Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries in Iowa

Check out the top ranked medical assistant programs, salary outlook, and certification requirements in Iowa.
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Updated June 27, 2023

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Over the course of the next decade, the demand for competent, trained medical assistants will continue to increase-driven by an aging population and increased access to preventive care due to the Affordable Care Act. This national trend holds true in Iowa with over 23 percent job growth predicted in the state through 2012. In one to two years, Iowa students can earn a certificate, diploma or associate degree in medical assisting. Programs in Iowa include valuable externship experiences that provide supervised, hands-on practice. In Iowa, medical assistants earn a median hourly wage that is over $2 higher than the average of all healthcare support positions in the state.

If you want to learn more about becoming a medical assistant in Iowa, read on to find out about certifications, schools and salary information.

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Best Medical Assisting Schools in Iowa

OUR METHODOLOGY+

To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria:

  • Accredited at the institutional level
  • Private nonprofit or public school
  • Minimum of 1 bachelor's or master's degree in subject area for 4-year schools
  • Minimum of 1 associate degree or certificate program in subject area for 2-year schools

Schools were then scored on factors such as:

  • Cost & Financial Aid
  • Number and variety of program offerings
  • Student-teacher ratios
  • Graduation rates (4-year schools only)
  • Placement and support services offered
  • Academic/Career counseling services
  • Employment services
  • Loan default rates

These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or "bang for your buck" of a college or degree program.

Medical assisting is a great field to get into if helping and caring for others is your passion. Medical assistants take on some basic patient care, including giving injections and medications, measuring vital signs and recording patient histories. They go to work in health care facilities, hospitals and physician offices, where duties may vary. To earn a degree or certificate in medical assisting, you must first find the right program for your needs and schedule. We've done the research for you, looking at student-to-teacher ratios, available programs, student services, tuition rates and more to bring you our 2017 Best Medical Assisting Schools in Iowa below.

  1. Iowa Lakes Community College
    Location

    Estherville, IA

    Iowa Lakes Community College offers a medical assisting program that provides students with the knowledge necessary to become a multi-skilled worker in a medical office or clinic. On top of learning the administrative functions that keep a medical office running properly, students will also develop an understanding of human anatomy and physiology that will allow them to assist with basic and advanced medical examinations. One of Iowa Lakes Community College’s primary goals is to foster inclusivity in its community, which is why it regularly hosts a variety of on-campus events to allow students from all backgrounds to get to know one another.

  2. Kirkwood Community College
    Location

    Cedar Rapids, IA

    Kirkwood Community College offers a medical assisting diploma that can be completed in just one year, giving students the chance to begin a career as a medical assistant without spending too much time in school. Graduates from this program will have the skills necessary to achieve an entry-level position in a medical office or clinic, including the ability to process medical billing and insurance paperwork, perform basic patient examinations, and have an extensive understanding of medical terminology. Kirkwood also offers a large selection of its courses in online formats, which are largely beneficial for students who are too busy to attend class in person.

  3. Iowa Central Community College
    Location

    Fort Dodge, IA

    The associate of applied science degree in medical assisting available at Iowa Central Community College is perfect for any student who is interested in beginning a career in the administrative side of the medical industry. With the knowledge students will accrue throughout this program, they will be eligible for entry-level employment in a medical-based setting. Iowa Central seeks to make the education it provides available to any interested student, which is why they offer several courses in online sections. Iowa Central also provides its students with career services that help to guarantee post-graduation employment.

Certification & Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in Iowa

1. How does Iowa define "medical assistant?"

In Iowa, medical assistants are allied health professionals working mainly in outpatient settings such as clinics and practitioner's offices. Medical assistants can perform administrative duties including scheduling and billing. Additionally, medical assistants may assist with taking a patient's medical history and vital statistics. If properly trained and supervised, they may perform other specific clinical tasks including venipuncture and intramuscular, intradermal and subcutaneous injections such as immunizations.

2. Is certification required?

While certification is not required for medical assistants in Iowa, some employers require the nationally recognized Certified Medical Assistant credential within one year of graduation.

3. What certifications are available?

There are several paths to medical assistant certification. Some certifying agencies require work experience or education in addition to an examination. The American Association of Medical Assistants, the credentialing body for Certified Medical Assistants (CMA), will only accept graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). While the Certified Medical Assistant is the most commonly recognized credential, there are several others.

  
Agency:Credential:
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)Certified Medical Assistant
American Medical Technologists (AMT)Registered Medical Assistant
American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA)Registered Medical Assistant
National Center for Competency TestingMedical Assistant (NCMA)Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)
National Healthcareer AssociationCertified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

4. Is a formal education and/or training required?

While formal training may not be required, it is clearly preferred by employers. Both diploma and associate degree medical assistant programs prepare students for entry-level positions in medical assisting.

