Medical Assistant in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Missouri
In Missouri, Medical Assistants are not licensed by the state and there is no state-mandated licensing body. While not legally required, obtaining a national certification (such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA) is the industry standard and highly recommended by employers. Aspiring Medical Assistants typically complete an accredited training program, which can range from 4-6 months for a certificate to 24 months for an associate's degree, and then pass a national certification exam. They practice under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, who is responsible for ensuring their competency.
Medical Assistant Requirements in Missouri
| Detail | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Missouri does not have a state-mandated licensing body for Medical Assistants. |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED; completion of an accredited Medical Assisting program is highly recommended and often required by employers. |
| Exam | National certification exams (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) are industry standards but not state-mandated. |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 60.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Medical Assistants in Missouri are not licensed by the state and practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician. The delegating physician is responsible for ensuring the MA is competent. Most training programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check, drug screen, and physical exam with immunizations. Some programs may also require a negative Hepatitis and TB test. Certification renewal for national certifications (like CCMA) is typically every two years and requires continuing education or re-examination. |
Source: Missouri does not have a state-mandated licensing body for Medical Assistants.
Medical Assistant Salary in Missouri
The median medical assistant salary in Missouri is $39,310 per year, which is 11.1% below the national median of $44,200.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,370 |
| 25th | $36,550 |
| 50th (median) | $39,310 |
| 75th | $44,790 |
| 90th (experienced) | $46,940 |
Missouri employs approximately 11,860 medical assistants.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
AI Impact on Medical Assistants
Low AI Exposure (Score: 0.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Medical Assistant in Missouri Worth It?
Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.