Guide to Certification & Licensing for Allied Health Careers in Illinois
Students exploring professional allied health careers often ask the same question first:
What is the Difference Between Licensure and Certification in Healthcare?
This guide explains how certification and licensure work in Illinois for three in-demand allied health careers offered through allied health career training at Saint Augustine College:
If you are researching allied health programs in Chicago or across Illinois, understanding these requirements early can help you choose a program that leads directly to employment.
What is Licensure in Healthcare?
Licensure is a legal authorization issued by a state that allows a healthcare professional to practice in a specific role. In Illinois, licensure and regulated credentials are overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Licensure exists to protect patients by ensuring healthcare professionals meet education, training, and competency standards.
Certification, on the other hand, is typically issued by a national professional organization and verifies that a graduate has met industry-recognized competency requirements.
Many healthcare roles use both:
- Certification to demonstrate professional competence
- Licensure or state registration when required by law
Understanding this distinction is essential when comparing medical professional certifications, allied health certifications, and training programs.
How Certification and Licensure Work in Illinois
For students pursuing Illinois professional license or regulated healthcare credentials, the process usually follows this pathway:
- Complete an approved education or training program
- Graduate with required clinical or practicum experience
- Pass a recognized national certification examination (when applicable)
- Apply for state licensure or registration in Illinois (if required)
Not every allied health career requires a state license, but employers in Illinois frequently expect graduates to hold nationally recognized certifications.
Respiratory Therapy Certification in Licensure in Illinois
Respiratory therapy is one of the most highly regulated and clinically focused allied health professions.
Required Certification
Graduates pursuing respiratory therapy must earn national credentials through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
The NBRC awards credentials such as:
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
NBRC certification is required by employers nationwide and serves as the primary professional credentials for respiratory therapists.
Official certification information:
Illinois Licensure for Respiratory Therapists
In addition to national certification, respiratory therapists must obtain state licensure through IDFPR to practice in Illinois.
Illinois licensure verifies:
- Completion of an approved respiratory therapy program
- Successful completion of NBRC examinations
This combination of national certification and state authorization represents a standard model of Illinois licensure for advanced clinical allied health roles.
Medical Assistant Certification in Illinois
Medical assistants play a central role in outpatient clinics, physician offices, and specialty practices.
Unlike some clinical professions, medical assisting does not require a state license in Illinois. However, employers consistently prefer candidates who hold professional certification.
National Certification Options
Two of the most widely recognized certification organizations include:
These organizations offer certifications such as
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA – NHA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA – AAMA)
Official certification websites:
For students exploring certifications for the medical field in Chicago, medical assisting remains one of the fastest entry points into patient-centered healthcare.
Illinois Practice Requirements for Medical Assistants
Medical assistants in Illinois do not hold a professional license. However, clinics and healthcare systems frequently require or strongly prefer certified graduates when hiring.
This makes certification a critical employment credential for students completing allied health programs in Illinois.
Pharmacy Technician Certification and Illinois Registration
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists in both retail and hospital pharmacy environments.
National Certification for Pharmacy Technicians
The most widely accepted credential is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Graduates who pass the PTCB exam earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
Official certification information:
Illinois Registration for Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians must also be registered with the state of Illinois through IDFPR in order to work legally in a pharmacy setting.
This registration confirms:
- Educational eligibility
- Background requirements
- Compliance with Illinois pharmacy regulations
For students interested in professional allied health careers, pharmacy technology offers strong long-term demand and multiple advancement pathways within healthcare systems.
Why Certification-Aligned Programs Matter
When students compare a list of healthcare certifications and training pathways, the most important factor is alignment.
Programs must prepare students for:
- The correct certification exams
- Current clinical standards
- Employer expectations in Illinois healthcare systems
Saint Augustine College designs its allied health career training to align directly with recognized industry credentials and regulatory requirements. Graduates are positioned to pursue certification or state authorization immediately after completion.
This alignment is especially important for students seeking:
- Allied health programs in Chicago
- Allied health programs in Illinois
- Short-term career-focused healthcare training with clear outcomes
Start Your Allied Health Career at Saint Augustine College
St. Augustine College prepares students for professional allied health careers by combining career-focused instruction, practical training, and credential-aligned education.
If you are exploring allied health career training and want a clear path from classroom to employment in Illinois healthcare, Saint Augustine College offers programs designed to support both certification success and workforce entry.
Learn more about admissions, program options, and application steps here.
