Medical Assistant Programs in Iowa
Becoming a certified medical assistant in Iowa can be done in as little as one year. While certification is not legally required to work as a medical assistant, it is highly preferred by all healthcare employers, and would give you a head start on your job search and career.
In order to become a CMA, you need to enroll in either a medical assistant diploma program or an associate degree medical assistant program. Medical Assistant programs in Iowa generally take one year or less, and an associate degree requires two years of courses. There are many medical assistant programs available in vocational training schools as well as junior and community colleges, and there are online medical assistant program options for you as well. Just be sure that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Once you have completed the courses, you are ready to take certified medical assistant exam, given by the certifying board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Training or job experience is a requirement for taking the exam.
Actual courses in a medical asssistant program will offer instruction in both administrative and clerical skills as well as in clinical procedures. Medical assistants need to be able to competently handle record keeping, billing, medical coding, communication with insurance companies and patients. Instruction will also offer technical and clinical skills, and you will learn to take vital signs, assess patients, take blood, or perhaps administer medication. Duties are varied and can depend on whether or not you work in a smaller office, a specialist’s office, or a large hospital. An accredited training program will prepare you to cover the many skills required to assist physicians and help their office run smoothly.
The average salary for a medical assistant in Iowa as of 2008 was $28,500. This will be higher with more experience and in larger cities, and the benefits are usually very good. The outlook for medical assistants in the state is excellent. Medical assistant jobs are some of the fastest growing in the already booming healthcare sector. The growing aging population and the greater use of medical support staff are increasing the need for these positions. This will ensure job security in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 there were over 4,000 medical assistants working in Iowa, and this is projected to increase each year. You can also join the Iowa Society of Medical Assistants for further vocational guidance and further education. Get started now on a great healthcare career with a future by finding the right medical assistant program for you.
(Sources: AAMA, Iowa Society of Medical Assistants)
Medical Assistant Programs in Iowa
Kaplan University
At Kaplan College you will acquire the clinical and administrative skills needed to launch a successful career as a medical assistant. Request information below to learn more about Kaplan College's programs. The Kaplan Medical Assisting programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board (CRB) of the American Association of Medial Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant exam, given by the American Association of Medical Assistants; or the Registered Medical Assistant exam, offered by the American Medical Technologists.
Programs Offered: Medical Assisting - Diploma, Medical Assisting Associate's
Select a Campus to Learn More: Des Moines, Davenport, Cedar Falls, Council Bluffs, Cedar Rapids, Mason City
Vatterott College
Vatterott College Des Moines is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology Arlington, VA, which is listed by the U.S. Office of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Programs Offered: Medical Assistant - Diploma, Medical Assistant with Limited Radiography - Associate's
Select a Campus to Learn More: Des Moines
6100 Thornton Avenue Suite 290, Des Moines, IA 50321
Medical Assistant Programs Offered Online in Iowa
Kaplan University - Online
The Kaplan University Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree program will prepare you online to become a professional medical assistant. It will also qualify you to seek national certification and licensing. The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board (CRB) of the American Association of Medial Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant exam, given by the American Association of Medical Assistants; or the Registered Medical Assistant exam, offered by the American Medical Technologists.* Recognized in all states.
Programs Offered: Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, and Pharmacy Technician
Herzing University Online
The Diploma and Associate's in Medical Assisting programs offered by Herzing University Online are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which means graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam administered by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's | Medical Assisting, Health Care, Health Information Management, Medical Billing & Insurance Coding, Medical Office Administration
Keiser University - E-Campus Online
At Keiser University, students are trained to care for patients and learn to perform tasks such as the preparation of exam rooms, taking vital signs, assistance with minor surgical procedures, giving injections, lab operations, X-Rays and much more. MA's are also trained to perform administrative tasks that deal with insurance companies, patient billing, records, appointments, and supply ordering. Students receive hands on clinical training at a health care facility in their community. The program at Keiser University is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which means graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant Exam administered by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).
Programs Offered: AA in Medical Assisting
San Joaquin Valley College
The online Clinical Medical Assisting program at SJVC offers training that combines classroom instruction with laboratory experience to create an ideal opportunity for students not only to to learn, but to understand how to put to use what they have learned in a clinical setting. Upon completion of the certificate or Associate's programs, students are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant Exam.
Programs Offered: Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate (Online) or Clinical Medical Assisting Associate's Degree (Online)
