--- title: How to Become a Medical Assistant | UMSL Online description: Learn how to become a medical assistant in St. Louis, Missouri, including training options, certification, salary information, and local job opportunities. image: https://info.preppy.org/hubfs/UMSL%20Assets/UMSL-SocialPreview.png --- [![StraighterLine](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGO_StraighterLine_black-Jul-19-2023-02-37-12-8796-AM.png?width=350&height=100&name=LOGO_StraighterLine_black-Jul-19-2023-02-37-12-8796-AM.png "StraighterLine")](https://preppy.org/) [Get Started](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-assistant/how-to-become-a-medical-assistant#link) [![UMSL Advanced Workforce Center](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_UMSL-AdvancedWorkforceCenter_Full%20Color%203.png?width=220&height=59&name=Logo_UMSL-AdvancedWorkforceCenter_Full%20Color%203.png "UMSL Advanced Workforce Center")](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/) [Enroll Today](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-assistant/) [All Programs](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/)  ❯  [Medical Assistant](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-assistant/)  ❯  Blog # How to Become a Medical Assistant in St. Louis, MO: Salary, Jobs & Career Opportunities Explore how to become a medical assistant in St. Louis, Missouri, including training, certification, salary information, and local career opportunities. ![](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png?width=5000&height=28&name=UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png) HOW IT WORKS ## Flexible, Affordable Learning at Your Pace Interested in becoming a medical assistant in St. Louis, Missouri? With major healthcare systems, neighborhood medical practices, and specialty clinics throughout the region, the St. Louis area offers several paths into this hands-on healthcare career. Medical assistants play an important role in keeping healthcare facilities running smoothly, working directly with patients while supporting physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. And you don't need a college degree or years of healthcare experience to get started. Whether you're exploring a new career or looking for a faster way into healthcare, here's what you should know about medical assistant jobs in St. Louis, including local salaries, employers, training requirements, and how to prepare for opportunities in the area. ## What Does a Medical Assistant Do? Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who perform a combination of clinical and administrative duties in medical offices, hospitals, and outpatient care facilities. Depending on the employer and specialty, a medical assistant's responsibilities may include: - Taking patients' vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate - Recording medical histories and updating electronic health records - Preparing patients for examinations and procedures - Assisting physicians with routine examinations and clinical tasks - Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens - Scheduling appointments and coordinating patient follow-ups - Maintaining medical supplies and preparing examination rooms - Communicating with patients about appointments and provider-directed care instructions In the St. Louis area, medical assistants work across many healthcare specialties, including family medicine, pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, and urgent care. The role can be particularly appealing to people who enjoy working with patients, staying organized, and contributing to a healthcare team without pursuing a traditional four-year degree. ## Are Medical Assistants in Demand in St. Louis? Medical assisting is a growing healthcare occupation nationwide, and the St. Louis metropolitan area has an established medical assistant workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 13% nationally between 2025 and 2035, much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Approximately 109,700 medical assistant job openings are projected annually across the United States during that period. #### MEDICAL ASSISTANT CAREER SNAPSHOT (ST. LOUIS, MO) | 6,170 Estimated medical assistants employed in the St. Louis metro area, May 2025 | 13% Projected national employment growth, 2025-2035 | | --- | --- | Sources: [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_little-text-block) occupational data and [CitySalaryData](https://www.citysalarydata.com/salary/medical-assistants/st-louis-mo-il) May 2025 St. Louis metropolitan wage and employment estimates. Several factors contribute to the ongoing need for medical assistants, including an aging population, greater demand for preventive care, and the continued importance of outpatient healthcare services. For St. Louis residents, this means career opportunities may extend beyond large hospitals to physician practices, specialty clinics, urgent care facilities, and other healthcare settings throughout the metropolitan area. ## Where Can Medical Assistants Work in St. Louis? One advantage of pursuing medical assisting in St. Louis is the variety of healthcare employers across the region. Several major healthcare systems operate hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient facilities throughout the area. These organizations are worth exploring when researching medical assistant career opportunities. #### BJC HealthCare BJC operates hospitals and affiliated medical practices throughout the region, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital and other facilities associated with its healthcare network. Prospective