Medical Assistant Programs & Certification in Illinois

Lincoln Land Community College's Clinical Medical Assistant program provides comprehensive training for healthcare roles, covering administrative and clinical tasks. The $4,490 cost includes textbooks and certification exam preparation. Students complete a 160-hour clinical externship, gaining hands-on experience in patient care and medical records management. This campus-based program requires a high school diploma, background check, and age 18+. It prepares graduates for immediate employment with multiple certification options through NHA.

• Campus-based medical assistant program
• $4,490 total program cost
• 160-hour clinical externship
• NHA certification preparation
• Multiple certification options
• 18+ age requirement
• High school diploma needed
• Background check required
• PATH program support available

The CNA to Clinical Medical Assistant Bridge program at Lincoln Land Community College offers an accelerated pathway for certified nursing assistants with 300 verifiable hours. This $2,149 program includes textbooks and certification exam fees, featuring 60 hours of externship training. Students develop advanced administrative and clinical skills, preparing for national certifications like CCMA and NCMA. Eligibility requires age 18+ and high school diploma, positioning graduates for expanded roles in the growing healthcare sector.

• Accelerated CNA to CMA bridge
• 300 CNA hours required
• National certification preparation
• $2,149 total program cost
• 60-hour externship included
• Classroom and practical training
• Multiple certification options
• Eligibility: 18+, high school diploma

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program at Black Hawk College is a 540-hour online certification offering flexible, self-paced learning over 12 months. It requires no prerequisites and includes a voucher for the national certification exam, preparing students for clinical and administrative roles. With a program cost of $2,795, it targets career changers and healthcare enthusiasts, highlighting potential clinical experience and alignment with a 16% job growth projection through 2031, leading to average salaries of $43,464 annually.

• Online certification program
• 540 total course hours
• 12-month access period
• Certification exam voucher included
• Self-paced learning format
• No prerequisites required
• NHA certification preparation
• Potential clinical experience
• $2,795 total program cost

Focusing on Electronic Health Records, this online program combines Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certifications. It spans 674 hours with self-paced, 12-month access and includes exam vouchers. Students learn medical terminology, patient care, HIPAA compliance, and electronic record management, with open enrollment and no prerequisites. Designed for career advancement, it supports roles in a field with 16% projected job growth, emphasizing flexible learning and national certification preparation.

• 12-month online program
• 674 total course hours
• Certification exam vouchers included
• Self-paced learning format
• No prerequisites required
• Open enrollment
• Clinical experience opportunity
• National Healthcareer Association certified
• Covers medical terminology
• Covers electronic health records

Black Hawk College's 30-credit Medical Assisting certificate program is campus-based at the Quad-Cities location, starting in the fall semester. It provides comprehensive training in clinical and administrative skills, including medical terminology, office procedures, and patient care techniques. Students complete two clinical courses and a required internship, gaining hands-on experience to manage patient intake and diagnostic tasks. This program prepares versatile professionals for the growing healthcare industry, with a focus on real-world medical settings.

• College Credit Certificate
• 30 total credits
• Quad-Cities Campus location
• On-campus format
• Fall semester start date
• Two clinical courses
• Internship required
• Covers medical terminology
• Includes health insurance
• Medical office procedures training

Northwestern College's Medical Assisting Certificate Program offers a hybrid format blending online coursework with practical training. Students develop essential clinical and administrative skills, including patient care, medical record management, and diagnostic procedures, through a 160-hour externship. The curriculum covers anatomy, medical terminology, pharmacology, and healthcare ethics, preparing graduates for RMA certification and diverse healthcare roles. As a military-friendly institution, it provides flexible on-campus and online options, ensuring comprehensive training for modern medical settings without requiring entrance exams.

• Hybrid program format
• 160-hour practical externship
• Eligible for RMA certification
• On-campus and online options
• Comprehensive healthcare skills training

Launch your healthcare career at Lewis and Clark Community College with a Medical Assisting program that combines practical patient care—such as administering injections and performing EKGs—with administrative training in medical records and practice management. Options include an 11-month certificate or an AAS degree with additional semesters. The program boasts a 100% RMA exam pass rate and prepares students for diverse opportunities in a fast-growing field, ensuring graduates are ready for immediate employment in various medical settings.

• 11-month certificate
• AAS degree option
• Hands-on patient care
• Administrative training
• RMA exam prep
• 100% RMA pass rate
• Fast-growing field
• Diverse job opportunities

Lewis and Clark Community College's Medical Assisting program delivers comprehensive training in both clinical and administrative skills, preparing students for diverse healthcare roles. Students can earn a Certificate of Proficiency in just 11 months or extend their studies for an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program emphasizes intensive hands-on clinical experience, achieving a perfect 100% pass rate on the RMA exam. With a 23% job growth projection and partnerships with healthcare employers, graduates are well-positioned for promising careers in this rapidly expanding field.

• Certificate in 11 months
• AAS degree option
• 100% RMA exam pass rate
• Hands-on clinical training
• 23% job growth projection
• Clinical and administrative skills
• PATH Grant available
• Works with healthcare employers

Frontier Community College's hybrid Certified Medical Assistant program delivers comprehensive two-year associate degree training blending online coursework with hands-on clinical practice. Students master essential clinical procedures like phlebotomy and vital signs alongside administrative skills in electronic health records and medical billing. The curriculum emphasizes real-world readiness through internship opportunities and prepares graduates for National Healthcareer Association certification. With healthcare assistant roles projected to grow 23% by 2028 and a median salary of $33,610, this program equips learners for immediate entry into diverse medical settings, from clinics to hospitals.

