Best Medical Assistant Schools in Kansas

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want to become a medical assistant in Kansas, the first step is choosing the right school. The program you choose will affect your training quality, your ability to earn certifications, and your first job opportunities. In Kansas, you can find accredited medical assistant programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and some private institutions.

This guide will cover the best options in the state, what to look for in a program, and the steps you'll take to start working in the field.

What a Medical Assistant Does

Medical assistants help doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers in clinics, hospitals, and outpatient centers. They handle both clinical tasks like taking patient vitals and preparing rooms, and administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and managing records.

To work in Kansas, you don't have to be licensed by the state, but most employers prefer or require certification from a recognized body such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

Tip: Even though certification is not legally required in Kansas, it can make you much more competitive for jobs.

How to Choose the Right Medical Assistant Program in Kansas

When evaluating schools, focus on:

  • Accreditation - Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
  • Program Length - Most certificate or diploma programs take 9-12 months. Associate degrees can take about 2 years.
  • Hands-On Training - A good program will include clinical externships where you work with real patients.
  • Certification Preparation - Make sure the program prepares you for CMA or RMA exams.
  • Job Placement Assistance - Schools with employer partnerships can help you start working quickly after graduation.
Credential Type Typical Length Includes Externship?
Certificate/Diploma 9-12 months Yes
Associate Degree ~24 months Yes

Best Accredited Medical Assistant Schools in Kansas

Here are some respected options for medical assistant training in Kansas. Always check the school's official site for the most current program details.

1. Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech)

  • Location: Wichita, KS
  • Offers a Medical Assistant Technical Certificate program.
  • Accredited by CAAHEP.
  • Includes hands-on externship hours.
  • Prepares graduates for the CMA certification exam.

2. Johnson County Community College

  • Location: Overland Park, KS
  • Offers a Medical Assistant Certificate program.
  • Program blends classroom instruction, lab practice, and real-world externships.
  • Accredited by CAAHEP.

3. Manhattan Area Technical College

  • Location: Manhattan, KS
  • Focus on both administrative and clinical skills.
  • Accreditation through CAAHEP.
  • Provides eligibility for national certification testing.

4. Hutchinson Community College

  • Location: Hutchinson, KS
  • One-year Medical Assistant program.
  • Includes patient care skills, medical terminology, and electronic health record training.
  • Accredited by CAAHEP.

5. Neosho County Community College

  • Location: Chanute and Ottawa, KS (multiple campuses)
  • Certificate program offers externships at local healthcare facilities.
  • CAAHEP accredited and aligned with CMA exam preparation.

Certification for Kansas Medical Assistants

Kansas does not license medical assistants at the state level. Most employers will want proof of your competency through a national exam.

The two most common certifications are:

  1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program.
  2. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - Offered by American Medical Technologists. Also requires an accredited program or equivalent experience.

Note: Certification must be renewed periodically and may require continuing education credits.

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Kansas

  1. Graduate High School or Earn a GED.
    Admission to most programs requires this.
  2. Enroll in an Accredited Medical Assistant Program.
    Choose one that includes clinical experience and prepares for certification exams.
  3. Complete the Program.
    Attend classes, finish lab work, and complete your externship.
  4. Take Your Certification Exam.
    Apply for the CMA or RMA after you graduate.
  5. Apply for Jobs.
    Clinics, hospitals, specialty offices, and urgent care centers hire medical assistants.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards and covers required skills. It also guarantees you can take national certification exams.

Reminder: Many Kansas healthcare employers will only hire certified medical assistants from accredited programs.

Continuing Education and Career Growth

Once you're working, keep learning. Some medical assistants specialize in areas like pediatrics, cardiology, or orthopedics. Others use the experience to move into nursing, healthcare administration, or other medical fields.

Staying certified will require continuing education credits. Your certifying body will tell you how many hours are needed and in what subjects.

Final Advice

If you want to start your healthcare career quickly, a medical assistant program is a solid choice. Focus on Kansas schools with CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation, a strong externship component, and proven preparation for certification. Contact admissions, visit campuses if possible, and talk to recent graduates about their experience.

Here's what you should do next:

  1. Make a short list of accredited Kansas programs.
  2. Compare program length, cost, and externship opportunities.
  3. Contact each school to confirm enrollment dates.
  4. Apply early to secure your spot.

Choosing the right school now will set you up for a strong start in the medical field.

Sources:
[^1] :U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Medical Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
[^2] :Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): https://www.caahep.org

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