Best Medical Assistant Programs in Charleston, Illinois (2025)

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Illinois Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

Illinois
Illinois Median Pay $45,490 $21.87 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $44,200 $21.25 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Medical Assistant Programs in Charleston, Illinois

Across metro Charleston, medical assistants keep clinics moving—greeting and rooming patients, prepping exam rooms and sterilizing instruments, and tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups. Programs here pair simulation labs with coordinated externships across local pediatrics and women’s health practices, orthopedics and cardiology offices so you graduate ready for day‑one impact.

Below, you can find classroom and hybrid programs around Charleston, plan an externship with clinics, hospital affiliates, and private practices around Charleston, and prepare for credentials like CMA, RMA, or CCMA — and see wages and job outlook across the Prairie State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Charleston, Illinois:

Medical Assistant Training near Charleston

#1

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL 0.4 miles away

Located in Charleston, IL Eastern Illinois University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Construction Manager, Criminal Justice, and Law Enforcement Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Lake Land College

Mattoon, IL 12 miles away

Located in Mattoon, IL Lake Land College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, IN 41.1 miles away

Located in Terre Haute, IN Indiana State University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Automotive Technician, and Construction Manager.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Lincoln Trail College

Robinson, IL 41.4 miles away

Located in Robinson, IL Lincoln Trail College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Corrections, and Electrician. The campus serves roughly 360 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $4,390
  • Out-of-state tuition: $12,340
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Parkland College

Champaign, IL 45.1 miles away

Located in Champaign, IL Parkland College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Certification & Exams in Illinois

  1. Complete an accredited medical assistant certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical externship hours and build confidence with front- and back-office skills.
  3. Sit for credentials like AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA based on employer preferences.

Tips for Choosing a Medical Assistant Program

  • Confirm the school is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited if you plan to earn the CMA credential.
  • Ask about lab simulations, EHR training, and how externship placements are coordinated.
  • Compare day, evening, and accelerated schedules that fit your work and family commitments.
  • Review certification exam pass rates, job placement support, and employer partnerships.

Illinois Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Medical Assistants (31-9092)
Data Year: 2024 • Illinois

Median Pay (2024) $45,490 $21.87 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$44,870 per year $21.57 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $35,560

$17.10 per hour

25th Percentile $39,160

$18.83 per hour

75th Percentile $48,660

$23.40 per hour

90th Percentile $54,960

$26.42 per hour

Illinois vs U.S.

Median Wage +2.9%
$45,490

$21.87 per hour

Mean Wage +0.3%
$44,870

$21.57 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 22,990

Employment: 22,990 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
3.79
Employment RSE
4.6%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
22,990 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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