The Prairie State — Get AMCA CMAC certified with free training. 8,200+ job openings. $36K average salary.
The Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) is a nationally recognized credential that validates your clinical and administrative skills for Illinois employers.
AMCA certification is accepted by employers across Illinois and all 50 states. Portable credential for your career.
Certified MAs in Illinois earn 10-15% more than non-certified. Salary range: $29K - $48K.
Most Illinois healthcare employers prefer or require CMAC, CMA, or RMA certification for clinical MA roles.
Complete EHired's free, self-paced Clinical Medical Assistant training program. Covers clinical skills, administrative procedures, medical terminology, and exam preparation.
If you have prior clinical MA experience, you may qualify to challenge the CMAC exam directly. New to healthcare? Complete a self-managed 100-hour externship.
When ready, register for and pass the AMCA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification exam. Computer-based testing available at locations throughout Illinois.
Upon passing, receive your official CMAC credential. Valid for 3 years with continuing education renewal. Start applying to Illinois employers immediately.
Illinois has excellent nursing programs at UIC, Rush, Loyola, and Northwestern. PA programs at Midwestern, Northwestern, Rush, and Rosalind Franklin. Medical schools include Northwestern, UIC, Rush, Loyola, and SIU. Chicago metro offers extensive advancement opportunities. Downstate provides community-focused healthcare careers.
These healthcare organizations actively hire CMAC-certified Medical Assistants in Illinois.
Academic Health System
251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
Premier Chicago academic health system. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is flagship. Extensive suburban network with Lake Forest, Delnor, Kishwaukee, and McHenry hospitals.
Health System
3075 Highland Pkwy, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Largest health system in Illinois/Wisconsin. Advocate Christ and Lutheran General flagships. Massive ambulatory network with consistent MA hiring.
Health System
800 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL 61603
Catholic health system serving central and northern Illinois. OSF Saint Francis in Peoria is flagship. Jump Trading Simulation Center is innovation hub.
Academic Medical Center
5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Elite South Side academic medical center. National leader in cancer, transplant, and specialty care. Premium MA employer.
Academic Medical Center
1620 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612
Top-ranked Chicago academic medical center. Rush Tower is landmark building. Strong nursing education creates advancement paths.
Academic Health System
2160 S First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153
Trinity Health affiliate with Loyola University Medical Center. Serves western suburbs with Gottlieb Memorial and MacNeal hospitals.
Health System
2650 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
North suburban health system with academic affiliation. Evanston Hospital flagship. Now part of Endeavor Health with Edward-Elmhurst.
Health System
Various IL Locations
Ascension/Adventist joint venture across Chicagoland. Multiple community hospitals with extensive ambulatory presence.
Health System
611 W Park St, Urbana, IL 61801
Central Illinois health system anchored by Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Serves U of I community with regional reach.
Urgent Care Chain
Various Chicago Metro Locations
Chicago-area urgent care chain. High-volume MA positions with consistent schedules across Chicagoland.
Real people who earned their CMAC certification and launched healthcare careers in Illinois.
“Northwestern is Chicago's premier health system. The training and academic environment accelerated my career. Now working toward PA school with their support.”
Maria R.
CMAC Certified Success
Chicago
Northwestern Medicine
“Advocate Aurora is massive - 75,000 employees means endless opportunities. Started in suburban clinic, transferred to specialty downtown. They invest in people.”
James T.
Certification Changed My Career
Downers Grove
Advocate Aurora Health
“OSF in Peoria offers big-system resources with Midwest values. Cost of living is way better than Chicago. Central Illinois is underrated for healthcare careers.”
Emily K.
From Training to Certified
Peoria
OSF HealthCare
“UChicago Medicine serves a community that really needs quality care. The academic environment is incredible. Hyde Park is my home.”
David L.
Certified and Employed
Chicago
University of Chicago Medicine
Free enrollment. Self-paced learning. AMCA CMAC certification. Join thousands of certified MAs working in Illinois.
No credit card required • No FAFSA • No loans • Pay $1,500 only when you certify