Career Training Programs in Crystal Lake, IL Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and Massage Therapy Career Training

 

Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday: 8AM – 9:30PM

 

For over 40 years, First Institute has been the cornerstone of career education in McHenry County. Our main campus in Crystal Lake is dedicated to empowering adult learners, career changers, and recent high school graduates from Crystal Lake, Algonquin, and the surrounding communities to launch rewarding, in-demand careers in healthcare and wellness. We offer a diverse range of hands-on training programs, including Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and Massage Therapy, all designed to provide the real-world skills and comprehensive knowledge that local employers demand. By combining our proven curriculum with flexible hybrid schedules and a deep commitment to student success, we provide the accessible, practical, and supportive training you need to build a brighter future. Start your journey today at First Institute’s Crystal Lake campus today.

Explore Our Career Training Programs

At our Crystal Lake campus, we offer three distinct, in-demand career training programs, each designed to provide you with the specialized skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce. Whether your passion lies in direct patient care, the fast-paced dental field, or the restorative power of massage, we have a program to help you achieve your goals.

Medical Assisting Program

Our Medical Assisting program prepares you for a vital role in the healthcare industry, equipping you with a versatile blend of clinical and administrative skills. You will learn to take patient vitals, assist with medical examinations, perform phlebotomy and EKG procedures, and manage electronic health records. This program is ideal for those who are detail-oriented, compassionate, and eager to work in a dynamic healthcare environment. With a projected job growth of 12% nationally, the demand for skilled medical assistants is stronger than ever [1].

Dental Assisting Program

The Dental Assisting program is designed for individuals who are passionate about oral healthcare and enjoy working in a team-oriented setting. You will master the art of chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, and patient education. This program provides the hands-on training needed to become an indispensable member of any dental practice. The field of dental assisting is projected to grow by 6% nationally, offering a stable and rewarding career path [2].

Massage Therapy Program

Our Massage Therapy program is perfect for those who are dedicated to health, wellness, and the healing power of touch. You will gain expertise in a wide range of therapeutic techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage, while also learning the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, and client care. This program prepares you for licensure and a fulfilling career in a variety of settings, from spas and wellness centers to medical offices. With a projected national growth rate of 15%, the massage therapy profession is experiencing a surge in demand [3].

Program Details at a Glance

Program	Length	Key Skills	Certifications	2024 Median Pay [1][2][3]
Medical Assisting	50 Weeks	Phlebotomy, EKG, Vitals, EHR	CCMA, CPT, CBCS, CET	$44,200
Dental Assisting	48 Weeks	Chairside Assisting, X-Rays, Impressions	DANB (RHS/ICE)	$47,300
Massage Therapy	50 Weeks	Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage	MBLEx	$57,950

Comprehensive, Hands-On Curriculum

Our curriculum for each program is designed to provide a deep, practical understanding of your chosen field. We combine flexible online learning with essential hands-on training in our state-of-the-art labs to ensure you are fully prepared for the real world.

Medical Assisting Curriculum

Our Medical Assisting program provides a comprehensive education in both clinical and administrative duties. You will master essential skills such as taking patient vitals, administering injections, performing EKGs, and managing electronic health records. The curriculum also covers medical terminology, billing and coding, and HIPAA compliance, ensuring you are a well-rounded and valuable asset to any healthcare team.

Dental Assisting Curriculum

The Dental Assisting program is focused on the practical skills needed to excel in a dental office. You will receive extensive hands-on training in chairside assisting, dental radiography, taking impressions, and sterilization techniques. The curriculum also includes instruction on dental materials, oral health, and patient communication, preparing you to confidently assist in a wide range of dental procedures.

Massage Therapy Curriculum

Our Massage Therapy program provides a thorough education in the art and science of therapeutic massage. You will learn a variety of modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage, as well as the underlying principles of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. The curriculum also covers client assessment, treatment planning, and the business and ethical practices of a professional massage therapist.

Externship & Clinic Experience

To bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world, our Medical and Dental Assisting programs include a 160-hour externship at a local healthcare or dental facility. This real-world experience is invaluable, allowing you to apply your skills and build professional connections. Our Massage Therapy students gain similar hands-on experience by working in our on-campus professional massage clinic, which is open to the public and provides a realistic clinical environment to prepare them for their careers.

National Certifications Available

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to sit for nationally recognized certification exams that validate your skills and enhance your employability. The cost of your first exam attempt is included in your program fees.

• Medical Assisting: Graduates are prepared for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS), and Certified EKG Technician (CET) exams from the NHA.
• Dental Assisting: Our program prepares you for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams.
• Massage Therapy: Graduates are prepared to take the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), which is required for licensure in Illinois.

What Sets First Institute Apart

Choosing the right school is the most important decision you will make as you embark on a new career path. At First Institute, we offer more than just a certificate; we provide a supportive, hands-on learning environment backed by decades of experience and a deep commitment to our students’ success.

40+ Years of Experience in McHenry County

First Institute is not a newcomer to career education. Founded in 1982, we are a family-owned institution with a proven track record of successfully training and placing healthcare and wellness professionals across the Chicagoland area. Our Crystal Lake campus is our main campus, the heart of our institution, and a pillar of the McHenry County community. Our long-standing presence has allowed us to build a strong alumni network and establish deep relationships with local hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and spas. This history is a testament to our stability, our quality of education, and our unwavering commitment to student outcomes.

Expert Instructors with Real-World Experience

We believe that to be the best, you must learn from the best. Our instructors are not just academics; they are experienced professionals who bring years of real-world, on-the-job knowledge directly into the classroom and lab. They understand the current trends in their respective fields and know precisely what skills employers are looking for. With small class sizes, you receive personalized, one-on-one attention and mentorship that goes far beyond the curriculum, ensuring you are fully prepared for the challenges and rewards of your chosen career.

