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Medical Assistant Schools in Iowa

As a medical assistant with a degree from an accredited MA program in Iowa, your wages average $40,360 a year. But that’s only one reason why you should pursue a degree from one of the Medical Assistant programs in Iowa. MAs with degrees are eligible to sit for the medical assistant certification exam and certification signals to prospective employers that you’re committed to the highest standards of caregiving within your profession. Take full advantage of the demand for medical assistants in the Hawkeye State, which will increase by 27 percent over the next decade. Get started today with this guide to the 13 best Medical Assistant programs in Iowa.

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Following are the 13 Best Medical Assistant Programs in Iowa for 2024

1) Purdue University Global Ranking Score: 96.75

Purdue University Global

Locations: Des Moines

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Diploma

Accredited by the higher learning commission (HLC), Purdue University Global (PUG) offers high-quality medical assistant training in IA, Des Moines. The training starts every 6 or 10 weeks and a separate online program is also available. It takes around 40-weeks to complete and earn 57-major credits of this program. PUG also assists with financial aid to the needy students and an additional rebate is offered to students who are active-duty military, military veteran or military spouse. Upon completion of this training, you will be eligible to take four national certification exams – RMA, NCMA, CCMA and CMAC.



2) Kirkwood Community College Ranking Score: 93.75

Kirkwood Community College

Locations: Cedar Rapids

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Diploma, A.A.S. Degree

At Kirkwood Community College, you get state-of-the-art classrooms and lab setting while pursuing your education in medical assisting. The 1-year diploma program is classified into three semesters for full-time students. Part-time option is also available. Upon successful completion of diploma coursework, you can pursue a 2-year A.A.S. degree in medical assisting, which is a 4-semester coursework. You can enroll for the classes every fall, spring or summer.

*Students of this program are eligible for the Kibbie Grant which can half your tuition fee.



3) Iowa Central Community College Ranking Score: 92.25

Iowa Central Community College

Locations: Fort Dodge

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Diploma, A.A.S. Degree

Iowa Central Community College gives you an opportunity to complete your medical assisting training through its diploma and associate degree program offered at Fort Dodge campus in Iowa. The 42.5-credit diploma program is classified into 2 semesters and a summer session (includes 30-day practicum). With this course, you will gain complete knowledge of clinical, clerical and lab procedures required to discharge duties at your workplace.

After completion of your diploma program, you can further your studies by completing another 13-credit hour course and earn your A.A.S. degree.



4) Iowa Lakes Community College Ranking Score: 90.5

Iowa Lakes Community College

Locations: Spencer

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Diploma

At Iowa Lakes Community College, you can opt for a 44-credit med assistant program which is divided into two semesters with 20-credit coursework each and a summer semester with a practicum and an emergency preparedness course. This program will train you with the core competency study material which includes, but not limited to, communications essentials, anatomy, clinical assisting, pharmacology, pathology, and medical office management.

Upon completion of this 1-year diploma program, you will be eligible to take AAMA national certification exam which will boost your employment chances.



5) Southeastern Community College Ranking Score: 89.75

Southeastern Community College

Locations: West Burlington

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Diploma

At Southeastern Community College (SCC), you can opt for a 48-credit med assisting program at its campus in West Burlington. This is an 11-month program, classified into 3 semesters and classes starts every fall. The first two semesters will teach and train you with theoretical studies in clerical and clinical procedures, medical terminologies and lab techniques, whereas the third and final semester consists of a seminar and an externship in clinical setting. Upon completion of this program, you can straight away hunt for entry-level positions in patient care setting or at a physician’s office.



6) Western Iowa Tech Community College Ranking Score: 86.88

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Locations: Sioux City

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Certificate

At Western Iowa Tech Community College, you can pursue a 47-credit med assisting course at its campus in Sioux City. The entire coursework is divided into three semesters which include, but not limited to, fundamentals of medical assisting, medical coding, office procedures, and essentials of anatomy, clinical pathology, lab techniques, and a clinical practicum. You can complete this program within a year and sit for national certification exams to enhance your employment opportunities.



