Study At A Medical Assistant School in Missouri, Pursue A Perfect Career For You
Many colleges and vocational schools in the state of Missouri offer medical assisting certificates, diplomas and associate and bachelor degree programs that help prepare graduates to pursue careers in physicians’ offices, clinics and nursing homes. While working as a medical assistant and performing clinical and administrative tasks, you might use tools like:
- Spirometers
- Hypodermic needles
- Medical software
Before we get into education information for medical assistants in Missouri, we thought you’d be interested to learn some general education information about the state.
Colleges in Missouri
According to the 2018 National Center for Education Statistics:
- There are 28 public colleges in Missouri
- 14 of those colleges are 4 year schools, while 14 are 2 year schools
- In 2018 there were 378,700 enrolled college students
- Total 2018 male fall enrollment is 160,564
- Total 2018 female fall enrollment is 218,136
Do I Need a Medical Assistant Certification in Missouri?
While medical assistants are not required to be certified, many employers may prefer to hire someone who has earned a certification or degree in medical assisting. It is typical for medical assistants to pursue graduation from postsecondary education programs, and medical assisting programs in Missouri are available from community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and universities. These programs usually lead to earning a certificate or diploma. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits five certifications for medical assistants.
How Much Do Medical Assistants in Missouri Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were 10,870 medical assistants in Missouri. These 10k plus pros represent .39% of the states job. The median wage for medical assistants in Missouri is $33,160. With an hourly median pay of $15.94.
What are the top metro areas in Missouri to work in?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metro area that pays the most is Kansas City. The 2019 median salary for medical assistants in these other metro areas is as follows:
| Metro Area | Jobs | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau-Jackson, MO-IL | 230 | $13.60 | $28,280 |
| Columbia, MO | 240 | $15.14 | $31,490 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 230 | $14.23 | $29,600 |
| Joplin, MO | 260 | $14.03 | $29,190 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 4,260 | $16.70 | $34,740 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 230 | $13.88 | $28,880 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 5,890 | $16.45 | $34,210 |
| Springfield, MO | 820 | $13.31 | $27,680 |
Where do medical assistants work?
Medical assistants usually work in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that involve working with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
A few hospitals in Missouri:
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
- Missouri Baptist Medical Center
- Boone Hospital Center
- Mercy Hospital St. Louis
What Medical Assisting Professional Organizations are there in Missouri?
If you are interested in potentially enhancing your network after graduation, consider joining a professional medical assistant organization. The Missouri State Society is such an organization and their webpage offers members information like a delegate report, meetings, events, photos, bylaws, and a newsletter.