medical assistants can explore clinical support opportunities across primary care and specialty settings. [Explore BJC careers](https://jobs.bjc.org/) #### SSM Health SSM Health has a significant presence in the St. Louis region, including hospitals and outpatient clinics. Its network offers a range of clinical support environments for medical assistants. [Explore SSM Health careers](https://jobs.ssmhealth.com/) #### Mercy Mercy operates medical facilities and physician practices throughout Greater St. Louis. Its medical assistant job descriptions include work in primary care, cardiology, pain management, and other specialties. [Explore Mercy careers](https://careers.mercy.net/) ### What are local employers looking for? Job requirements can differ considerably between healthcare systems and individual positions. For example, Mercy has advertised St. Louis-area medical assistant positions involving patient intake, vital signs, clinical documentation, injections, and assistance with medical procedures. Some of its listings accept applicants without medical assistant certification, while certified medical assistant positions require an active credential such as the CCMA, CMA, or RMA. This makes it worthwhile to review job descriptions before applying, particularly when it comes to certification, clinical experience, and Basic Life Support (BLS) requirements. Beyond major healthcare systems, medical assistants can also explore opportunities with independent physician practices, community health centers, specialty clinics, and urgent care providers throughout St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and surrounding communities. Note: These organizations are examples of regional healthcare employers, not guaranteed current openings or UMSL placement partners. Individual job availability and qualifications vary. ## How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in St. Louis, Missouri? Medical assistant pay in St. Louis varies based on experience, certification, employer, and responsibilities. Based on CitySalaryData’s occupational employment and wage statistics reported for the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary was approximately $44,710 annually, or $21.50 per hour. ### Medical Assistant Salary in the St. Louis Metro Area | Pay level | Annual salary | | --- | --- | | 10th percentile | $36,670 | | 25th percentile | $38,550 | | Median | $44,710 | | 75th percentile | $47,600 | | 90th percentile | $48,620 | Source: May 2025 BLS OEWS estimates for the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area, as reported by [CitySalaryData](https://www.citysalarydata.com/salary/medical-assistants/st-louis-mo-il). Figures reflect occupational earnings, not guaranteed starting salaries. ### Medical assistant annual wages in St. Louis Entry-level medical assistants may earn less than the area's median, while experienced professionals may qualify for higher-paying positions depending on their employer and qualifications. Pay can also differ between primary care practices, specialty clinics, hospitals, and other outpatient settings. ## How to Become a Medical Assistant in St. Louis Many people enter the medical assistant field through career-focused training programs designed to develop the clinical and administrative skills used in healthcare settings. Here's how to get started in the St. Louis area. ### 1. Understand Missouri's Medical Assistant Requirements Missouri does not have a general state medical assistant license requirement. However, employers determine their own hiring qualifications, and individual clinical duties must comply with applicable laws and supervision requirements. Some employers accept applicants with a high school diploma or GED and provide on-the-job training. Others prefer candidates who have completed a formal medical assistant program or earned a nationally recognized certification. Because requirements vary, reviewing job listings from St. Louis-area employers is a useful first step. ### 2. Complete a Medical Assistant Training Program A medical assistant training program can prepare you for the clinical and administrative responsibilities of the job. For St. Louis-area residents who need to balance training with work or family obligations, online education offers another viable pathway. For example, the[University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) online Medical Assistant program](https://healthcerts.umsl.edu/medical-assistant/) offers flexible, self-paced training designed to prepare students for medical assistant certification and entry-level healthcare opportunities. The program includes: - 100% online, self-paced coursework, with many students completing training in approximately 3-6 months - Training in patient care, vital signs, medical procedures, and healthcare administration - Interactive clinical simulations to practice common medical assisting responsibilities - Preparation for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam - A CCMA certification exam voucher included with tuition - Career coaching, resume guidance, interview preparation, and externship assistance for eligible students Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion from UMSL. ### 3. Prepare for Medical Assistant Certification Although Missouri does not generally require medical assistants to hold a state-issued license, earning a professional certification can help you stand out to prospective employers and pursue career opportunities with greater confidence. That said, it is possible to enter the field without it. If you decide to go the certification route, one option is