How to Become a Medical Assistant in Kansas
Medical assistants play an integral role in the functioning of a hospital or other medical facility. They help physicians perform tasks when diagnosing and evaluating patients. Additionally, medical assistants complete administrative duties like record-keeping, appointment scheduling and other clerical functions. If you’re interested in entering this field, you should be passionate about healthcare and enjoy conveying and relaying accurate, important information.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Kansas
Kansas is one of many U.S. states that do not require medical assistants to complete post-secondary education or earn national certification before practicing. In most cases, however, employers will prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assistant training program, as well as those who possess certification. In other cases, you may find that a high school diploma or equivalent is all you need to get your foot in the door.
Medical Assistant Training and Educational Programs in Kansas
Enrolling in a training program is optional, but it is the best decision if you want to excel quickly within this industry. Each program below is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- Coffeyville Community College allows students to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical assisting, which will take two years to complete. This program consists of a combination of in-person and online classes.
- Northwest Kansas Technical College is located in the city of Goodland. Students can choose to complete either an Associate of Applied Science degree or a Technical Certificate in medical assisting. The degree will take two years to complete, while the certificate can be completed in about one year.
- Rasmussen College is located in the city of Overland Park. Students will earn a diploma in medical assisting in as little as 12 months. Classes take place in-person and online.
Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Kansas
Medical assistants can earn up to four types of national certification. Of these, the two most common certifications are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Others include the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). All of these certifications are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
To earn one or more of these certifications, you will need to complete a medical assistant training program accredited by either the CAAHEP or the ABHES. Typically, you can substitute experience for education; however, some of these organizations may require you to have a combination of the two.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in Kansas
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2021, medical assistants in Kansas earned an average hourly wage of $16.99, which is equivalent to $35,340 per year. The top 10 percent of medical assistants working in this state earned $39,890 the same year.
BLS data also indicate that, in 2020, there were 5,650 medical assistants employed in Kansas. By 2030, there are expected to be 6,450 medical assistants working in the field in Kansas, signifying a 14 percent expansion in the job market during this 10-year period.
Working as a Medical Assistant in Kansas
Medical assistants working in Kansas will earn the highest compensation in cities like Kansas City, Edwardsville and Bonner Springs. But no matter the area in which you work, you can expect to find employment in hospitals, clinics, private practices and other medical facilities.
You can choose to work with specific types of doctors or in particular hospital wings, and you can expect to work directly with people throughout each shift, using your customer service skills and medical expertise to excel at your job.
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FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Kansas?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Kansas made an average of $35,340 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $28,820 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $39,890.
