With two locations -- one in the Loop and one near Franklin Park -- the Illinois School of Health Careers offers students the opportunity to become a licensed medical assistant in only three months. The program includes administrative and clinical training alongside basic phlebotomy training. In addition, an externship at a local hospital is part of the medical assistant diploma curriculum.
One of the older trade and business schools in Illinois, Midstate College in Peoria was founded in 1888. The Higher Learning Commission-accredited program offers medical office technician, medical transcription and office assistant diplomas along with more extensive associate in medical assistance and Bachelor of Science degrees for further study. The school also has extensive counseling assistance, student organizations and career services available for all who enroll.
Everest is a national for-profit college with locations in Chicago, Aurora and Skokie along with several others throughout the state. All Illinois campuses offer both the medical assistant and medical administration assistant diplomas. The medical assistant program includes pharmacology, laboratory and patient care training in addition to the standard assistant curriculum necessary to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the medical field. A 160-hour externship is required after completion of coursework.
Located throughout the country and Illinois, Rasmussen College specializes in offering career training to students through a mixed approach of online and in-person learning. The school extends the opportunity for either an associate degree or a diploma in medical assistance. With the use of online classes and lab experience, Rasmussen college allows for adult students to get their diploma or degree in a short span of time working around their own schedule. Highlights include medical office and laboratory training.