Medical Assistant Programs in Iowa

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Iowa - Top Medical Assistant Programs in Iowa

Medical assistants perform a number of important job duties, assisting doctors and nurses with both medical and administrative tasks. As a result, a medical assistant will need to possess a wide range of different skills. There are opportunities available for medical assistants in Iowa in both doctor's offices as well as hospitals. To start the process of learning how to become a medical assistant in Iowa, it's a good idea to learn more about what the job entails and what training programs are available. Generally, students can choose to complete either a one-year certificate program or a two-year associate's degree from an accredited Iowa school.

Coursework in these various medical assistant programs in Iowa will include first aid, medical billing, medical terminology, and anatomy. After completing the one or two-year program, the next step in how to become a medical assistant in Iowa is to take a certification exam. This exam is offered three times a year, administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. It must then be renewed every five years. While you do not need to earn this certification in order to work as a medical assistant in Iowa, some employers may require that you have this certification. There are a number of tasks that a medical assistant will perform in a typical work day, including taking vital signs, assisting with medical record-keeping and administering injections.

A good source of information for those looking for the best medical assistant programs in Iowa is the Iowa Society of Medical Assistants. This professional organization provides continuing education and certification for medical assistants in this state, along with networking opportunities. There are currently over 900 professional members in Iowa. They are associated with the American Association of Medical Assistants, which provides the Certified Medical Assistant credential outlined above.

The cities with the highest percentage of jobs available for medical assistants include Iowa City, Sioux City, and Des Moines. Some of the top medical assistant programs in Iowa are offered through technical colleges as well as community colleges. Keiser University offers a Medical Assisting associate's degree, while Allied Health Institute offers a Diploma in its Medical Assistant program. Other schools awarding associate's degrees in Medical Assisting include Independence University online and Brown Mackie College in Bettendorf. These programs generally take between one to two years to complete, at which time prospective medical assistants can then go ahead with the certification exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, and join the Iowa Society of Medical Assistants.

Medical Assistant Schools Near You & Online in Iowa

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Des Moines Area Community College

  • 800 Porter Avenue Ankeny, IA 50315
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (515) 287-8700

Kaplan University

Kaplan University

Kirkwood Community College

  • 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (319) 398-5411

Iowa Western Community College

  • 2700 College Rd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (712) 325-3200

Kaplan University

Kaplan University

  • 1801 East Kimberly Road Davenport, IA 52807
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (563) 355-3500

Iowa Lakes Community College

  • 3200 College Drive Emmetsburg, IA 50536
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (712) 852-3554

Iowa Central Community College

  • One Triton Circle Fort Dodge, IA 50501
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN
    1(800)362-2793

Ellsworth Community College

  • 1100 College Avenue Iowa Falls, IA 50126
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (641) 648-4611

Kaplan University

North Iowa Area Community College

  • 500 College Drive Mason City, IA 50401
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (641) 423-1264

Western Iowa Technical Community College

  • 4647 Stone Avenue Sioux City, IA 51102
    Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (712) 274-6400

Kaplan University

Southeastern Community College

  • 1500 West Agency Rd. West Burlington, IA 52655
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (866) 772-4692