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First Institute

School Highlights

Since our founding in 1982, First Institute has been preparing students like you for rewarding careers. Our focus is on ensuring graduates are career-ready, so you are equipped with the skills, experience and connections to pursue a new career.

And while our programs have evolved over the years to meet changes in technology and the demands of the job market, our total commitment to our students – and their success—remains unchanged.

You can’t put your life on hold to go back to school. At First Institute, you don’t have to. Our programs are tailored for busy adults with work and family commitments. We have both day and evening class options, so you can find the best fit for your needs.

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3 Campuses
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3 Programs

Dental Assisting

First Institute can equip you with the skills you need to start a professional career. You’ll train in a fully functioning dental laboratory as you train in:

  • Administrative procedures
  • Dental records, ethics and HIPAA compliance
  • Oral health and endodontics
  • Lab procedures including primary and secondary impressions, fixed prosthetics and dental implants
  • Anatomy, morphology and dental sciences
  • Dental specialties like orthodontics and pediatric dentistry
  • Operative and chair-side assisting including instrument care and use, charting, and patient care and support
  • Coronal polishing and dental sealants
  • Dental radiology – x-ray equipment, safety and digital/film processing

Available at these locations

Map Pin

Crystal Lake, IL

790 McHenry Ave

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Map Pin

Aurora, IL

405 N. Eola Road

Aurora, IL 60502

Map Pin

Libertyville, IL

1139 S Milwaukee Ave

Libertyville, IL 60048

Medical Assisting

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.

Available at these locations

Map Pin

Aurora, IL

405 N. Eola Road

Aurora, IL 60502

Map Pin

Libertyville, IL

1139 S Milwaukee Ave

Libertyville, IL 60048

Map Pin

Crystal Lake, IL

790 McHenry Ave

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Massage Therapy

As a massage therapist, you can help relieve pain and stress with the power of your hands. At First Institute, you’ll gain practical knowledge, business training and get real-world experience in a range of massage techniques, as you study:

  • Anatomy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Chair massage
  • Deep tissue massage/neuromuscular
  • Energetic technique
  • Five elements/Eastern massage
  • Hot stone massage
  • Kinesiology
  • Pathology
  • Physiology
  • Reflexology
  • Sports massage
  • Swedish massage
  • Therapeutic application

Available at these locations

Map Pin

Crystal Lake, IL

790 McHenry Ave

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Map Pin

Aurora, IL

405 N. Eola Road

Aurora, IL 60502

Map Pin

Libertyville, IL

1139 S Milwaukee Ave

Libertyville, IL 60048