Online Medical Assistant Programs in Illinois: Top Schools
Attending a top online medical assistant program in Illinois will prepare you with the administrative and clinical skills to successfully support medical office operations and patient care. But where do you begin? In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of Illinois’ top programs, the features that set them apart, the steps you’ll have to take on the road to certification, and the salary waiting for you on the other side of your certificate or degree.
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Illinois
You may have convinced yourself that you’re too busy to pursue your medical assistant certification or worried that you wouldn’t have the time or energy to attend classes on campus. We’re here to tell you that online programs put your goals within reach, allowing you to balance your current responsibilities and your goal of becoming a certified medical assistant.
Attending a top online medical assistant program in Illinois will thoroughly prepare you with the administrative and clinical skills to navigate the practical realities of managing a medical office and contributing to patient care. But where do you begin? In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of Illinois’ top programs, the features that set them apart, the steps you’ll have to take on the road to certification, and the salary waiting for you on the other side of your certificate or degree.
Clinical Medical Assistant — Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University’s Clinical Medical Assistant program prepares students with the knowledge and skills required to pass the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. This highly flexible program does not follow a strict enrollment schedule, so students can begin anytime. In addition to exam preparation, the curriculum focuses on instilling a thorough understanding of medical terminology, basic medical procedures, patient privacy and security, and healthcare ethics in students.
The program also offers students the opportunity to participate in a clinical experience, where they apply the theoretical principles of the curriculum in real-world situations. Upon graduation from the course, students will have the knowledge and skills required to perform the administrative and clinical tasks required of medical assistants across various healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to private care centers.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Clinical Teamwork: Training emphasizes functioning effectively as part of a healthcare team in ambulatory care settings.
- Professional Standards: Students learn ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, and patient privacy standards, including detailed coverage of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
- Fundamental Medical Knowledge: Instruction includes medical terminology, an overview of significant body system functions, and basic knowledge of government and private insurance structures.
- Patient Interaction: Students are trained to document chief complaints, obtain patient histories, and understand the contents of various medical records.
- Clinical Procedures: Coursework covers medical and surgical asepsis, venipuncture techniques, and best practices for infection control.
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Certified Clinical Medical Assistant — Governor’s State University
The online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program from Governor’s State University equips students to become vital members of healthcare teams. It covers a comprehensive curriculum, including medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical procedures. Students learn essential skills such as patient care, communication, medical record management, and insurance coding.
The program emphasizes ethical conduct, patient privacy, and a safe work environment. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions as CCMAs, having met the requirements for the NHA certification exam. The flexible online format allows students to learn independently while experienced instructors provide guidance and support throughout the program.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: 100%Online
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: Candidates must have a high school diploma
Curriculum:
- Core Healthcare Team Skills: Develop the skills needed to excel as a vital healthcare team member in ambulatory care settings.
- Professional Standards and Ethics: Gain knowledge in ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, and protecting patient privacy while fostering professional traits essential for success.
- Office Dynamics and Safety: Understand the importance of first impressions, maintaining a safe office environment, and ensuring practice efficiency through risk management and revenue cycle strategies.
- Medical Knowledge and Clinical Skills: Learn medical terminology, administrative and clinical job duties, and core clinical procedures for patient care.
- Career Readiness: Explore best practices for securing a medical assisting position and prepare to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the NHA.
Medical Assistant Certificate — National Louis University
The seven-month Medical Assistant Certificate through National Louis University’s “Accelerate U” platform enables students to earn their medical assistant certificate in a flexible, accelerated manner. This program is ideal for working professionals or those with other time-intensive commitments since courses can typically be completed within 20 hours each week.
In addition to online didactic coursework, students must complete monthly in-person training and a 160-hour externship with an approved organization. Unique to this program, students receive a stipend during their externship, providing valuable insights from esteemed healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses.
The program emphasizes the importance of a supportive, 1:1 learning environment by matching each student with a coach to help guide them through their academic journey. If graduates choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, they can transfer credits from the certificate program, making it easier to earn their degree quickly. The program works with several healthcare partners to give graduates primary consideration in employment following graduation.
Duration: 7 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,200 for Illinois residents
Admissions Requirements: N/A
Curriculum:
- Comprehensive Medical Training: This program integrates national best practices in medical training, combining online, remote, and in-person learning to prepare students for a career as a Medical Assistant.
- Clinical Skills Development: Gain hands-on experience in asepsis, phlebotomy, sterilization, administering immunizations, checking vitals, conducting EKGs, and understanding pharmacology.
- Administrative Expertise: Learn key administrative duties such as medical billing, insurance processes, financial bookkeeping, phone etiquette, appointment scheduling, and medical record management.