• Healthcare industry focused program
• Clinical and administrative training
• 23% job growth projected
• Internship opportunities available
• Multiple certification options
• Medical equipment training provided
• Computer software skills taught
• 2019 median salary $33,610

Highland Community College's intensive 10-month Medical Assistant program delivers CAAHEP-accredited training through certificate or associate degree pathways. With classes meeting two days per week and small class sizes, students gain practical experience in clinical skills, patient care, and administrative reporting. This hands-on approach prepares graduates for high-demand healthcare roles, offering national certification opportunities and excellent job prospects in various medical settings.

• 10-month training program
• Certificate and degree options
• CAAHEP accredited curriculum
• Two days per week classes
• Small class sizes
• Practical hands-on learning
• Nationally recognized certification
• Strong job market demand

Highland Community College's CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assistant program offers both certificate (32 credit hours) and associate degree (60 credit hours) options, providing comprehensive training in clinical skills and administrative reporting. Classes meet just two days weekly with small class sizes, hands-on labs, clinical practicum, and flexible scheduling. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in physician offices, hospitals, and clinics, with opportunities to earn nationally recognized CMA certification and strong job market potential.

• Associate Degree: 60 credit hours
• Certificate: 32 credit hours
• CAAHEP accredited program
• Classes meet two days weekly
• Nationally recognized CMA certification
• Small class sizes
• Clinical practicum included
• Diverse career opportunities
• Hands-on learning approach
• Flexible scheduling options

Carl Sandburg College's Medical Assisting program delivers comprehensive hybrid training blending online flexibility with hands-on clinical and administrative skill development. Students master essential tasks like patient documentation and vital sign monitoring through labs and an externship, leading to a 100% job placement rate. The 34-credit-hour CAAHEP-accredited curriculum costs approximately $8,689 and prepares graduates for multiple national certification exams, ensuring readiness for immediate roles in Illinois' expanding healthcare sector.

• Hybrid learning format
• Accredited medical assisting program
• 100% job placement rate
• Nationally recognized certification
• Comprehensive clinical and administrative training
• Flexible course scheduling
• 34 credit-hour program
• Estimated total cost: $8,689
• Multiple certification exam options
• Externship opportunity included

At Lake Land College, the Medical Assistant program emphasizes hands-on clinical and administrative training in a CAAHEP-accredited curriculum, featuring a hybrid online and lab format for working students. Graduates achieve a 100% certification exam pass rate and high job placement, with skills in patient care, phlebotomy, and office procedures leading to roles in a rapidly growing field. This one-year certificate program requires no entrance exams and prepares students for NHA certification, offering a direct path to careers with strong prospects and average earnings of $35,720 annually.

• CAAHEP accredited program
• One-year certificate option
• Hybrid online/lab format
• 100% certification exam pass rate
• 90% job placement rate
• Clinical and administrative training
• Prepares for NHA certification exam

Lake Land College's Medical Assistant program delivers comprehensive CAAHEP-accredited training blending clinical and administrative skills through a flexible hybrid format with online classes and evening labs. This one-year certificate program boasts a perfect 100% certification exam pass rate and 90% job placement, preparing graduates for immediate roles in doctors' offices and healthcare facilities amid a projected 23% field growth. Students master patient care, phlebotomy, and medical office procedures without requiring entrance exams, positioning them for careers with average salaries around $35,720.

• CAAHEP accredited program
• One-year certificate option
• Hybrid learning format
• 100% certification exam pass rate
• 90% job placement rate
• Clinical and administrative training
• National certification preparation
• Field expected 23% growth
• Average salary $35,720
• Special admission program

Parkland College's Medical Assistant program delivers comprehensive training in both clinical and administrative healthcare skills, including medical records management, patient scheduling, vital sign monitoring, and medical procedure assistance. With a 93% retention rate and 100% national certification exam pass rate, students gain hands-on experience through local clinic partnerships. The program boasts high employer satisfaction and strong job placement rates, offering a solid pathway into diverse healthcare careers without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT.

• 100% NHA Exam Pass Rate
• 93% Student Retention
• 80% Job Placement Rate
• Clinical and Administrative Training
• National Certification Eligible

The Medical Assisting: Accelerated Career (CNA to CMA Bridge) program at Parkland College provides certified nursing assistants a fast-track pathway, requiring 12 semester hours and 300 CNA hours. Students develop advanced clinical and administrative skills in areas like EKGs, venipuncture, and medication administration, with eligibility for NHA certification. Designed for working CNAs, it includes an employer-based externship and a minimum 2.50 GPA requirement, preparing graduates for roles in various medical settings without entrance exams.

• Accelerated CNA to CMA pathway
• 12 semester credit hours
• Employer-based externship
• NHA certification eligible
• Clinical and administrative training
• Requires 300 CNA hours
• Two sequential semesters
• Minimum 2.50 GPA required

Rend Lake College's Medical Assistant program provides comprehensive training through both a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree and a 36-hour certificate option. Students develop essential skills in administrative duties and clinical procedures, with coursework covering pharmacology, anatomy, medical billing, and healthcare terminology. The program includes a practicum component and prepares graduates for national certification exams. With training in OSHA and HIPAA standards, medical law, and ethics, students gain versatile skills for immediate workforce entry in high-demand healthcare settings.

• 66 total credit hours
• Campus-based program
• National certification preparation
• Administrative and clinical training
• Practicum included
• OSHA and HIPAA standards
• Medical law and ethics courses
• Multiple healthcare skills learned