How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in Missouri

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in Missouri? If so, you're in the right place! In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to becoming a CMA in Missouri, including the education and training requirements, certification process, and job outlook in the state. Whether you're a high school graduate or a working professional looking for a career change, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started on your journey to becoming a CMA.

Introduction to Medical Assisting

Before we dive into the specifics of becoming a CMA in Missouri, let's first understand what medical assisting is all about. Medical assistants play a crucial role in healthcare settings, providing both administrative and clinical support to physicians and other healthcare professionals. They perform a wide range of tasks, including taking patient vital signs, preparing exam rooms, scheduling appointments, updating medical records, and assisting with minor medical procedures.

Medical assisting is a rewarding career path for individuals who are passionate about helping others and thrive in a fast-paced environment. It offers stability, job security, and opportunities for growth and advancement. With the healthcare industry experiencing rapid growth, the demand for qualified medical assistants is on the rise.

Step 1: Education and Training

The first step to becoming a CMA in Missouri is to complete an accredited medical assisting program. While there are no specific educational requirements to enter a medical assisting program, most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.

There are several options available for medical assisting education and training, including:

Certificate or Diploma Programs: These programs typically take 9-12 months to complete and focus solely on medical assisting coursework. They are a great option for individuals who want to quickly enter the workforce as a CMA.
Associate Degree Programs: These programs take approximately 2 years to complete and include general education courses in addition to medical assisting coursework. An associate degree can provide you with a more comprehensive education and may open up additional career opportunities in the future.
Online CMA Classes: If you prefer a flexible learning schedule or live in an area with limited access to medical assisting programs, online CMA classes may be a good option for you. Online classes allow you to complete your coursework at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. MedicalAssistantCertificationOnline.com offers a wide selection of online medical assistant training programs that are accredited and recognized by employers.

When choosing a medical assisting program, it's important to ensure that it is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain quality standards and will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as a CMA.

Step 2: Certification Process

While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Missouri, it is highly recommended. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can improve your job prospects and earning potential. The most recognized certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

To become a CMA, you must meet the following requirements:

Education: Graduation from an accredited medical assisting program.
Externship: Completion of a supervised, hands-on externship at a healthcare facility.
Certification Exam: Successful completion of the CMA certification exam.

The CMA certification exam is a comprehensive, computer-based exam that assesses your knowledge and skills in areas such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and medical office management. It consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete.

To prepare for the exam, you can take advantage of study resources and practice tests available on the AAMA website. It's important to note that the exam fee is not included in the cost of your medical assisting program and is an additional expense.

Step 3: Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the expansion of healthcare services and the aging population. This growth is expected to create new job opportunities for qualified medical assistants across the country, including in Missouri.

As a CMA in Missouri, you can find employment in various healthcare settings, such as:

Physician Offices: Many medical assistants work in private medical practices, providing support to physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Hospitals: Hospitals employ medical assistants to assist with patient care and administrative tasks.
Outpatient Clinics: Outpatient clinics, such as urgent care centers and specialty clinics, also hire medical assistants to provide patient care and handle administrative duties.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Medical assistants may work in long-term care facilities, assisting with patient care and medication management.
Medical Laboratories: Some medical assistants work in medical laboratories, helping with specimen collection and processing.

The job outlook for medical assistants in Missouri is promising, with a strong demand for skilled professionals in the field. The exact job prospects and earning potential may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific healthcare facility.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in Missouri is an excellent career choice for individuals who are passionate about healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of others. By completing an accredited medical assisting program and obtaining your CMA certification, you will be well-prepared to embark on a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.