- Medical Law and Ethics: Study essential legal and ethical standards, including HIPAA, the AMA Patient Bill of Rights, and CLIA ‘88 regulations.
- Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge: Explore body systems, circulatory system anatomy, and the structure of arteries and veins, along with mastering medical terminology and abbreviations.
- Communication and Teamwork Skills: Develop patient care, interpersonal, and collaboration skills while focusing on cultural competence, written and verbal communication, and teamwork in healthcare settings.
FAQs for Illinois Medical Assistant Students
Now that you know what it takes to become a medical assistant, you may have questions about the program’s specifics that will help you get there. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about online medical assistant programs in Illinois so you can find the right program for your career goals.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Illinois medical assistants?
Yes, medical assistants in Illinois have numerous opportunities to expand their network and become active participants in the allied healthcare community. These organizations will open the door to potential career opportunities and help you get certified, provide professional development, and advocate for the profession. They often hold regular events and conferences where you can connect with other medical assistants and further your career.
One of the most influential organizations is the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants (ISMA), a state-level affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Through ISMA, members can attend networking events, conferences, and board meetings, volunteer, continue their education, and more.
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
Most Illinois medical assistant programs only require a high school diploma and a minimum GPA. However, some programs (like Waubonsee Community College, for example) require students to complete prerequisite courses in medical terminology, biology, and/or anatomy and physiology before enrolling in the program, so it’s essential to research your institution’s requirements.
If your school requires prerequisites, you may not have to complete them before you apply, but you will have to complete them by the time the program begins. Even if prerequisites are not required, having previous experience or coursework in the healthcare field or medical assistantship can make your program application more compelling. It may also allow you to complete your certification in less time.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
The cost of a medical assistant program in Illinois varies within each institution, but Illinois offers many affordable programs. Typical costs for some of the top Illinois schools range from $2,000-$7,000, depending on the program length. When working towards your medical assistant certification, you may be eligible for specific scholarships, grants, or other financial aid services through your institution, state, or the national government.
One popular state-sponsored program is the Illinois Monetary Award program, which provides grants for students at eligible colleges and institutions. However, since certificate programs operate differently than degree programs, financial aid services may be more limited. For this reason, most Illinois schools aim to provide affordable certificate programs. Still, verifying your funding options with your school before enrolling is essential.
What are the admission requirements for Illinois medical assistant programs?
Each medical assistant program in Illinois has different admissions requirements. Typical admission requirements for Illinois medical assistant programs include a minimum GPA, a high school diploma or GED, placement or entrance exam, a clean background check, and a mandatory orientation. Some schools’ admission requirements are less stringent, and others more so.
As mentioned above, you may also need to have taken certain prerequisites, such as biology or anatomy and physiology, before officially enrolling in the program. Additionally, since you’ll be working in a healthcare setting for clinicals, some programs may require health screenings, immunizations, or CPR certification.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Illinois cover?
The primary focus of an Illinois medical assistant program is to prepare students to pass the certification exam. The curriculum will cover topics appearing on the exam from an administrative and medical perspective. For example, students can expect to learn topics surrounding basic medical terminology, biology, and procedures, as well as administrative tasks such as record keeping, medical billing, and patient privacy.
Many online medical assistant programs also incorporate in-person externships or clinicals. Some schools may provide placement for clinicals, while others may require students to find one on their own. It’s essential to find out about in-person requirements before you enroll to ensure you can meet them.
MA Certification and Continuing Education
Earning a medical assistant certification can help bolster your resume and stand out to employers. These certifications signify that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to be a valuable asset as a medical assistant.
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), is a popular choice for Indiana medical assistants. While not always required, this certification can significantly boost your career prospects and earning potential. The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification or Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification are also prominent choices that will further your skill set and aid in career advancement.
To keep your CCMA certification active, you must complete continuing education (CE) credits. The exact number of credits and specific topics may vary, so be sure to check with the NHA for the most current requirements. Staying up-to-date with the latest medical practices and regulations is essential for professional growth and legal compliance.
Career Prospects and Pay for Medical Assistants in Illinois
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 21,720 | 24,040 | 2,320 | 10.70% | 3,140 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Illinois | $35,560 | $45,490 | $54,960 |
| Bloomington, IL | $35,550 | $38,580 | $49,820 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $37,150 | $42,930 | $48,870 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $35,710 | $46,740 | $56,750 |
| Decatur, IL | $35,410 | $40,580 | $46,910 |
| Kankakee, IL | $36,770 | $37,390 | $45,320 |
| Peoria, IL | $36,800 | $43,170 | $46,820 |
| Rockford, IL | $37,080 | $44,380 | $48,190 |
| Springfield, IL | $37,710 | $40,600 | $46,880 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Illinois
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,136 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lincoln Trail College
- Lincoln Tech’s Medical Assistant program offers a 180-hour clinical externship coupled with a virtual medical course, providing valuable real-world experience before graduation.