the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). UMSL's online Medical Assistant program prepares students for the CCMA exam and includes an exam voucher as part of the training package. Before scheduling the exam, candidates should verify that they meet the certification provider's eligibility requirements. ### 4. Gain Hands-On Clinical Experience Medical assisting involves working directly with patients, so practical experience can be especially valuable when preparing to enter the workforce. Externships provide opportunities to apply knowledge gained from your career program in a healthcare environment while developing familiarity with clinical workflows, patient interactions, and medical office procedures. While an externship is not required, eligible students who wish to gain additional hands-on experience can receive assistance from UMSL in identifying potential opportunities. Placement depends on factors such as eligibility, site availability, and location. ### 5. Apply for Medical Assistant Jobs in the St. Louis Area Once you've completed training and met the qualifications for the positions you're pursuing, you can begin exploring job opportunities. Start with major healthcare systems such as BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy, but don't overlook smaller medical practices and outpatient clinics. Consider searching for related job titles, including: - Medical Assistant - Certified Medical Assistant - Clinical Medical Assistant - Primary Care Medical Assistant UMSL students also have access to career resources, including resume support, interview preparation, and assistance identifying relevant employment opportunities. ## Is Medical Assisting a Good Career Choice in St. Louis? Medical assisting may be worth considering if you want to work directly with patients, contribute to a healthcare team, and pursue a career without completing a four-year degree. The St. Louis area offers a variety of healthcare settings, from large hospital networks to neighborhood clinics and specialty practices. Local employment projections also point to continued demand for medical assistants over the coming decade, although individual opportunities will depend on local hiring conditions and qualifications. Medical assisting can provide experience in patient care and healthcare operations that may be useful when exploring future professional opportunities. Advancing into other healthcare occupations, however, may require additional education, credentials, or licensure. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Assistant Careers in St. Louis ### Do you need a degree to become a medical assistant in Missouri? No. A four-year college degree is not generally required to become a medical assistant in Missouri. Many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary medical assistant training, and some positions require professional certification. ### How long does it take to become a medical assistant in St. Louis? The timeline depends on your training program and certification plans. UMSL's online Medical Assistant program is self-paced, with many students completing coursework in approximately 3-6 months. Additional time may be needed for certification, optional hands-on experience prior to being hired, and the job search. ### Do medical assistants need certification in Missouri? Missouri does not generally require a state-issued medical assistant license or universal professional certification. However, individual employers may require or prefer credentials such as the CCMA, CMA, or RMA. ### Can you become a medical assistant online in St. Louis? Yes. Online medical assistant programs, including UMSL's, offer an option for completing career-focused coursework remotely. Because medical assisting includes clinical responsibilities, students should also consider opportunities to develop hands-on experience. ### Where can I find medical assistant jobs near St. Louis? Major regional healthcare systems such as BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy are useful places to begin researching opportunities. Independent physician practices, urgent care facilities, and specialty clinics may also employ medical assistants throughout Greater St. Louis. --- ## Start Your Medical Assistant Career With UMSL A career in medical assisting can open the door to patient-facing healthcare work. And with hospitals, physician practices, and outpatient facilities throughout the St. Louis region, there are several types of workplaces to explore as you plan your next step. If you're ready to prepare for a healthcare career, the UMSL online Medical Assistant program offers a flexible way to build job-ready skills, prepare for CCMA certification, and access career support as you pursue opportunities in the St. Louis area.   --- ### Ready to take the next step? Explore [UMSL's Medical Assistant program](https://info.preppy.org/faq) or [connect with an enrollment advisor](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/info-request).  --- ![Brandon-SterileGuy-Circle](https://info.preppy.org/hubfs/Brandon-SterileGuy-Circle.png) ### “If anyone asks me where to start, UMSL is the one program I’ll always vouch for. It’s the fastest and most affordable way to get your foot in the door.” – Brandon Huffman, CST, Surgical Tech Expert ![](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png?width=5000&height=28&name=UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png) ### Healthcare needs medical assistants like you. Train online with UMSL and take the first step toward certification and a rewarding career in healthcare. 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