Medical Assistant Programs & Certification in Iowa

Medical assistants fill an important role by scheduling appointments, filing paperwork, and assisting doctors with the medical process. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 19% increase in medical assisting positions within the next decade opening up this job market wide open. The first step many people take when starting a career as a medical assistant is to enroll in a training or certificate program. Many of these programs are available online which adds further convenience to getting started. To find out what online medical assistant programs are available to you in Iowa, continue reading below.

Finding an Online Medical Assistant Program in Iowa

While there are many medical assistant programs available in Iowa, there are currently none that offer online education as an option. This will likely change soon as the current trend amongst colleges since the 2020 pandemic is to make as many courses available online as possible. You can keep tabs on this as it progresses by doing an occasional online search, or by talking with friends or family that are already working in the medical profession. If you'd like to check out a few medical assistant programs in Iowa that aren't offered online, check out the medical assistant program offered by Hawkeye Community College, or the medical assistant program offered by Des Moines Area Community College.

Getting a Medical Assistant Certification in Iowa

In Iowa, medical assistants are not required to obtain licensure or certification from state organizations in order to work in the medical field. However, there are national organizations that offer certification programs for medical assistants, which can help enhance your qualifications and increase your opportunities in the field.

To become a certified medical assistant in Iowa, you can follow these general steps:

Education and Training: Complete an accredited medical assistant program that provides the necessary knowledge and skills required for the role. Accredited programs are offered by various educational institutions, including community colleges, vocational schools, and online learning platforms.

Certification Exam: After completing your education and training, you can choose to take a certification exam offered by nationally recognized organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), or the American Medical Technologists (AMT). These exams assess your knowledge and competency in areas such as clinical procedures, administrative tasks, and medical terminology.

Application Submission: Once you have passed the certification exam, you can submit your application for certification to the respective organization. Follow their specific guidelines and provide any required documentation, including proof of education, training, and exam results. Pay the necessary fees as specified by the organization.

Certification Issuance: Upon successful completion of the application process and meeting the certification requirements, the organization will issue your medical assistant certification. This certification demonstrates your competence and validates your qualifications as a medical assistant.

While there are no specific state organizations for medical assistant certification in Iowa, obtaining certification from nationally recognized organizations such as the AAMA, NHA, or AMT can greatly enhance your professional qualifications and increase your job prospects. These certifications are widely recognized and respected in the healthcare industry, including in Iowa.

It’s important to stay updated with any changes or requirements specific to Iowa by regularly checking the Iowa Board of Medical Assistants’ website or contacting the Iowa Department of Public Health. These state organizations can provide information and resources related to the practice of medical assistants in Iowa and any regulatory updates that may affect your career.

Where Can I Find a Job as a Medical Assistant in Iowa?

You'll find that like the rest of the country, Iowa has plenty of job opportunities for newly certified medical assistants. To start applying, a good place to start is to call up local medical centers, hospitals, and nursing homes to ask if they have any open spots. In Iowa, large employers of medical assistants include the University of Iowa Hospital, UnityPoint Health System, and MercyOne Northeast Medical Center.

What Is the Salary for a Medical Assistant in Iowa?

According to Salary.com, the salary range for medical assistants in Iowa is $32,000 to $43,000. However, your actual salary will depend on many factors such as specific location, experience, and any licensing you may hold.

Get More information on medical assistant salaries in Iowa.