Medical Assistant Programs in Missouri
The first step toward becoming a qualified medical assistant in Missouri is to earn a certification or associate degree, or at least to gain some vocational training in the field. While it is not legally required to obtain a license or certificate to work as a medical assistant in the state, becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) will give you a competitive edge in the job market and a head start on your career. Increasingly, more and more healthcare employers are seeking candidates who are certified.
There are a few medical assistant training programs in Missouri that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). It usually takes nine months to complete these programs, and closer to two years if you earn an associate degree. Instruction covers basic clinical training as well as administrative training. Medical assistants are the main connection between physicians and their patients, as well as physicians and other healthcare workers. There are many skills to learn in order to fulfill this role effectively. They learn how to conduct some technical procedures, such as taking vital signs and taking blood or running some diagnostic tests and aiding physicians during procedures. Students might learn about human anatomy, pharmacology, or medical terminology. On the clerical side, students will learn the proper procedures for communicating with insurance companies and patients, about billing, record keeping, and office management.
Passing the national certification exam is the final step. This is given by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It is available to take on a monthly basis, and requires a fee. Completion or near completion of an accredited training program is a prerequisite for signing up for the exam.
The mean annual salary for a medical assistant in Missouri is $26,890 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the mean hourly rate is $12.93. The outlook for this career is excellent. There were over 8,100 medical assistants working in Missouri in 2008, and they are one of the fastest growing jobs in the state. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), they are projected to grow 43% from 2004 through 2014, adding a projected 2,812 medical assistant jobs for the state. Growing elderly populations as well as an increase in outpatient care are two reasons for the increased need of medical support staff. You can also find local AAMA chapters in Jasper county and Springfield, which can aid you in advancing your career and keeping current with industry developments. If you are interested in taking advantage of the growing healthcare field, this is an excellent job to explore. Find out which certification program is best for you, and begin training for you career in healthcare.
Medical Assistant Programs Offered in Missouri
Allied College
Programs Offered: Diploma - Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Massage Therapy, and Pharmacy Technician
Select a Campus to Learn More: Fenton, Maryland Heights
Colorado Technical University
Upon successful completion of this 9 to 12 month program, students are eligible to take the American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant Exam (RMA).
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's - Medical Assisting, Healthcare Management, Health Services Administration, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology
Select a Campus to Learn More: North Kansas City
Concorde Career College
Concorde is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).
Programs Offered: Medical Assistant, Insurance Billing and Coding, Nursing RN, Practical Nursing, Respiratory Therapy
Select a Campus to Learn More: Kansas City
Everest College
The Medical Assistant Program at Everest College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's - Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Dental Assistant
Select a Campus to Learn More: Springfield, St. Louis
High Tech Institute
Programs Offered: Diploma - Medical Assistant, Surgical Technologist, Medical Billing and Coding, Massage Therapy, Dental Assistant
Select a Campus to Learn More: Kansas City
Lincoln College of Technology
Programs Offered: Medical Assisting
Select a Campus to Learn More: Melrose Park (Chicago Area)
Missouri College
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's - Medical Assisant, Health Care Management, Dental Assistant
Select a Campus to Learn More: Brentwood
Pinnacle Career Institute
Programs Offered: Certificate - Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding
Select a Campus to Learn More: Kansas City North , Kansas City South
Sanford-Brown College
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's - Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Services, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Care Administration, Medical Billing and Coding, Radiography
Select a Campus to Learn More: Fenton, Hazelwood, St. Peters
Vatterott College
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's - Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding
Select a Campus to Learn More: Berkeley, Joplin, Kansas City, O'Fallon, Springfield, St. Joseph, Sunset Hills
Wichita Technical Institute
Programs Offered: Certificate - Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding
Select a Campus to Learn More: Joplin
Online Medical Assistant Programs Offered in Missouri
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)

