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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

Medical Assistant

Rockford, IL · On-site

$19.79 - $28.69/hr

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Graduate of a medical assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education ...

Medical Assistant Certified

Janesville, WI · On-site

$19.79 - $28.69/hr

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate of a medical assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health ...

Pediatrics Medical Assistant

Roscoe, IL · On-site

$18.28 - $26.51/hr

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate of a medical assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health ...

Clinic Medical Assistant JMC

Janesville, WI

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate of a medical assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health ...

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate of a medical assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health ...

Clinic Medical Assistant JMC

Janesville, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate of a medical assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health ...

Physician Assistant

Rockford, IL · On-site

$114.44K - $146.48K/yr

Graduate (or soon to be) of United States accredited Physician Assistant Program * Unrestricted Illinois Physician Assistant license, Illinois Controlled Substance License, and Federal DEA license

Physician Assistant

Rockford, IL · On-site

$114.44K - $146.48K/yr

Graduate (or soon to be) of United States accredited Physician Assistant Program * Unrestricted Illinois Physician Assistant license, Illinois Controlled Substance License, and Federal DEA license

Physician Assistant

Rockford, IL · On-site

$114.44K - $146.48K/yr

Graduate (or soon to be) of United States accredited Physician Assistant Program * Unrestricted Illinois Physician Assistant license, Illinois Controlled Substance License, and Federal DEA license

Medical Assistant Float

Janesville, WI · On-site

$18.28 - $26.51/hr

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Graduate of a medical assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education ...

Physical Therapist Assistant

Rockford, IL · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Physical Therapist Assistant At OrthoIllinois we create an environment for our team of ... Whether a new graduate or an experienced therapist, OrthoIllinois strives to offer a learning ...

Physical Therapist Assistant

Woodstock, IL

$27.25 - $36/hr

Physical Therapist Assistant At OrthoIllinois we create an environment for our team of ... Whether a new graduate or an experienced therapist, OrthoIllinois strives to offer a learning ...

Physical Therapist Assistant At OrthoIllinois we create an environment for our team of ... Whether a new graduate or an experienced therapist, OrthoIllinois strives to offer a learning ...

Maintenance Assistant

Belvidere, IL · On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Maintenance Director, our Maintenance Assistant oversees the ... High school graduate or GED equivalent required * Experience in HVAC systems and/or electrical ...

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Graduate Assistant information

See Rockford, IL salary details

$6

$19

$33

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Rockford, IL is $19.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?

The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant, you generally need strong academic credentials in your field, research and analytical skills, and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment (depending on the discipline) is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you effectively support faculty and collaborate with students. These skills are vital for balancing multiple responsibilities while contributing to academic and research excellence.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistants face when balancing academic work with assistantship responsibilities?

Graduate Assistants often juggle coursework, research, and their assistantship duties, which can include teaching, grading, or administrative tasks. Time management is a frequent challenge, as deadlines for academic work and assistantship responsibilities can sometimes overlap. Setting clear expectations with supervisors, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools can help maintain a healthy balance. Open communication with faculty and peers also plays a crucial role in managing workload and reducing stress.

What are Graduate Assistants?

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who work part-time at a college or university, typically assisting faculty or departments with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These positions often provide a stipend and/or tuition waiver in exchange for their work. Graduate Assistants gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their advanced degrees, and their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the department and the specific assistantship. Common duties include helping with classroom instruction, grading assignments, conducting research, or supporting university operations.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, often with a relevant degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, assisting in teaching or administrative tasksResearch labs, projects, or fieldwork within academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic departmentsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying research duties and experience needed

While both roles support academic and research activities, a Graduate Assistant typically assists with teaching or administrative tasks while pursuing a graduate degree. A Research Assistant focuses primarily on conducting research projects, often requiring specific research skills. The roles often overlap in academic settings, but their main focus and responsibilities differ.

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Rockford, IL are:
What cities near Rockford, IL are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Rockford, IL with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Rockford, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,705 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant

Mercyhealth

Rockford, IL • On-site

$19.79 - $28.69/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Mercy Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 382 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

489th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Rooms patients, collects assessment data and prepares patient according to specific need.
  • Assists in examination, treatment and other clinic procedures.
  • Assists with laboratory procedures, screening tests and QI projects.
  • Answers telephone and either responds to inquiry, directs caller to appropriate personnel, or initiates a triage slip for response by medical personnel.
  • Schedules appointments and enters appointment date and time into computerized scheduler.
  • Conducts reminder calls to all patients.
  • Greet and directs patients, salespeople, and visitors.
  • Registers patients by verifying that patient's record is up to date and accurate.
  • Makes appropriate changes in computer system and on patient's chart.
  • Coordinates referrals for patients through insurance and other physician offices.
  • Collects payment from patients and issues receipt.
  • Prepares and maintains patient charts.
  • Maintains and orders supplies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduate of a medical assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or graduate of a medical assistant program in a post secondary school or college that has institutional accreditation by a regional accrediting commission or by a national accrediting organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education, or a graduate of an educational program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Experience in a program with a clinical rotation preferred.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
Required current CMA certification through the AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) or RMA certification through the AMT (American Medical Technologists) or CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) through NHA (National Healthcareer Association) or RMA through AAH (American Allied Health) or NCMA Certification through the NCCT that have also completed the education requirements.
Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days.
Medication injection training and pharmacology is a required competency to perform medication administration.
(Post Acute Care only) -
For those driving Mercyhealth vehicles:
Maintain a valid driver's license.
Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.
For those driving their personal vehicles:
Maintain a valid driver's license and reliable transportation with proof of vehicle insurance when requested.
Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
N/A
SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Manual dexterity needed to operate equipment, perform procedures, operate telephone and keyboard. Must be able to lift and transfer patients. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk; handle, finger and feel; reach; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste and smell. This job requires the employee to exert 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently and 25 to 50 pounds of force occasionally. Pushing and pulling equipment to provide care Specific vision abilities required by this job include frequent close vision. Occasionally distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
LEVEL OF SUPERVISION
Some independent judgment is required, but decisions are limited by standard practices or procedures.
Supervises
N/A
PAY RANGE:
$19.79 - $28.69
Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • FSA/HSA Options
  • Generous, accruing paid time off
  • Paid Parental and caregiver leave
  • Career advancement and educational opportunities
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Certification Reimbursement
  • Well-being Programs
  • Employee Discounts
  • On-Demand Pay
  • Financial Education
  • Annual recognition/awards events
  • Partner appreciation days
  • Family entertainment/attractions discount
  • Community service/improvement opportunities

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.
At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:
  • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50
  • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers
  • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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