Local Employer Partnerships & Lifetime Job Placement

Our ultimate goal is to see you succeed in a new career. For over 40 years, we have cultivated strong partnerships with a vast network of employers in the Crystal Lake area and beyond. These relationships are integral to our programs, providing externship sites that often lead directly to job offers. We offer lifetime job placement assistance to all our graduates, a service that includes resume building, interview preparation, and access to our exclusive job lead lists. Employers actively recruit First Institute graduates because they know our students are well-trained, professional, and ready to contribute from day one.

Hands-On Training in State-of-the-Art Labs

Our training philosophy is simple: you learn by doing. The First Institute Crystal Lake campus features fully equipped, modern medical, dental, and massage therapy labs where you will practice and perfect your skills. You will work with the same type of equipment you will encounter in a professional setting. This is not a virtual simulation. Our hands-on approach ensures you develop the muscle memory and confidence needed to excel in your externship, clinic hours, and your first job.

Flexible Learning for Working Adults

We understand that our students have busy lives, which is why our programs are specifically designed for working adults. The blended learning model combines the flexibility of online coursework with the necessity of in-person, hands-on training. Our Crystal Lake campus offers convenient day and evening schedules and is easily accessible for students throughout the region. We are designed to fit into your life, not disrupt it.

First Institute Crystal Lake Campus Location

Our main campus in Crystal Lake is centrally located to serve students from across McHenry County and the surrounding areas, making your commute as easy as possible.

Campus Address & Directions

First Institute Crystal Lake
790 McHenry Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-3500

Our campus is situated right where McHenry Avenue, Barlina Road, and Buckingham Drive meet, a well-known and easily accessible location. We will include an embedded Google Map on the live page to provide you with interactive directions from your specific location.

Convenient for the Region

Our Crystal Lake campus is strategically positioned to serve students from a wide range of local communities. We are a convenient choice for individuals residing in Algonquin, McHenry, Woodstock, and Cary. The central location means that most of our students enjoy a reasonable commute, allowing them to balance their studies with work and family commitments.

Parking & Transit

We understand that easy access is crucial for our students. The Crystal Lake campus has two parking lots with ample free parking, so you never have to worry about finding a space. The location is also accessible via local public transportation routes, providing a reliable and convenient option for your daily commute.

Campus Facilities

Our 9,000-square-foot main campus is a comprehensive learning environment designed for student success. The campus includes administrative offices, modern classrooms, and our state-of-the-art medical, dental, and massage therapy lab training facilities. We provide a student break room with refrigerators and microwaves, as well as complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the campus. The entire facility is ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all students.

Start Your New Career Training Today

Taking the first step toward a new career is a major decision, and we are here to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. Our admissions team at the Crystal Lake campus is ready to guide you through every step, from your initial inquiry to your first day of class.

The Enrollment Process

1. Contact Us: Reach out to our admissions team by phone, email, or by filling out the form on this page.
2. Schedule a Campus Tour: Schedule a free tour of our Crystal Lake campus to see our facilities and meet our team. We offer both in-person and virtual tours.
3. Admissions Interview: Meet with an admissions advisor to discuss your goals, ask questions, and confirm the best program fit.
4. Complete Your Application: Your advisor will guide you through the application process and review all admission requirements.
5. Get Started: Once your application is complete and you have paid the $25 registration fee, you will be ready to begin your training on the next available start date.

Admission Requirements Quick Review

• High school diploma or GED
• 17+ years of age
• Valid government-issued ID
• Successful completion of an admissions interview
• Students will be provided a Chromebook for the duration of their program, unless they opt out and have their own device to use. Students will need access to the internet that is no less than 60mbps to access live class through Microsoft and complete activities in the online environment.

Next Steps

Ready to take the next step? Contact the First Institute Crystal Lake campus today to begin your journey toward a rewarding new career.

• Phone: 815-459-3500
• Online: Fill out the request information form on this page.

Schedule your free campus tour to speak with an admissions advisor about our flexible class schedules, financial aid options, and upcoming start dates. Your future is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are the programs?

Our Medical Assisting and Massage Therapy programs are 50 weeks, and our Dental Assisting program is 48 weeks. All programs can be completed in under a year.

Can I study part-time while working?

Yes. Our programs are specifically designed for working adults, with a blended learning model that combines flexible online coursework with on-campus evening or day classes.

What if I don’t have a high school diploma?

A high school diploma or a GED is required for admission. Our admissions advisors can provide you with resources to help you obtain your GED if needed.

How much do the programs cost?

We are committed to providing an affordable education. Please contact our admissions office or visit our “Financing Your Training” page for detailed information on tuition and financial aid options for each program.

Do you help with job placement?

Yes. We offer lifetime job placement assistance to all our graduates, which includes resume building, interview preparation, and access to our network of local employers.

Are the programs online only?

No. Our programs are a blended model. While some coursework is completed online, hands-on training at our Crystal Lake campus is a mandatory and essential part of each program.

What certifications can I earn?

Our programs prepare you to sit for several nationally recognized certifications, including the CCMA, CPT, CBCS, CET, DANB (RHS/ICE), and the MBLEx.

What are the hours of the Crystal Lake campus?

The Crystal Lake campus is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Is there parking at the campus?

Yes, there are two parking lots with ample free parking available for all students.

References

[1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Assistants, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm (visited December 16, 2025).

[2] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Assistants, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm (visited December 16, 2025).

[3] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Massage Therapists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm (visited December 16, 2025).