7) Des Moines Area Community College Ranking Score: 85.40

Des Moines Area Community College

Locations: Ankeny

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Diploma

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) offers 1-year medical assistant course in IA, at its campus in Ankeny. It is a 48-credit program divided into 3 semesters. The coursework is a combination of theoretical and practical training in medical terminologies, lab procedures, diagnostic radiography, and administrative procedures. The last semester also includes an employment seminar and a clinical practicum.

*Please note: You can complete this training in one year only if you enroll as a full-time student. If you enroll as a part-time student, it may take up to two years, depending upon successful completion of courses in each semester.



8) Northeast Iowa Community College Ranking Score: 83.40

Northeast Iowa Community College

Locations: Calmar & Peosta

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Certificate

Admissions to med assisting course begin every fall at Northeast Iowa Community college (NICC) and you need to complete a minimum of 42-credit coursework to obtain your 1-year certificate. Comprising of two semesters and a session for practicum, you will learn about human anatomy, physiology, medical records management, office management, medical law, insurance clams, medical coding, pharmacology and all required clinical and clerical procedures that will enable you to proficiently work and assist physicians or doctors in urgent care setting.



9) Iowa Western Community College Ranking Score: 80.90

Iowa Western Community College

Locations: Council Bluffs

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Diploma

Starting every fall, the medical assistant course at Iowa Western Community College is a 43-credit hour course classified into two semesters and a summer session. You get the flexibility to complete the course online or on-campus. The program is offered at Council Bluffs campus and only 24 students are admitted each year. Upon graduation, you will be able to gain appropriate knowledge of CLIA waived procedures, maintain medical records, perform basic reception duties, follow HIPPA standards, prepare patients for examination, conduct patient examination procedures, administer medication and assist the physician in various other procedures.



10) North Iowa Area Community College Ranking Score: 79.50

North Iowa Area Community College

Locations: Mason City

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Certificate

Equipped with latest technology, computers, and lab equipment, the medical assistant classrooms at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) are designed to train you to effectively perform clerical and clinical duties in medical clinics or physicians’ offices. This 40-45-credit hour coursework is classified into two terms and a summer term which includes an MA practicum. It takes around 1 year to complete the entire coursework.

Once you graduate from this program, you will be eligible to take the national certification exam and become a certified medical assistant.



11) Ross College Ranking Score: 76.10

Ross College

Locations: Davenport & Bettendorf

Accreditation: ABHES

Program Type: Certificate

Ross College offers a 6-module medical assistant course at its campuses in the Quad Cities region in Iowa. The course is a combination of hands-on training and classroom learning that focuses on core medical assisting subjects. Ross College provides you with two options to pursue this course – a 30-week day program and a 36-week afternoon/evening program. You can enroll for either one of the programs as per your convenience and it would take you around 1 years’ time to complete the entire coursework which also includes a practical externship in clinical setting.



12) Mercy College of Health Sciences Ranking Score: 75.3

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Locations: Des Moines

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Certificate, A.S. Degree

You can obtain your medical assistant certificate within a year at Mercy College of Health Science (MCHS). This 12-month program is a combination of classroom lectures, laboratory training and a 240-hour clinical practicum in ambulatory setting. The coursework is divided into three semesters and if you enroll for A.S. program in medical assisting, you will have to undergo an additional 25-credit hour coursework to earn the degree. Your curriculum includes medical administration, phlebotomy, and clinical procedures, required to perform your job duties proficiently.



13) Ellsworth Community College Ranking Score: 70.56

Ellsworth Community College

Locations: Iowa Falls

Accreditation: CAAHEP

Program Type: Certificate

Ellsworth Community College provides 11-month med assisting program at Iowa Falls, IA. The core course material includes, human health & diseases, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clerical management, lab procedures and MA externship. The entire coursework is of 43-46 credit hours and it will prepare you for entry-level jobs in ambulatory setting, patient care centers or physician’s office. Upon completion of this program, you can also take national certification exams and enhance your employment opportunities.


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