$42K median salary • Top employers hiring now
Illinois's healthcare industry employs over 680,000 workers in the nation's 6th-largest state. Chicago anchors one of America's premier healthcare markets with Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Advocate Aurora leading. The state ranks 30th in health outcomes with stark Chicago-downstate disparities. Academic medical centers cluster in Chicago's medical district—the largest concentration outside of Boston. Rural downstate Illinois faces significant healthcare access challenges. Illinois exports healthcare talent nationally while attracting international patients.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Illinois employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the IL healthcare job market:
Illinois's healthcare industry employs over 680,000 workers in the nation's 6th-largest state. Chicago anchors one of America's premier healthcare markets with Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Advocate Aurora leading. The state ranks 30th in health outcomes with stark Chicago-downstate disparities. Academic medical centers cluster in Chicago's medical district—the largest concentration outside of Boston. Rural downstate Illinois faces significant healthcare access challenges. Illinois exports healthcare talent nationally while attracting international patients.
IL salary ranges by experience level:
Chicago academic centers pay premium wages—Northwestern and Rush among highest nationally. Advocate Aurora offers competitive packages across extensive network. Union positions available at some facilities. Suburban practices pay well with better parking and commute. Downstate salaries lower but cost of living dramatically less. Bilingual Spanish adds $2,500-$4,000 in Chicago.
Illinois features world-renowned academic centers and extensive health networks:
350 hires/yr
Chicago, suburbs, statewide (27 hospitals)
Midwest's largest health system with 27 Illinois hospitals. CMAs have extensive location options from Chicago to suburbs. Strong benefits and career mobility across massive network.
120 hires/yr
Chicago, North Shore, Western suburbs
Top-10 nationally ranked academic health system. CMAs work alongside Northwestern medical faculty. Exceptional prestige, benefits, and professional development. Premium Chicago location.
85 hires/yr
Chicago
Top-ranked academic medical center in Chicago's medical district. CMAs work in innovative healthcare environment. Strong commitment to community health and employee development.
70 hires/yr
Chicago (Hyde Park), South suburbs
World-renowned academic medical center with Nobel Prize legacy. CMAs work in cutting-edge specialty practices. South Side community mission with academic excellence.
55 hires/yr
Chicago
State's public academic health center. CMAs work in diverse clinical environment. State employee benefits including pension. Strong community health focus.
60 hires/yr
Evanston, North Shore suburbs
North Shore's integrated health system (now part of Endeavor Health). CMAs serve affluent suburban communities. Strong technology and innovation focus.
Where the jobs are in Illinois:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Metro | 2,940+ | 70% |
| Chicago Suburbs (Collar Counties) | 630+ | 15% |
| Rockford | 170+ | 4% |
| Peoria | 170+ | 4% |
| Springfield (Capital) | 125+ | 3% |
| Champaign-Urbana | 85+ | 2% |
“My Spanish fluency got me into Rush—Chicago's diverse and they need bilingual CMAs. I work in a fast-paced academic clinic doing vitals, injections, EKGs, and translating for patients. Rush's reputation opens doors everywhere. The medical district is intense but exciting.”
Destiny J.
Bilingual Clinical Medical Assistant
Rush University Medical Center
Started at $40K with bilingual premium at Rush. Academic prestige in world-class medical district.
“I chose suburbs over downtown for quality of life. Advocate Aurora's network is huge—I started in Naperville and could transfer anywhere. Promoted to lead in 18 months because they're always growing. Suburban commute beats Chicago traffic every day.”
Brandon T.
CMA Lead
Advocate Aurora
Advanced to lead at $48K. Suburban lifestyle with major health system career.
Illinois's healthcare industry employs over 680,000 workers in the nation's 6th-largest state. Chicago anchors one of America's premier healthcare markets with Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Advocate Aurora leading. The state ranks 30th in health outcomes with stark Chicago-downstate disparities. Academic medical centers cluster in Chicago's medical district—the largest concentration outside of Boston. Rural downstate Illinois faces significant healthcare access challenges. Illinois exports healthcare talent nationally while attracting international patients.
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