Students at the Illinois School of Health Careers take a range of courses including Anatomy and Physiology, Phlebotomy (collecting blood samples), Electrocardiography and Nursing Fundamentals. Graduates receive a diploma that requires both classroom training and hands-on work at a clinic or hospital. The school has two campuses, in Chicago and Cumberland, and is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Illinois School of Health Careers
11 East Adams Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
800-499-3200
ishc.edu/
Northwestern College offers a certificate program to become a patient care technician. The program, which is part of the Medical Assisting track, teaches students how to prepare patients for an examination, perform office responsibilities and take vital signs. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs has accredited Northwestern's patient care technician program, which can either result in a certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree. The college has three campuses around Illinois, in Bridgeview, Naperville and Chicago.
Northwestern College
1-888-205-2283
northwesterncollege.edu
Students at Westwood College can earn a diploma in Medical Assisting, which teaches students to record vital signs, prepare lab specimens, draw blood and remove stitches. The school has four Illinois locations: Chicago Loop, Chicago O'Hare, DuPage and River Oaks. The one-year diploma program is offered within the School of Healthcare and students are required to complete a 160-hour externship in an actual medical office. Completion of this program can be the first step toward becoming a licensed medical assistant.
Westwood College
877-852-6608
westwoodcollegeillinois.com