- The program features Doctor’s Office Classrooms (DOCs), realistic medical office simulations that enhance practical training from reception through exam rooms.
- The curriculum incorporates a Blended Learning format allowing students to complete part of their coursework online, optimizing on-campus time for hands-on instruction.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,136 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,178 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lake Land College
- The Medical Assistant program at Lake Land College boasts a 100% credentialing exam pass rate and a consistently high job placement rate averaging over 92%, demonstrating strong graduate success in certification and employment.
- It offers a hybrid format with fully online classes combined with two weekly evening labs, providing flexible scheduling for students to balance education and other responsibilities.
- The program is CAAHEP accredited, ensuring high-quality training and adherence to healthcare education standards that prepare students for diverse administrative and clinical roles in outpatient settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,178 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,941 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Carl Sandburg College
- The Medical Assisting program at Carl Sandburg College is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, allowing graduates to take nationally recognized certification exams, enhancing employability nationwide.
- Students gain practical experience through practicum placements in local physician offices and clinics, including OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center, which strengthens clinical skills and job readiness.
- The program provides access to dedicated skills and health assessment labs for hands-on training under experienced instructors, ensuring competency in administrative, clinical, and laboratory medical assisting tasks.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,941 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,715 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Highland Community College
- Highland Community College’s Medical Assistant program offers small class sizes for personalized instruction and individualized student support.
- The program provides a flexible schedule with classes meeting only two days per week, helping students balance education with personal commitments.
- Students can earn a nationally recognized CMA(AAMA) certification through hands-on learning including lectures, labs, and clinical practice.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,715 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,532 Avg. Aid Amount
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 31/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Frontier Community College
- The program allows students to earn a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certificate after the first year, and the second year can be completed online while employed as a CMA, enabling flexible work-study balance and accelerated entry into the workforce.
- Graduates are eligible to take multiple certification exams, including CCMA/CMAA, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and Certified EKG Technician, enhancing their credentials and employment opportunities across various healthcare roles.
- The program offers practical internship opportunities that require a minimum 2.0 GPA, ensuring hands-on clinical experience which strengthens students’ readiness and appeal to employers in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,532 Avg. Aid Amount
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 31/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Danville Area Community College
Danville, ILProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,947 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Danville Area Community College
- The Medical Assistant program at DACC offers an accelerated completion option designed to be finished in just 18 months, enabling students to enter the workforce quickly.
- Students typically graduate with $0 debt, highlighting strong financial support or cost-effective tuition and fees throughout the program.
- The program includes an unpaid externship in a medical office, providing hands-on clinical experience and enhancing job readiness by working alongside healthcare professionals.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,947 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, ILProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,110 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Waubonsee Community College
- The Medical Assistant program at Waubonsee has a 97% five-year average job placement rate, demonstrating strong employment outcomes for graduates.
- The program is accredited by CAAHEP, allowing graduates to sit for the national Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, ensuring recognized professional certification eligibility.
- Instruction is provided by exceptional and experienced faculty in a cohort-based, hands-on learning environment that blends classroom and clinical practice for real-world readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,110 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,416 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected John Wood Community College
- JWCC’s Medical Assistant program offers an accelerated one-year completion option combining classroom, lab, and ambulatory care practicum experience.
- The program includes CPR certification and prepares students to sit for the nationally recognized Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through NHA.
- Students with prior knowledge can test out of the Medical Terminology course by scoring at least 80%, allowing personalized progression and course credit substitution.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,416 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,551 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Black Hawk College
- Blackhawk Technical College’s Medical Assistant program offers a full-time five-week practicum providing valuable on-the-job experience in real healthcare settings.
- Graduates enjoy extremely high student placement rates, reflecting strong employer demand across diverse medical workplaces like clinics, ambulatory centers, and health insurance companies.
- Students receive comprehensive training combining technical skills and soft skills in state-of-the-art labs and exam rooms, preparing them to excel beyond basic job requirements.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,551 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,105 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Spoon River College
- The Medical Assistant program offers assistance from a Clinical Experience Coordinator and access to a Clinical Experience Starter Kit, enhancing hands-on readiness for clinical placements.
- Students gain practical experience with real Electronic Health Records (EHR) software, preparing them directly for modern healthcare environments.
- The program is self-paced with open enrollment and a full 12 months to complete, providing flexibility for diverse schedules without rigid deadlines.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,105 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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