There are many options for medical assistant courses in Chicago, but if you’re on a budget you might find some programs are out of your reach. If you’d like to take medical assistant courses free from the overwhelming cost of many programs around Chicago, you’ll be happy to know that there are some options that might not break the bank. Of course, every course is different and there are many considerations to take into account beyond just cost to identify the program that’s the best fit for you.
Lowest Advertised Tuition Costs
Chicago’s programs are notoriously tight-lipped about their costs, but we’ve been able to dig up the most recent pricing for several local programs and these were the lowest available in the Chicagoland footprint.
| Program | Cost |
| Chicago School of Phlebotomy | $2,300 |
| Chicago Medical Assistant School | $4,450 |
| National Louis University | $7,000 |
Program Details
Click on a program to learn more.
Chicago School of Phlebotomy
Chicago School of Phlebotomy offers an 11-week Clinical Medical Assisting program designed for individuals at all experience levels. The program provides a well-rounded education in medical assisting, with a strong emphasis on phlebotomy—a highly sought-after skill in healthcare.
Key Program Details
Students receive hands-on training in essential medical assistant duties, including patient care, medical histories, vitals, phlebotomy, CLIA-waived testing, wound dressing, injections, laboratory tests, EKG administration, and front-office procedures. Classes are held twice a week, combining lectures with hands-on lab sessions to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
Program Benefits
The program prepares students to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which is required for graduation. Graduates who achieve a B or higher and receive a positive instructor recommendation may qualify for an optional clinical externship, providing valuable real-world experience. Flexible payment plans help students manage tuition costs, making the program more accessible.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma, GED, or an international high school diploma equivalency. The program costs $2,300, with an optional $300 externship available for those seeking additional hands-on experience.
Chicago Medical Assistant School
Chicago Medical Assistant School offers a structured and cost-effective Medical Assisting program designed for individuals seeking a career in healthcare. The program is tailored to provide students with essential clinical and administrative skills while ensuring financial accessibility through flexible tuition payment plans.
Key Details
The program runs for 24 weeks and includes an 80-hour externship at a local medical office, providing students with hands-on training in real-world healthcare settings. Students benefit from flexible class schedules, including evening and weekend options, allowing them to balance education with other commitments. Instructors are experienced medical professionals who provide practical insights and training to prepare students for entry-level medical assistant roles.
Program Benefits
Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and have the option to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcare Association (NHA), enhancing their employability in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. The school also supports students with job search assistance, including resume development.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be at least 17 years old and provide proof of secondary education, valid identification, and vaccination records. The total cost of the program is $4,450, with payment plans available.
Chicago Medical Assistant School provides an opportunity for aspiring medical assistants to gain industry-relevant training without incurring significant financial burdens. With a focus on hands-on experience and career readiness, it stands as a strong choice for those looking to enter the medical field.
National Louis University
National Louis University’s Accelerate U Medical Assistant Pathway is a seven-month certificate program designed for individuals seeking a flexible and comprehensive entry into the healthcare field. The program blends online coursework, hands-on training, and a field-based externship to equip students with the necessary skills for a career as a Medical Assistant.
Key Program Details
Students complete 24 weeks of online training, supplemented by monthly in-person “Skills Labs” to develop essential clinical competencies. The program concludes with a 4-6 week externship at a partner healthcare facility, offering valuable real-world experience. Participants should expect to dedicate 18-20 hours per week to coursework. Graduates earn a nationally recognized certification and 30 transferable college credits, which can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.
Program Benefits
The program’s hybrid structure provides flexibility while ensuring students receive practical training in clinical and administrative tasks, including patient care, medical office procedures, and hands-on skills like phlebotomy and EKG administration. Additionally, graduates receive primary consideration for Medical Assistant positions with healthcare partners. The inclusion of college credits expands future career and educational opportunities.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Other requirements include a valid ID and immunization records. Tuition is $7,000, with job placement support available upon graduation.
Featured Programs
What Drives Costs?
Organizations offering medical assistant training in Chicago face various costs that influence tuition and program expenses. Some of the key cost drivers include:
1. Instructor Salaries and Expertise
Hiring qualified instructors, often with years of experience in healthcare, is one of the most significant costs. Salaries for medical professionals, such as registered nurses and certified medical assistants, can be high, especially in urban areas like Chicago.
