How to Become a Medical Assistant in Missouri

Medical assistants serve as the backbone of health care facilities across Missouri, bridging the gap between clinical care and administrative efficiency. These professionals work alongside physicians and nurses, ensuring smooth operations in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals while providing essential patient care services.

For those considering a career in health care, medical assisting offers a direct path to making a meaningful impact in Missouri's medical community. The role combines hands-on patient care with organizational responsibilities, creating opportunities for individuals who enjoy both personal interaction and precision-oriented tasks.

Key Points  

• Medical assistants in Missouri work in a mix of clinical and administrative roles.  
• The profession is projected to grow 15% nationally from 2023 to 2033.  
• The average annual salary for Missouri medical assistants is $39,230.  
• Missouri does not require state licensure but certifications like CMA or RMA are often preferred.  
• Major employers in Missouri include Barnes-Jewish Hospital, SSM Health, and Mercy Hospitals.  

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants are integral to health care teams, supporting both clinical and administrative tasks. They assist physicians with patient care and handle organizational duties in medical settings. Many medical assistants choose to specialize in clinical or administrative areas, depending on their career goals.  

Responsibilities of Medical Assistants

Medical assistants perform tasks such as recording patient medical histories, measuring vital signs, assisting physicians during examinations, and managing appointment schedules. They also prepare lab specimens, administer injections under supervision, and update electronic health records.  

Strong interpersonal skills, proficiency with technology, and attention to detail are critical traits for success in this role.  

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Missouri

1. Graduate High School or Earn a GED

A high school diploma or GED is required to begin medical assistant training. Courses in biology, anatomy, or health sciences during high school can provide a helpful foundation. This credential is necessary for admission into accredited programs.  

2. Compare Medical Assistant Programs in Missouri

Exploring the available medical assistant programs in Missouri is essential to selecting the right fit. Accredited programs offer structured training and prepare students for certification.  

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Accredited Programs in Missouri

Programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) meet national standards. Accreditation ensures that the program prepares students for certifications recognized by employers.  

Program Formats

Missouri institutions provide a variety of training formats:  

• Online Programs: Bryan University offers online learning options for students balancing work or family responsibilities.  
• In-Person Programs: WellSpring School of Allied Health and St. Louis College of Health Careers provide classroom-based training paired with hands-on clinical practice.  

Training Costs

Program costs in Missouri typically range from $15,000 to $16,000. Financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, are available through schools and government programs.  

3. Complete a Medical Assistant Program

Medical assistant programs in Missouri vary in length and credential type. Certificates and diplomas are often completed in less than a year, while associate degrees may take two years.  

Students learn essential skills including phlebotomy, medical coding, patient communication, and assisting with minor procedures. Programs also include an externship, where students gain experience in real-world health care settings such as hospitals or clinics.  

4. Obtain Certification

Earning a certification demonstrates expertise and can improve job prospects. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).  

• Eligibility: Graduates of CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs qualify to take the CMA exam.  
• Exam Preparation: Study materials and practice exams are available through the AAMA or training programs.  
• Costs: Exam fees are $125 for AAMA members and $250 for non-members.  

Other certifications include the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). These credentials are also widely recognized by Missouri employers.  

5. Pass the Certification Exam

Certification exams cover clinical, administrative, and general medical assisting topics. Testing centers in Missouri are located in cities like St. Louis and Springfield.  

A score of 430 or higher is required to pass the CMA exam. Certification enhances employability and may lead to higher wages in competitive job markets.  

6. Search for Jobs in Missouri

Medical assistants in Missouri work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physician offices. Notable employers include Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mercy Hospitals in Springfield, and University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia.  

Networking through professional organizations, such as the Missouri Society of Medical Assistants, can connect job seekers with potential employers.  

7. Maintain Certification

Certification renewal is required every five years for the CMA credential. Renewal can be completed by earning sixty continuing education units (CEUs) or retaking the certification exam.  

CEUs can be earned through workshops, online courses, or events hosted by organizations like the Missouri Society of Medical Assistants. Maintaining current certification ensures continued career advancement opportunities.  

Licensure in Missouri

Missouri does not mandate licensure for medical assistants. However, certifications such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA are often preferred by employers. For more information, visit Medical Assistant License and Certification Requirements by State.  

How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Missouri?

Medical assistants in Missouri earn an average hourly wage of $18.86, which translates to an annual mean wage of $39,230. Salaries may vary by location, with larger cities like St. Louis and Kansas City often offering higher pay.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Missouri?  

Training programs range from nine months for certificates to two years for associate degrees.  

What is the fastest you can become a medical assistant?  

Accelerated programs can be completed in as little as six to nine months.  

Can you become a CMA without going to school?  

No, eligibility for the CMA exam requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program.  

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?  

Salaries depend on factors like location, job responsibilities, and experience, rather than solely on certification status.

Start Your Medical Assistant Career Journey

Medical assistants play a vital role in Missouri's evolving health care landscape, combining clinical expertise with administrative capabilities to support patient care. The profession offers opportunities to work in diverse settings, from bustling urban hospitals to community clinics, while developing specialized skills in areas like pediatrics, cardiology, or women's health.

Ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in medical assisting? Explore our comprehensive directory of medical assistant programs in Missouri to find accredited schools that match your schedule and career goals. Each program listing includes detailed information about curriculum, costs, and admission requirements to help you make an informed decision about your education.