If a career as a medical assistant (MA) in Iowa strongly appeals to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for MA’s has been steadily on the increase over the last decade and is projected to grow by a further 29% over the coming years. In fact it is predicted that an additional 183,900 jobs will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
This is much faster than average when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
How to become a Medical Assistant in Iowa;
- Find an accredited medical assisting program
- Fulfill certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a MA make in Iowa
- Salary and employment data by metro area
- Explore related careers in Iowa
If you wish to pursue a career as a MA in Iowa you will need to first complete a high school diploma. In order to become fully certified (CMA) you will also need to have graduated from an accredited program.
Certification is not essential but it is generally preferred by employers.
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in Iowa
| College | Metro Area | Find Out More |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny | Request Information |
| Ellsworth Community College | Iowa Falls | Request Information |
| Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge | Request Information |
| Iowa Lakes Community College | Spencer | Request Information |
| Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs | Request Information |
| Kaplan University | Cedar Falls | Request Information |
| Kaplan University | Cedar Rapids | Request Information |
| Kaplan University | Davenport | Request Information |
| Kaplan University | Urbandale | Request Information |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids | Request Information |
| Mercy College of Health Sciences | Des Moines | Request Information |
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City | Request Information |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | Peosta | Request Information |
| Southeastern Community College | West Burlington | Request Information |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City | Request Information |
Listed above are the top accredited MA programs in Iowa.
Accreditation may be granted either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Medical Assistant Certification Iowa
Medical assistant certification (CMA) is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited MA programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Certification is not essential in Iowa but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary in Iowa
| Average Salary | $34,030 |
| Hourly Wage | $16.36 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $45,410 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $25,150 |
| #'s Employed | 4,920 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 4,920 people employed as MAs in Iowa with an average salary of $34,030.
This equates to $16.36 per hour and is 3.6% above the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in Iowa have an annual income of $45,410 whilst the bottom 10% earned $25,150.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in Iowa
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $36,590 | $17.59 | 100 |
| Cedar Rapids | $35,800 | $17.21 | 450 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $30,840 | $14.83 | 590 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $39,390 | $18.94 | 1,070 |
| Dubuque | $33,790 | $16.25 | 230 |
| Iowa City | $36,740 | $17.66 | 610 |
| Sioux City | $31,660 | $15.22 | 250 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $30,940 | $14.87 | 210 |
Related Healthcare Careers in Iowa
Medical assistants in Iowa earn 20.2% more than nursing assistants there and 1.4% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $34,030 | 4,920 |
| Nursing Assistant | $28,300 | 20,740 |
| EMT | $34,530 | 2,420 |
| Home Health Aide | $28,540 | 4610 |
| Surgical Tech | $40,780 | 760 |
| Dental Assistant | $39,900 | 2,960 |
| Physician Assistant | $110,150 | 1,030 |