Kansas is the location of the only maximum security prison run by the Department of Defense and also hosts many large manufacturers and other businesses. The state, like many others, provides a good employment climate for medical assistants, with the best opportunities existing in large metropolitan areas. The state has around 10 medical assistant schools, most of which are accredited. Students who choose to get medical assistant training in Kansas have some quality options from which to choose and can expect good employment prospects upon graduation.
Kansas’s Medical Assisting Employment Environment
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Kansas healthcare facilities employ as many as 6,800 medical assistants across the state. In addition, Kansas medical assistants earn a bit under $13 an hour, making it one of the lower-paying states in the area. However, even with the salary being a bit lower than other areas, medical assistants in Kansas enjoy a nice benefits package that makes this one of the better careers to enter.
The Future of Kansas and Medical Assisting
The future looks bright for medical assistants in Kansas. As with most of the other states in the country, medical assisting in Kansas is expected to grow rapidly over coming years. With predicted growth of as much as 34%, this is one of the most promising career fields to enter. If you have been thinking about getting your medical assistant training, you are on your way to securing a good future. In addition, as the demand grows for skilled assistants, the salary will likely increase, making the career even better.
Kansas Medical Assisting Schools & Programs
Heritage College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant diploma program; Associate’s Degree in X-Ray Technician-Medical Assistant
- Description: Heritage College in Wichita offers a diploma in medical assisting as well as an associate’s degree in combined X-ray technician and medical assisting. Students who choose Heritage College can enjoy flexible scheduling that lets them take classes during the morning, day, or evening, allowing students to work in their current jobs while getting an education. The programs prepare students for both clinical and administrative practices and qualify them to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma; Associate of Science
- Average Program Length: diploma – 14 months; A.S. – 16 months
- Tuition: diploma – $20,522; A.S. – $23,567
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: diploma – 70%; A.S. – not available
- Fun Fact: Heritage College has partnerships with many healthcare providers, allowing for excellent job placement of graduates.
WellSpring School of Allied Health
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: WellSpring School of Allied Health has campuses in Wichita and Lawrence that offer medical assistant training. The program consists of 790 credit hours of administrative and clinical training and instruction as well as an externship that provides real-world practice. WellSpring has been providing quality health and wellness training since 1888, and its medical assisting program prepares students to sit for several credentialing examinations.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: 790 credit hours
- Tuition: $13,000
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist Technician examinations
Coffeyville Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Coffeyville Community College offers an Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting that can be completed in two years at a very affordable rate. Students who graduate from this program are qualified to perform the administrative duties of a medical front office as well as a variety of clinical procedures including administering medication, collecting laboratory samples, and assisting physicians in procedures and minor surgeries.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $5,000
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Coffeyville provides students with access to a game room, wellness facilities, and much more.
National American University
- Program Link: Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting
- Description: National American University offers students an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting that prepares them to become Certified Medical Assistants and to work in both administrative and clinical capacities. The program can be completed in around two years. Students who choose NAU can benefit from flexible scheduling, financial aid assistance, and other student support services.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Science
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $35,316
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: National American University has been in business since 1941.
Northwest Kansas Technical College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant degree program
- Description: Northwest Kansas offers students a medical assisting degree program that prepares students to complete the administrative and clinical functions required in a healthcare facility. Students in this program will learn important skills such as handling and disposing of medical waste, conducting health screenings, insurance billing and coding, and much more. The school provides students with small class sizes and a full complement of support services.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: degree
- Average Program Length: 10 months
- Tuition: $10,256
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 29%
- Fun Fact: Northwest Kansas Technical College has very small class sizes so students get individualized attention.