How to Become a Medical Assistant in Chicago
Start a rewarding healthcare career in as little as 18 weeks â no prior experience needed. Here's your step-by-step guide.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Apply now and a member of our admissions team will walk you through everything you need to know.
- Weeks to Graduate
- 18 Weeks
- Next Start Date
- January 16, 2027
- Total Tuition
- $4,490
Becoming a medical assistant in Chicago takes 18 weeks: apply, complete hands-on training, gain real-world experience through an externship, finish your program, and start applying for jobs. No prior healthcare experience, degree, or entrance exam required. Here's how each step works.
Become a Medical Assistant in 5 Steps
Medical assistants are in high demand across Chicago and the surrounding area. Here's how you can start your new career:
Apply to Chicago Medical Assistant School
Fill out our simple application â it takes about a minute. No prerequisites, no entrance exams. Our admissions team will guide you through the rest.
Complete Your Training
In just 18 weeks, you'll learn everything from medical terminology and clinical procedures to hands-on skills in a real medical office. Topics include phlebotomy, EKG, and vitals measurement.
Gain Real-World Experience
Work in a real medical office through our externship program, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of licensed professionals.
Get Certified
Prep for and sit for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam â the exam and prep materials are included in your program, so you graduate ready to test.
Start Your Career
Our career services team helps connect you with local medical offices that are hiring. We assist with resume preparation, interview coaching, and job placement support.
Why Chicago Is a Great Place to Start
Medical assistants are in demand across Chicago and IL. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants earn a median annual wage of $45,690, with employment projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025).
18 Weeks
From enrollment to graduation
$4,490 Tuition
Weekly payment plans available â no need to pay it all upfront
Job Placement Support
Resume, interview coaching, and help finding open positions after graduation
No Experience Needed
You don't need any prior healthcare experience or college coursework to enroll. Our program is designed for people from all backgrounds who are ready for a career change. All you need is a desire to learn and a commitment to your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Chicago?
At Chicago Medical Assistant School, the program runs 18 weeks from enrollment to graduation, combining hands-on training with a real-world externship in a medical office.
What are the requirements to become a medical assistant?
You'll need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED â a U.S. college transcript showing your high school graduation date works too. There's no entrance exam, and no prior healthcare experience or college coursework is required. Contact admissions to confirm the exact enrollment requirements for Chicago.
How much does medical assistant training cost in Chicago?
Tuition at Chicago Medical Assistant School is $4,490. Weekly payment plans are available, so you don't need to pay the full amount upfront. See current tuition and payment plan details.
Is there a faster way to become a medical assistant?
Chicago Medical Assistant School's 18-week program is built entirely around hands-on training and a real-world externship â no added general-education coursework â so you can move toward the CCMA exam and your job search on that timeline.
Ready to start your medical assistant career in Chicago? Explore the Chicago Medical Assistant School program details or start your application today.
What Are Our Students Saying?
The program is great. I really liked how its hands on and you get to practice before you go into your externship. I did wish they had at least one clinic to be partnered with so we could get our externship hours. It is hard to find a cliniâĻ
I just wanted to say a quick shout out to my instructors Ms. Tina, Ms. Sierra, and Ms.Angie. They are outstanding and show their willingness to help you understand any and everything. I thank you all so much for your patience and support tâĻ
This class has helped me gain the confidence and knowledge for when I enter in a clinic! The teachers were amazing and helped me improve my skills within phlebotomy and overall vitals.
Your New Career Starts Here
Join thousands of graduates who have launched medical assistant careers with Chicago Medical Assistant School.
- Mon–Fri
- 8:00am - 7:00pm CT
- Saturday
- 8:00am - 4:00pm CT
- Sunday
- Closed