How to Become a Medical Assistant in Missouri
Medical assistants greet patients, record medical information and handle administrative duties in a health care environment. They may also need to measure patients’ vitals or assist doctors as they examine patients.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Missouri
In Missouri, similar to most other U.S. states, there are no requirements for medical assistants to earn certification before practicing. There is also no law stating that medical assistants must complete post-secondary education in order to work in this field. Typically, employers will have a minimum requirement of a high school diploma or GED, but some employers may also require medical assistants to complete a training program or earn certification before being hired.
Medical Assistant Training and Educational Programs in Missouri
If you choose to enroll in a training program, it is best to choose one that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Consider the programs below, all of which are accredited by one or both of these organizations.:
- East Central College is located in the city of Union. Students will earn a Certificate of Completion in medical assisting with just one year of study.
- Bolivar Technical College offers both a Certificate of Completion as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical assisting. The certificate program will take one year to complete, while the degree can be earned with two years of study.
- Midwest Institute is located in Earth City and offers a Certificate of Completion in medical assisting. This program can be completed in about one year.
Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Missouri
There are a few different certifications available for medical assistants. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) are the two most common certifications, but you may also choose to earn the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) or the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications. These certifications are all accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Successful completion of an ABHES- or CAAHEP-accredited medical assistant training program may be all you need to sit for some of these exams. You may be able to substitute experience for education, or you may need a combination of both to sit for certain exams, as they all have their own requirements.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in Missouri
The demand for medical assistants in Missouri is expected to continue growing, driven by the aging U.S. population and the increasing need for healthcare services. Medical assistants in Missouri play a crucial role in supporting healthcare providers by performing both administrative and clinical tasks. As of 2022, medical assistants in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $36,320, with the starting salaries at $29,670 and the top earners making up to $45,330 annually. This competitive wage reflects the vital services medical assistants provide in the healthcare industry in Missouri.
National vs. Missouri Salaries for Medical Assistants
| Location | Average Salary | Low (10%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $38,270 | $30,390 | $51,710 |
| Missouri | $36,320 | $29,670 | $45,330 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Missouri
| Region | Low (10%) | Median | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $31,200 | $37,810 | $46,450 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $31,330 | $37,620 | $45,460 |
| Springfield, MO | $29,390 | $35,270 | $40,810 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Missouri
In 2020, Missouri employed 10,370 medical assistants. This number is projected to grow to 12,050 by 2030, marking a 16% increase in employment within this period. This growth rate is slightly higher than the national average growth rate for medical assistants, which is projected at 14% from 2022 to 2032. Annually, Missouri is expected to have 1,470 job openings for medical assistants from 2020 to 2030, which includes openings due to growth and replacements for vacated positions. This data underscores the strong demand for medical assistants in Missouri, reflecting broader trends in healthcare employment across the state and the nation.
Employment Trends
| Indicator | 2020 | 2030 | Projected Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 10,370 | 12,050 | 16% | 1,470 |
Sources of data:
- Missouri Data: The employment figures and projections for Missouri are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central specializes in state-level employment projections, providing detailed insights into various occupations.
- United States Data: The national employment statistics and projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly their 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as a Medical Assistant in Missouri
Saint Louis, Saint Ann and Florissant are Missouri cities in which the highest paid medical assistants can be found working. Since there will continue to be a great demand for medical assistants over the next several years, you should take advantage of your opportunity to enter this career field.
Medical assistants will typically work in private practices, hospitals, clinics or other types of medical facilities. You may also prefer to work with certain types of physicians, such as pediatricians or dermatologists. If this sounds interesting to you, you should know that now is as good a time as any to get started as a medical assistant.
Popular Schools
FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Missouri?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Missouri made an average of $35,280 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $28,490 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $42,060.