2. Facility and Equipment Costs
Programs require fully equipped classrooms, labs, and clinical training spaces. The cost of renting or maintaining training facilities in Chicago, along with purchasing and maintaining medical equipment (e.g., phlebotomy stations, EKG machines, examination tables, and medical supplies), adds to overall expenses.
3. Accreditation and Certification Requirements
Accreditation by organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) ensures program quality but comes with costs related to compliance, inspections, and curriculum updates.
4. Liability Insurance and Compliance
Medical assistant programs must carry liability insurance to cover training-related risks, particularly when students participate in hands-on clinical experiences. Programs must also comply with regulations from state and national agencies, which may require additional legal and administrative costs.
5. Clinical Externship Arrangements
Many programs include externships in hospitals, clinics, or physician offices. Setting up these partnerships involves administrative expenses, background checks, and potential fees to healthcare facilities for hosting students.
6. Student Support Services
Organizations often provide career services, tutoring, job placement assistance, and certification exam prep, all of which require staffing and resources. Some programs also offer resume-building workshops and networking opportunities.
7. Marketing and Student Recruitment
Attracting students requires investment in marketing efforts, such as digital advertising, printed materials, and outreach initiatives. Schools must compete for applicants, especially in a large market like Chicago with multiple training providers.
8. Financial Aid and Payment Plans
Institutions offering tuition assistance, scholarships, or payment plans must account for administrative costs and potential revenue gaps from students who default or require additional financial support.
9. Online and Hybrid Learning Infrastructure
For programs incorporating online components, maintaining a robust learning management system (LMS), developing digital coursework, and offering IT support add to operational costs.
10. Administrative and Operational Costs
General business expenses such as licensing fees, administrative staff salaries, software for enrollment and record-keeping, utilities, and supplies all contribute to program costs.
Each of these factors plays a role in determining the overall tuition and fees for medical assistant training programs in Chicago. Schools must balance these expenses while maintaining affordability and educational quality for students.
Specialized Program Options
There are a variety of grants and sponsored programs for qualified students, below you can find additional details on these additional budget-friendly programs.
National Latino Education Institute
The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) offers a tuition-free Bilingual Medical Assistant (BMA) program aimed at preparing students for entry-level positions in the medical assisting field. This comprehensive program spans 40 weeks and equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles as medical assistants.
One of the program’s notable strengths is its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring high-quality education. Graduates are eligible to sit for the AAMA-CMA exam, enhancing their credentials. The curriculum covers essential subjects such as anatomy, medical law, pharmacology, and specialized training in medical Spanish for effective communication with Spanish-speaking patients. Students also have the opportunity to attain OSHA and CPR certifications, crucial in the healthcare field.
The program offers a 160-hour unpaid externship with medical facilities or hospitals, providing practical experience. NLEI actively engages students in various events, including service learning activities, mock interviews, on-site visits, and informative workshops. Job placement assistance is provided to help graduates kickstart their careers.
Esperanza Health Centers
Esperanza Health Centers in Chicago, IL, is offering a sponsored Medical Assistant Training Program in partnership with the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA). This initiative aims to provide accessible opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career as medical assistants within the local community. The program is structured to accommodate twenty students annually, with ten slots available for each spring and fall cohort.
Esperanza Health Centers is committed to covering tuition and fees for all twenty students, provided they choose to continue working with Esperanza following their training. Applicants should meet specific criteria, including Illinois residency, being at least 18 years old by the program’s end, possessing a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate, proficiency in verbal and written English, bilingual fluency in Spanish and English, proof of required immunizations, and ideally, regular access to a computer and the internet. The NIMAA program spans 29 weeks, equivalent to approximately eight months, and successful graduates will have the opportunity to sit for a medical assistant certification exam of their choice.
How to Choose
When deciding between affordable lower cost and more expensive medical assistant programs in Chicago, it’s crucial to consider your individual circumstances and priorities. If you have the financial means to invest in a program with a normal level of cost, you may gain access to a more comprehensive education with better resources and opportunities. However, if cost is a significant concern, affordable programs can still provide valuable training and serve as a stepping stone into the healthcare field.
Ultimately, the choice should be based on your career goals, financial situation, and the specific program’s reputation and quality. Regardless of your choice, it’s essential to research and thoroughly evaluate the program, including its accreditation, curriculum, faculty credentials, and the opportunities it offers for practical experience and certification preparation. By making an informed decision, you can embark on a path that aligns with your aspirations and sets you on the road to a successful career as a medical assistant in Chicago.