M edical Assistant
If you are looking for a stable and fulfilling career with ample job prospects, consider becoming a medical assistant. You’ll be a crucial part of a healthcare team, from collecting a patient’s medical information to taking vital signs and preparing medical equipment, you’ll ensure patients receive the best possible care they can.
T he Perks
As a medical assistant, your days will be busy and never boring. Roles vary depending on the practice you’re in, but wherever you work as a medical assistant you’re almost guaranteed great variety, advancement opportunities, and a good work-life balance.
2
Years
A certificate or associate’s degree typically takes just 1-2 years to complete.
29
Growth
There is an expected 29% growth in employment of medical assistants between 2016-2026.
33,610
Salary
The median annual wage for 2019 is $33,610.
STLCC Medical Assistant Graduate
St. Luke’s Hospital
Becoming a certified Clinical Medical Assistant has helped me gain a foothold into the medical field. My certification has helped solidify a foundation for my goals. The medical assistance training program required perseverance and determination. With the help of my teachers and the staff, I successfully attained my certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant. Everyone is ready and willing to help you learn.
W hat Do I Need?
The following items will set you on a great path to joining this growing profession.
Certificate or Associate's Degree
On-the-Job Training
If you decide additional education isn’t for you, many companies offer on-the-job training programs as a way to gain experience.
Organizational Skills
Medical assistants manage many patient-related tasks and need to be highly detail-oriented in order to be successful.
Ability to Communicate Well
Whether you’re talking with physicians, patients or your coworkers, having good communication skills is key to being a medical assistant.
Analytical Thinking
You’ll need to be able to easily understand and follow the directions of medical charts and diagnoses.
Technical Capabilities
You may learn technical skills during training, but they involve using basic clinical instruments, preparing exam rooms, or assisting with minor procedures.
Certificate or Associate's Degree
Medical assistants with certificates or those who have gone through relevant programs tend to have higher earning potential.
On-the-Job Training
If you decide additional education isn’t for you, many companies offer on-the-job training programs as a way to gain experience.
Organizational Skills
Medical assistants manage many patient-related tasks and need to be highly detail-oriented in order to be successful.
Ability to Communicate Well
Whether you’re talking with physicians, patients or your coworkers, having good communication skills is key to being a medical assistant.
Analytical Thinking
You’ll need to be able to easily understand and follow the directions of medical charts and diagnoses.
Technical Capabilities
You may learn technical skills during training, but they involve using basic clinical instruments, preparing exam rooms, or assisting with minor procedures.
Y our Resources
Ready to get started? Take your first step by exploring these pathways and resources that can help you discover how to become a Medical Assistant in St. Louis.
Medical Assistant
23-30 weeks, non-credit training prepares individuals for administrative and basic clinical tasks in a clinical setting.
BJC HealthCare Careers
Are you determined to provide excellent care with your talent, ambition, skills, and experience? Join the team at BJC HealthCare. Positions are available for nurses, CNAs, medical assistants, customer support representatives, and other health care professionals.
SSM Health Careers
SSM Health is one of the largest integrated health care delivery systems in the nation, with over 40,000 employees in four states. Nurses, medical assistants, CNAs and other health care professionals can find excellent employment opportunities at the SSM Health Careers website.
Missouri 4-H: Scrub-in to a Health Career
Week-long, low-cost summer camp for those aged 15-17. Spend time exploring different health careers through hands-on experiences and opportunities at the University Hospital. Learn what it takes to be a doctor, nurse, physical therapist, dentist, pharmacist and more. University of Missouri Extension Program
Family Workforce Centers of America
12-week training program that empowers students to combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training to advance to better careers in the science/biotechnology industries. Assists underemployed and unemployed Saint Louis region residents to gain career track employment and earn livable wages.
EXPLORE Healthcare with Centene
EXPLORE is a free Career Immersion Program for St. Louis high school students of color which connects students to industry leaders at SSM Health.This program might be a fit for students who enjoy working with people, medicine, laboratory research, or computers, equipments and machines.
Healthcare Industry Training and Education – HITE
The HITE program provides eligible low-income individuals the opportunity to receive training for a career in the healthcare industry. Training is available for nursing, technician, secretarial, and a wide range of other positions.
