Candidates can take several pathways to start a successful medical assistant career in Kansas. However, to develop confidence in their approach, interested individuals should follow a set framework/guideline.
Thankfully for readers of this page, the following section covers the most established pathway/framework for becoming a successful medical assistant in the state. We analyze everything that an interested individual needs to know to not only receive proper education but also set themselves on a path for rapid career opportunities.
Readers will also discover other key information, such as the annual average salary projection and the most prominent training programs.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Kansas
Below is a breakdown of the framework needed to become a thriving medical assistant in Kansas.
Age & Other Basic Requirements
The basic requirements to become a medical assistant in Kansas include soft skills, such as interpersonal and communication skills, and basic educational credentials, such as a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
It is also common for training programs to require candidates to be at least 18 years old by their first day of class.
Training Options & Decisions
Proper training is crucial to becoming a successful medical assistant in Kansas. Candidates must make several decisions when choosing a training program, including determining their specific awards and degrees.
The most popular options are certificate and associate degree programs. Medical assistant programs that offer certificate options can be completed in a few months, while associate degree programs take a couple of years.
Another decision needs to be made regarding hands-on training and classroom arrangements. Commonly, candidates combine both kinds of education by first completing an academic program and then participating in an externship to receive real-world experience and more on-the-job training.
Candidates will find a few certificate and associate degree programs to consider in an upcoming section.
Employment & Professional Associations
After proper training, a medical assistant in Kansas can secure employment at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. They can improve their career prospects by joining a professional association and obtaining relevant certifications.
The guide below analyzes this part of the process in extensive detail.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
When launching a medical assistant career in Kansas, candidates should remember that certification is not compulsory by law. However, it can be very beneficial to a professional career.
Medical assistants in the state will also reap the benefits of certification as they continue to grow on the job. Many certification organizations expect candidates to have graduated from an accredited program in order to become certified.
From there, they can pay the certification fees, which are usually around $120. Finally, candidates will sit for the certification exam, and they will become officially certified afterward.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Kansas
As a resident of Kansas, the following programs offer some of the best training available in the region.
Wichita Technical Institute
Wichita, KS Campus Only
Wichita Technical Institute offers a medical assistant program that covers both clinical and administrative aspects.
Tuition
$4,000 per QuarterContact
(316) 943-2241
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Kansas City, KS Campus Only
Kansas City Kansas Community College has a CAAHEP-accredited medical assistant program that provides robust classroom and hands-on education.
Tuition
$107 - $233 per CreditContact
(913) 288-7862
medicalassistant@kckcc.edu
Mid-America College of Health Sciences
Merriam, KS Campus Only
Mid America College of Health Sciences’ medical assistant program, with flexible class schedules, can be completed in 22 weeks. It includes 730 hours of education, 160 of which are dedicated to clinical practice.
Tuition
$9,800 per ProgramContact
(913) 708-8323
registration@macohs.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
Generally, medical assistants in Kansas can expect to end the year with an average salary that is in line with the national average. This figure of $43,504 belongs to those in the median earning category, but it is reasonable because the majority of candidates in the state fall into this range.
Depending on factors such as experience, location, credentials, and work environment, one can fall above or below the figure. Those who fall below the figure may be among the bottom 10%, with an annual average salary of $32,928. In contrast, those who fall above the figure will be able to manage an annual average salary of $57,476, among the top 10%.
For those who would like to know the most favorable locations to practice as a medical assistant in Kansas (based on annual average returns), Topeka and Garden City offer annual average salaries of $52,854 and $49,322, respectively.
Also among the top five are Overland Park, Leawood, and Lenex, with annual average salaries of $47,688, $47,446, and $47,4,20, respectively.
Lastly, regarding the career outlook, projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show an expected 15% increase in the employment rate from 2023 to 2033.