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Receive your NHA CCMA certification
100% online followed by in-person clinical hours
Job interview prep and resume services
1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment
Stepful’s Medical Assistant program is designed for those looking to take the next step in their careers by becoming a certified medical assistant in Missouri.
Our online program prepares you to earn your Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification from the National Healthcareer Association and perform all the duties of medical assistants, including both those in the front office as well as working with patients.
Our Missouri Medical Assistant classes take 4 months to complete and cover all essential topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare systems, phlebotomy, EKG, patient care coordination, and much more.
The Stepful staff is here to support you at every stage of the journey. From career preparedness to help finding an in-person externship*, we're here to help you launch your career in healthcare.
*Please note, students must be available M-F, 9-5 p.m. to be eligible for externship support.
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At-home clinical kit included
What you’ll learn
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Weeks 1-4
Learn the foundational healthcare knowledge needed to become a well-rounded Medical Assistant. Topics include healthcare systems, medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
Weeks 5-8
Master the ins and outs of clinical patient care, such as infection control, phlebotomy, EKG, as well as patient care coordination and education.
Weeks 9-13
Learn how to handle routine administrative responsibilities and get a good grasp of medical law and ethics as well as excellent customer service.
Weeks 14-17+
Prepare for your national certification exam, get certified, and work with your dedicated coach to find an externship and then a full-time job.
Pick Your Start Date
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01
Earn Your High School Diploma or GED
A high school diploma or GED is required to become a medical assistant. You’ll need this credential when enrolling in a training program or applying for jobs. If you don’t have one, you can complete a GED program online or in person in just a few weeks.
02
Complete a Medical Assistant Training Program
Missouri does not require certification to work as a medical assistant, but most employers prefer to hire candidates with formal training. Completing a recognized program improves your job prospects and equips you with essential clinical and administrative skills.
Stepful’s 4-month online Medical Assistant Training Program prepares students for certification and employment. Our program is affordable, flexible, and designed to help you gain confidence while learning from experienced instructors.
03
Gain Hands-On Experience Through an Externship
Externships allow students to apply their skills in real-world healthcare settings under professional supervision. Hands-on experience in clinics or hospitals helps build confidence and makes you a stronger job candidate.
At Stepful, we help eligible students* secure externships with partner healthcare facilities and provide guidance throughout the experience. In Missouri, externship opportunities may be available at Cox Health and Jordan Valley Community Health Center (not necessarily affiliated with Stepful).
*Eligibility is based on academic standing, financial status, and availability for at least 20 hours per week during regular business hours.
04
Pass your Medical Assistant Certification Exam
Certification demonstrates your competency and increases your job opportunities. Missouri does not require a specific certification, so you can choose from:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Stepful’s program prepares students to take the CCMA exam, which focuses on clinical medical assisting skills.
05
Search for Jobs
Job sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter list medical assistant positions throughout Missouri. You can also find openings at healthcare systems such as Mercy Hospital and MU Healthcare, which frequently hire medical assistants.
At Stepful, we provide career support services, including resume assistance, interview coaching, and job placement help to connect graduates with employers in their area.
There are no certification requirements for medical assistants in Missouri.
However, having a certification—such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) designation from the National Healthcareers Association (NHA), which is the one you’ll test for after completing our Missouri Medical Assistant Training Program—may help you get a job and earn a higher salary.
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There are many healthcare careers in Missouri that must be licensed, such as physical therapist assistants and anesthesiologist assistants. Medical assistants do not require a license in Missouri.
State laws and regulations are created to ensure that healthcare professionals only perform tasks appropriate for their training and skill set. Since Missouri doesn’t regulate or license medical assistants, there is no specific language about what a medical assistant can and cannot do in the state.
Medical assistants work under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider so that provider can decide what the medical assistant is trained for and capable of doing.
What Medical Assistants Can Do in Missouri
In most states, medical assistants’ scope of practice includes things like:
- Taking vital signs
- Preparing patients for the physician’s care
- Performing venipunctures and non-intravenous injections
- Observing and reporting patients’ signs or symptoms
- Administering basic first aid
- Assisting with patient examinations or treatments
- Operating office medical equipment
- Collecting routine laboratory specimens as directed by the physician
- Administering medication as directed by the physician
- Performing basic laboratory procedures
- Documentation of procedures
The role of a medical assistant also includes administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, performing medical billing and coding, and more.
What Medical Assistants Cannot Do in Missouri
Medical assistants are unlicensed individuals who work under the supervision of a physician or other licensed healthcare provider. Generally speaking, they are prohibited from examining, diagnosing, or treating patients.
Here are some specific tasks that most medical assistants are not allowed to do:
- Diagnose or treat patients
- Interpret test results
- Administer IV medications or anesthesia
- Perform physical therapy
- Perform invasive techniques
Common Missouri Medical Assistant Responsibilities
Medical assistants commonly perform a variety of clinical duties, such as:
- Taking patient vitals
- Documenting patient information in an electronic health record
- Preparing patients for procedures
- Collecting urine, sputum, and stool samples
- Assisting with procedures
- Drawing blood
- Giving subcutaneous injections
- Giving intramuscular injections
- Sterilizing surgical tools
Medical assistants also perform a variety of administrative duties, such as:
- Answering phone calls
- Assisting with billing and insurance
- Scheduling appointments
- Organizing supplies
- Maintaining inventory
Medical assistants in Missouri are in demand, and the profession is growing. As of May 2023, Missouri had 11,820 jobs in the state, or 4.11 per 1,000 residents. Medical assistants in Missouri earn a decent salary, with a median salary of $38,260, or $18.40 per hour.
Nationally, medical assistant jobs are expected to increase by 15% over the next decade. This is more than three times higher than the average growth expected for all jobs across the nation (4%) and better than the projected job growth for all healthcare jobs (12%). This high demand means that certified medical assistants should be able to find a job easily and may be able to negotiate for higher starting wages.
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Salary: $38,260 / year
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Job Outlook: +15% Growth
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# of Jobs in Missouri: 11,820
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Missouri Society of Medical Assistants: This organization provides networking events, continuing education opportunities, and keeps members updated on job openings and advancements in the field.
The Missouri Society of Medical Assistants is an affiliate of The American Association of Medical Assistants, with chapters representing different parts of the state.
National organizations that support medical assistants in their careers include:
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Your new Medical Assistant career starts here
