Since February 2020, average hospital employment has decreased by 30%. Low pay and long hours pushed some to find new jobs or better salaries. Others simply became burned out.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted one factor: we need more healthcare employees. Have you considered medical assistant jobs in Illinois? If you want an entry-level position in the health field with competitive pay and plenty of job openings, this might be the career for you!
A medical assistant works in various industries, making it an ideal job for those who may become squeamish around blood or emergencies. In our complete guide, we will go over what a medical assistant does and how the job outlook is in Illinois. Keep reading on for more information!
Medical Assistant Job Description
A medical assistant career includes administrative and clinical tasks. They often help physicians, nurses, and other clinicians with duties, such as:
- Recording patient history
- Gathering vitals
- Help with patient examinations
- Give injections (based on state laws)
- Schedule patient appointments
- Prepare blood samples
In some instances, they may also perform EKGs or administer medications. Medical assistants often work directly with inputting patients’ personal information, medical billing, and other EHR tasks. They are usually positioned at the front desk to answer phone calls, schedule appointments, and check in patients.
Where Can Medical Assistants Work?
Medical assistants are employed anywhere there are clinicians, such as medical doctors, nurses, physician’s assistants, or nurse practitioners. Here are some of the most common areas medical assistants work:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Outpatient centers and offices
- Nursing homes
- Rehab centers
The benefit of working as a medical assistant is job flexibility. You can work in various specializations, such as pediatric or ophthalmic offices, to gain a better experience. Many medical assistants will use their experience working in specialized offices for future medical resumes and schooling applications.
How To Get Medical Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Medical assistant jobs do not need formal education. Some clinics will teach medical assistants on site. Others require one or two-year programs that teach:
- Laboratory techniques
- Clinical procedures
- Terminology
- Record keeping
- Other specialized techniques
Entering a medical assistant program will also give you an edge on jobs, and an advantage for pay raises. There are several online options if you don’t have the time or money to travel to classes. Most certifications are listed as CCMA.
CCMA stands for Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Course length varies, and you will have the option of combining your degree with other specialized certificates. Standard CCMA courses require 996 hours of course instruction and 204 hours of clinical experience.
Since the courses are online, students can go at their own pace and have access 24/7. Typically, the curriculum takes between six weeks and six months to finish. Some of the material covered is:
- How to take vital signs
- Charting
- HIPAA and OSHA regulations
- How to assist with minor surgeries
- How to perform injections
- How to perform EKGs and other procedures
- Administrative tasks
After coursework, you will take a national exam. Once you have passed the national exam and completed your clinical work, you will receive a certificate.
Adding Specialties
Once you have your CCMA, you can combine it with other technical degrees and certificates. Some of the more common certificates that you can combine with your CCMA or add on are:
- Electrocardiogram technician
- Phlebotomy technician
Why would you want to add an EKG technician or phlebotomy program to your medical assistant career? For starters, it gives you an edge in the job competition market. For example, as an ECG technician, you might be better suited for cardiac specialties, and the added specialty gives you an advantage.
As a phlebotomist, you will also have more experience with vital monitoring, blood draws, and lab work. Some of the courses include testing for glucose, HIV, or pregnancy. You will learn more about urine samples, blood testing, and much more.
How do these combination courses work? First, you will complete 1200 hours of a CCMA externship. Next, you will enroll and finish 40 hours of EKG and perform 35 blood draws. During the EKG course, you must complete at least ten EKGs.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
Medical assistant employment is projected to grow by nearly 18% between 2020 and 2030. On average, there are 104,400 openings annually for medical assistants. The influx in job opportunities for medical assistants boils down to a few factors:
- Increase in elderly populations
- Increases in medical practices
- People transitioning to other medical jobs
Often, people use a position as a medical assistant to gain expertise and firsthand experience working in a clinic. After applying to nursing school, medical school, or other positions, they will leave these jobs, creating more openings for those stepping in.
Medical Assistant Salary
Currently, the average salary in Chicago, Illinois, for a medical assistant is $38,527. Average hourly rates are $18.52, making it nearly 6% higher than the national average.
Entry-level medical assistants earn around $7,000 less than those with more than three years of experience. Additionally, medical assistants working in higher-paying sectors or with more than eight years of experience could earn as much as $46,210 per year.
Start Your Medical Assistant Career Today
Have you wondered about medical assistant jobs in Illinois? Medical assistant jobs nationally are growing consistently, offering plenty of opportunities for incoming workers.
If you choose a medical assistant career, you can make your resume and school applications more competitive or grow within the field. The benefit of becoming a medical assistant is there are many specialties and opportunities for further education.
You could consider adding a phlebotomy or EKG course to your medical assistant program for more competitive wages, experience, or job options. Visit our online course selection and find out which one works for you!
Nancy L. Kimmel obtained her PhD in Environmental Engineering in 2002, then went on to teach Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, Henry Ford College and Oakland University. She obtained her Associate in Nursing from Henry Ford College and then went on to earn her Master Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and became Board Certified working as a licensed FNP in the State of Michigan. She then went on to Medical School where she is now in her 3rd year, and is also in the process of obtaining her Doctorate in Nursing Practice through Chamberlin University. She has authored the NET Study Guide, as well a several books on subjects of Math, ECG/EKG and Phlebotomy. She holds a patent on an Air Filter through the U.S. Patent Office.