Medical Administrative Assistant Programs in Missouri
In Missouri, and across the country, administrative medical assistants fill important roles in many healthcare facilities, including medical clinics, private practices, hospitals and nursing homes. An education from an accredited medical assisting school in Missouri can open doors to professional fulfillment and gratifying patient interaction.
Contact those schools that offer Medical Admin Assistant programs in Missouri from those you see listed below. You can get program details to start comparing your options today.
Administrative medical assistants often greet patients, schedule appointments, update patient files and process patient insurance information. If you enjoy interacting with people and are detail-oriented, this may be an excellent career for you. You’ll often work around doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, and patients can benefit from your caring and empathetic approach.
Although a few prospective employers may consider job applicants with only a high school diploma, most look for candidates with diplomas from Associates Degree programs or certificate programs. Many healthcare employers also look closely at applicants that have successfully completed their certification exam. O*Net reported results of a survey that suggested that 65 percent of administrative medical assistants had diplomas from certificate programs, and 18 percent had Associates Degrees.
Administrative Medical Assisting Programs in Missouri
A high school diploma or its equivalent is usually required for admission to an accredited certificate program. Colleges and universities with Associates Degree programs may require a minimum high school GPA to be considered for admission. You can reach out to the schools that offer Med Admin Assistant programs in Missouri to see exactly what you will need to apply.
Certificate programs often require about 12-18 months of coursework. Specific classes in medical terminology, patient coding, healthcare ethics and medical office procedures are often a part of the curriculum. Associates degree programs will typically include some general classes in math, English and the physical sciences.
Upon graduation, you can sign up to take the CMAA exam, which can be a great way to boost your chances of being hired by potential employers. You can prepare for the exam by studying previous course materials and taking practice exams. Certification as an administrative medical assistant may qualify you for increased wages or more job opportunities.
Medical Administrative/Office Assistant Careers in Missouri
The median wage for Missouri medical assistants was $27,400 in 2013, according to O*Net. The job outlook is very good, with O*Net projecting that the number of jobs may increase by 22 percent from 2012 to 2022. An aging population and the impact of the Affordable Health Care Act are factors that may further strengthen the future demand for administrative medical assistants.
Imagine a future in which you work alongside caring healthcare professionals in a professional environment. Then, imagine how fulfilling it can be to serve patients in a caring and helpful way. A career as an administrative medical assistant can offer these things and much more.