Best Medical Assistant Schools in Missouri

If you want to work in healthcare without spending years in college, becoming a medical assistant is one of the fastest ways to get started. In Missouri, you can complete your training in less than a year and step right into a job helping doctors and patients. The key is choosing the right school.

This guide lists the best medical assistant programs in Missouri, what to look for in a school, and the steps you'll need to take to get certified.

What Medical Assistants Do

Medical assistants work in doctors' offices, clinics, and hospitals. They perform both administrative and clinical tasks.

Typical duties include:

• Taking patient vital signs
• Recording medical histories
• Preparing exam rooms
• Scheduling appointments
• Assisting with basic procedures

Missouri does not require medical assistants to be licensed, but most employers prefer graduates of an accredited training program who have earned a professional certification.

How to Choose the Right Medical Assistant School in Missouri

Not all programs are the same. Here's what to consider before enrolling:

1. Accreditation
   Look for schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This ensures you'll be eligible for national certification exams.

2. Program Length
   Most Missouri medical assistant certificate programs run 8-12 months. Associate degrees usually take 18-24 months.

3. Hands-On Training
   Choose a program with a built-in externship so you get real-world experience.

4. Certification Preparation
   Confirm that the curriculum covers material for exams like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

5. Job Placement Support
   Some schools have strong relationships with local healthcare employers, which can help you get hired faster.

Top Accredited Medical Assistant Schools in Missouri

Here are some respected options based on accreditation, program quality, and student support:

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Missouri

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Finish High School or Get a GED - Required before entering most programs.
2. Complete an Accredited MA Program - Look for CAAHEP or ABHES approval.
3. Apply for Your Externship - Gain hands-on training in a medical office.
4. Pass a Certification Exam - Common options are CMA through the AAMA or RMA through AMT.
5. Apply for Jobs in Clinics or Hospitals - Highlight your skills and internship experience.

Missouri does not require a license for medical assistants, but certification makes you a stronger job candidate and may be necessary for certain employers.

Certification Options After Training

Once you graduate, you can choose from a few national certifications. The most recognized include:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - Offered by the AAMA
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - Offered by AMT
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) - Offered by NCCT

Each has its own eligibility requirements, but all require passing an exam.

Program Length and Structure

Here's a quick comparison of how long programs typically take in Missouri:

If you want to start working sooner, go for a certificate or diploma. If you want more career flexibility, an associate degree may be better.

Tips for Success in Your Training

• Attend every class and lab session - Skills are easier to master with repetition.
• Use your externship to network - It's often where job offers start.
• Ask instructors for feedback - They're there to help you improve.
• Stay organized - Administrative skills matter just as much as clinical ones.

Resources for Medical Assistant Students in Missouri

• Bureau of Labor Statistics - Medical Assistants
• American Association of Medical Assistants
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Final Thoughts

Getting trained as a medical assistant in Missouri can take less than a year if you choose the right certificate or diploma program. Always pick an accredited school, make the most of your externship, and plan to get nationally certified.

Here's what you should do next:

1. Make a shortlist of accredited Missouri programs.
2. Contact each school to compare tuition, schedules, and externship locations.
3. Apply early to secure a spot - programs fill fast.

Your training is the foundation of your medical career. Start with a school that gives you the skills, confidence, and credentials you need.

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