Start Your Medical Assisting Career in Just 50 Weeks
Are you the type of person who likes caring for others? Who wants to nurture and heal people and relieve pain? A career as a Medical Assistant could be perfect for you. At First Institute, you can learn the skills you need to get started in this essential field in under a year.
Why Medical Assisting?
A career as a medical assistant is a calling for some. Others join the field for professional stability and a rewarding work environment. First Institute’s Medical Assisting program, available at our Aurora, Crystal Lake, and Libertyville locations, gives you the chance to get started in this essential field without years of schooling.
Learn the Skills to Start Your Career with Confidence
As the population ages, the need for medical professionals of all types will continue to grow. At First Institute, you’ll get both online classes with hands-on training as you learn the skills needed to start your career with confidence. You’ll learn:
- Anatomy, physiology and pathology
- Medical terminology
- Medical billing and coding and health records management
- Medical insurance claims utilizing CPT-4 & ICD-10 codebooks
- Medical law and ethics
- Instruction in clinical procedures
- Medical office administration and communications
- Lab Procedures including EKG, phlebotomy, urinalysis and diagnostic testing
- Medical assisting procedures in minor surgeries, pediatrics, OB examinations, imaging and radiology
You’ll also complete a 160-hour (10-week) externship in a medical office setting, where you’ll work with real patients and healthcare providers.
What Our Staff Says
Meet Darrell Russell, Director of Financial Aid. Darrell has been with First Institute since 2016 and is very dedicated in his work and in helping students secure the funding so they can pursue their education and career goals/dreams.
Darrell started in higher education 12 years ago, at first working in admissions before transitioning to Financial Aid. Prior to working in higher education, Darrell spent 10 years working for the Baltimore Orioles.
Darrell lives for graduations and student success, saying “I love working at FI because I believe in what we offer. The quality of our programs allows students to gain the knowledge and skills required to achieve their personal goals. There is a great satisfaction in seeing our students accomplish their dreams. Seeing their happiness walking across the stage at graduation is the highlight!”
Darrell Russell
Director of Financial Aid
Meet Tricia Maxim, Director of Career Services. Tricia has been with First Institute over 11+ years and she works relentlessly to help students get started in their new careers. In the last 11 years, Tricia has single-handedly helped close to 1,300 First Institute graduates acquire meaningful, impactful, and life-changing careers after graduation from First Institute.
When you visit First Institute, Tricia is usually right there in the corner office with a big smile, door always open, and is always very welcoming to all who stop by.
Tricia loves helping students reach their full potential. She said, “I love being able to network and build relationships with employers and students and connect them together.” This one of reasons why she does what she does.
Tricia loves working at First Institute because “every employee at First Institute takes great pride in ensuring that the student experience is the best it can possibly be. I am fortunate to be able to assist the students with their job search and career planning and to seem them flourish in their chosen career field.” #therealfirstinstitute #firstinstitutefamily
Tricia Maxim
Director of Career Services
Program Available at These Locations
Aurora Campus
405 N. Eola Road, Suite C
Aurora, IL 60502
Aurora, IL 60502
Crystal Lake Campus
790 McHenry Ave
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Libertyville Campus
1139 S Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048
Libertyville, IL 60048
Medical Assisting Certifications
This program prepares you for all three of the following healthcare certification exams, allowing you to set yourself apart from the crowd and increase your potential employment opportunities:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET)
Industry certifications are offered through the National Healthcareer Association. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification through the American Medical Technologist (AMT).
Flexible Schedules that Work for You
Between family and work commitments, you can’t put your life on hold to train for a new career. That’s why First Institute offers both day and evening medical assisting programs, so you can build your future on your schedule.
Our day classes are twice a week, either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday and our evening classes are held four days a week, Monday through Thursday. This program is offered in a hybrid/blended format and can be completed in as few as 50 weeks.
Financial Aid & Career Services
Fund Your Education
We believe everyone should have access to the means of advancing their career. As an ACCET-accredited institution, First Institute offers financial aid to those who qualify. Our experienced Financial Aid Advisors can help you determine your eligibility, explore your options and support you through every step of the application process.
Support Beyond the Classroom
Our dedication to you doesn’t end at graduation. We’re here to support you throughout your career. While we cannot guarantee job placement, our Career Services Department maintains contact with prospective employers and advises them of students’ abilities and availability. We can help you create your cover letter and resume, develop your interview skills and more effectively search for jobs.
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