5. Are there additional requirements?

Often, healthcare providers in Iowa may require medical assistants to have training in certain procedures such as CPR. Employers may require criminal background checks as well as drug testing.

6. Are there tasks outside the scope of medical assistants in Iowa?

Medical assistants are restricted from performing duties that specifically require the skill or knowledge of a licensed nurse or physician or would require the medical assistant to make clinical evaluations or assessments. Prohibited duties include:

  • Providing expanded intravenous therapy including catheterization
  • Triage
  • Signing prescriptions
  • Initial patient assessment

Additionally, medical assistants may not refer to themselves as nurse, office nurse or doctor.

Salaries for Medical Assistants in Iowa

Medical Assistant salaries in Iowa track closely to the national average.

 Annual Wage
25th percentile
Annual Wage
Median
Annual Wage
75th percentile
Hourly Wage
Median
Iowa$25,320$29,290$35,170$14.08
National$25,500$29,960$36,070$14.41
Source: BLS, 2014

Iowa Medical Assistant Salaries: City and Metropolitan Area Salaries

Salaries for medical assistants can vary depending on where you live in Iowa. The highest median annual wages are found in Iowa City. Generally speaking, medical assistants earn more in metropolitan rather than the rural areas. The area of Davenport, Moline and Rock Island proves the exception to this rule. With an annual median wage of $26,730, or just $12.85 per hour, it has the lowest of areas in Iowa profiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

     
AreaAnnual Wage
25th percentile
Annual Wage
Median
Annual Wage
75th percentile
Hourly Wage
Median
Ames, IA$26,700$30,640$35,940$14.73
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA$27,140$31,920$37,910$15.35
Dubuque, IA$26,350$30,550$36,080$14.69
Iowa City, IA$32,100$35,650$39,430$17.14
Waterloo-Cedar Rapids, IA$23,590$29,030$36,360$13.96
Source: BLS, 2014

With improved access to medical care for many patients, medical practitioners and clinics will see a real uptick in demand for their services. As a result, they will need to rely more heavily upon well-trained medical assistants to keep their offices running smoothly.

Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022

 Average Annual
Openings
Current
Employment
Projected
Employment 2022
Jobs
Added
Growth
Rate
Iowa1503,6004,44084023.3%
National26,990560,800723,700162,90029%
*Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022

Iowa Medical Assisting Schools Spotlight

Iowa community, private and technical schools offer a variety of medical assisting programs. Prospective students can find diploma and certificate programs as well as programs that lead to an associate degree in medical assisting. Look for a school that is accredited and offers students an opportunity to put their skills into practice through an externship or practicum program. Here are a few selected schools to help you start your search.

WESTERN IOWA TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

School Type:
Technical Community College

Accreditation:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Higher Learning Commission

School highlights:
WIT students are issued at Mac Book Air to assist in their studies
Medical Assistant programs are offered at WIT's maine campus in Sioux City, Iowa

Programs offered:
Medical Assistant Diploma
Medical Scribe Diploma
Medical Secretary Diploma

Western Iowa Technical Community College

KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

School Type:
Community college

Accreditation:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Approved by Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)

School highlights:
Kirkwood offers two medical assisting programs: a 3-term diploma program or a 4-term associate degree
Both programs include an externship at a clinic during which students get supervised, hands-on practice

Programs offered:
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
Diploma in Medical Assisting

Kirkwood Community College

MERCY COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

School Type:
Private college

Accreditation:
Higher Learning Commission
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

School highlights:
Graduates of the associate degree program can go on to pursue a degree in Health Care Administration or Health Science
Mercy College graduates had a 100% licensure and certification pass rate over three years
Certificate, two and four year programs offered
Mercy College specializes in health care education

Programs offered:
Medical Assisting Certificate Program
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting (ASMA)

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Iowa Medical Assistant Resources

American Association of Medical Assistants
The AAMA is an education, certification, credentialing, and advocacy organization representing medical assistants nationally.

Iowa Medical Group Management Association
This professional organization helps medical office managers stay up-to-date and in compliance as they manage or perform the day-to-day tasks that support a medical practice.

Iowa Medical Society
IMS is a professional education and advocacy organization for healthcare providers in Iowa.

Iowa Society of Medical Assistants
This trade group offers certification, continuing education and networking opportunities with chapters throughout the state of Iowa.

Salary.com, Iowa Medical Assistants
This website provides salary information as well as job listings in Iowa.

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