Iowa has a strong demand for medical workers, especially in rural parts of the state. If you are looking for a good job to start in the next few years, being a medical assistant could be a good fit for you. Medical assistants only spend about a year in school, and they get the satisfaction of having solid job security well into the future. Let’s take a look at some medical assistant schools in Iowa so you can learn more about your options.
Iowa Medical Assistant Schools at a Glance
When you start looking at Iowa medical assistant schools, keep accreditation in mind. The CAAHEP and the ABHES are the two biggest accreditation boards for medical assistant schools in the country. If they approve of a school you’re attending, you know you are getting a good education.
Most medical assistant students graduate with an associate of science in medical assisting. This may be enough to get your foot in the door, but some employers also look for medical assistants who are certified in their craft. This means you will need to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam from the National Healthcare Association or the American Association of Medical Assistants. If you pass that exam, you will be able to work just about anywhere you want.
If you would like to learn more about the certification exam, feel free to reach out to the Iowa State Society of Medical Assistants through their website or Facebook page.
Medical Assistant Jobs in Iowa
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 4,480 employed medical assistants in Iowa as of 2012, which is a low amount considering the size of the state. In fact, the ratio of medical assistants to overall employees in Iowa is only 72% of the national average. This means that you should have no trouble finding work in this state because there is a void needing to be filled at this time. You’ll earn an impressive $13.95 an hour on average, which equals about $29,700 a year. That should be more than enough to support your family in the future.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Iowa
- Location: Cedar Rapids
- Programs: Diploma
- Tuition*: $8,275
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Location: Des Moines
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $17,733
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
Southeastern Community College
- Location: West Burlington
- Programs: Diploma
- Tuition*: $14,495
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
North Iowa Area Community College
- Location: Mason City
- Programs: Associate’s
- Tuition*: $28,072
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
Ellsworth Community College
- Location: Iowa Falls
- Programs: Diploma
- Tuition*: $6,624
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
