, career fairs

Outcomes: With strong hiring relationships and a 97% externship completion rate among students, Everest College delivers both the education and connections to begin working as an MA in Chicago’s bustling healthcare industry.

3. College of DuPage

Overview: With campuses in metro Chicago’s western suburbs, the College of DuPage offers a credit-based medical assistant certificate blending online and on-site learning. Students develop specialized administrative abilities plus clinical skills like taking patient histories, authorizing drug refills, and assisting with examinations.

Details:

• 31 credit hour Medical Assistant Certificate
• Fall, spring and summer start dates for flexibility
• 160 hour supervised clinical experience in area healthcare facilities
• Prepares students for CMA, RMA, and CMAA certification exams

Outcomes: With strong graduate certification pass rates, employers like Access Community Health Network and DuPage Medical Group actively hire program completers into medical assistant roles.

4. Truman College

Overview: Part of the City Colleges of Chicago, Truman College’s credit-based Medical Assistant certificate program provides comprehensive training to serve in ambulatory care settings. Graduates gain clinical and admin competencies tailored for MA positions in clinics and private practices through an intensive curriculum.

Details:

• Combine online and on-campus classes
• Course topics: medical terminology, health records management, pharmacology calculations, insurance procedures + more
• 160-hour clinical externship
• CAAHEP-accredited

Outcomes: 100% of graduates completing Truman College’s Medical Assisting certificate qualify to sit for the CMA(AAMA) exam, with many also gaining phlebotomy technician certification simultaneously to expand career prospects.

5. South Suburban College

Overview: South Suburban College’s accredited medical assistant program prepares students for administrative and clinical MA responsibilities through an online-enhanced Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. With flexible pacing and affordable in-district tuition, SSC suits Chicago southland students seeking higher career trajectories.

Details:

• Earn an AAS in Medical Assistant in as few as 5 semesters
• Blended course delivery combining online and on-campus instruction
• 160-hour supervised clinical externship
• Prep for the CMA and RMA professional credential exams

Outcomes: South Suburban College students graduate career-ready with 94% passing the RMA exam in recent years – well above state averages. Many top Illinois healthcare providers actively recruit SSC graduates.

6. First Institute

Overview: First Institute is a specialized career college solely focused on healthcare fields, providing medical assistant training tailored for in-demand clinical and administrative positions across their four Chicagoland campuses.

Details:

• Diploma program options in Medical Assisting or Medical Billing & Coding (can complete both simultaneously in under 12 months if full-time)
• Hands-on labs using up-to-date healthcare technologies
• 160 hour minimum supervised externships at Chicagoland clinics and hospitals
• 95%+ graduation and job placement rates among First Institute medical assistant students

Outcomes: With rigorous CAAHEP-accredited training, strong connections hiring partners, and excellent graduate outcomes, First Institute is a best-in-class choice for preparing for Chicago’s many medical assistant roles.

How To Choose the Right Chicago Medical Assistant Program

With numerous accredited options across Chicagoland, how do you single out the medical assistant program that best fits your needs? As you compare schools, look for elements like:

Convenience

• Campus locations or online/hybrid options suiting your schedule/lifestyle
• Class timing aligning with personal or work commitments

Specializations
Relevant specialties or tracks based on your MA focus area interests, which may include:

• Ophthalmology/Optometry Assistant
• Podiatry Assistant
• OB/GYN Assistant
• Cardiology Assistant

Hands-on learning

• Lab simulations using authentic clinical environments and medical equipment
• Lengthy supervised externships through externship program partnerships with major Chicago-area health systems

Support
Robust career assist resources like:

• Job/externship placement
• Resume/interview skills coaching
• Networking with healthcare employer partners

Budget

• Flexible financing options through scholarships, grants, employer tuition reimbursement partnerships, medical assisting student loans and achievable repayment terms

Outcomes

• Strong graduate employment rates and satisfaction surveys

By selecting an accredited Chicago medical assistant program aligned with your key requirements – from location or teaching formats to costs and career support – you’ll set yourself up for the greatest success launching this meaningful allied health career.

Financing Your Medical Assistant Education in Chicago

Investing in medical assistant education is a small price for immense rewards – incredible career stability, meaningful work, rising pay, and opportunities to expand your skills over time.

That said, costs remain a key factor for many in choosing schools. Here are smart ways Chicago students fund medical assistant programs:

Employer Tuition Reimbursement
An increasing number of leading Chicagoland healthcare systems like Rush, Advocate Aurora, and Northwestern Medicine offer tuition reimbursement benefits—check if your employer provides educational funding support.

Medical Assisting Scholarships
Professional organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offer $500-$1,000 scholarships to help dedicated students afford training.

Grants
Federal Pell Grants and Illinois state MAP Grants provide aid that doesn’t need repayment for qualifying students. Amounts vary based on financial need.

Medical Assistant Student Loans
Government and private student loans allow deferred repayment terms so students don’t pay until completing their program. Compare all options.

Loan Repayment Assistance
Programs like National Health Service Corps provide up to $50,000 towards repaying student loans in exchange for a 2-year commitment working at an approved clinic in an underserved area after graduation.

Chicago: The Right Place to Launch a Medical Assisting Career

There‘s no better place to springboard into medical assisting than Chicago, with exponential healthcare sector growth plus access to world-class hospitals and clinics for gaining experience.

Nationally recognized for academic medical excellence, the metro area provides:

• A bustling job market needing skilled medical support staff – the Chicago metro should see over 10,000 new medical assistant openings through 2030 per Illinois labor data. Openings span across every conceivable healthcare setting.
• Opportunities to complete clinical externships with prestigious health systems, including nationally ranked hospitals like Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Chicago Medical Center
• Potential to earn well-above national average salaries – experienced medical assistants at leading Chicago hospitals and physician practice groups can make $45,000 to $55,000+
• Access to continuing education and specialization courses at top medical schools after securing your role to advance skills over time

As over 4.6 million greater Chicago residents seek care along with visitors from around the globe, no area provides more opportunities and resources for building a prosperous medical assisting career over the long-term.

Start Your Rewarding New Career as a Chicago Medical Assistant

With double-digit job growth on the horizon in Chicagoland and beyond, the outlook for medical assistants remains exceptionally bright. After earning a diploma or degree from one of Chicago‘s many excellent accredited programs, you‘ll have in-demand administrative and patient care abilities that translate across healthcare settings.

Whether you dream of supporting surgeons in the operating room, helping a private pediatric clinic run efficiently, or being a trusted resource that community members rely on in an OBGYN or family medicine practice, formal medical assistant education is the first step to access these meaningful allied healthcare careers.

Use this guide to discover the CAAHEP-accredited Chicago-area medical assistant programs offering the specialized training, hands-on learning, career support services, and flexible options to fit your needs. Then, take the leap and get ready to fill a vital role improving public health!