Best Medical Assistant Programs in Des Moines, Iowa (2025)

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Iowa Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

Iowa
Iowa Median Pay $43,670 $21.00 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $44,200 $21.25 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Medical Assistant Programs in Des Moines, Iowa

From downtown Des Moines to surrounding neighborhoods, medical assistants keep clinics moving—tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups, coordinating referrals and prior authorizations, and greeting and rooming patients. Programs here pair practical labs with on‑site externships across local urgent care centers, community health centers (FQHCs) so you can contribute with confidence from day one.

Use this guide to line up accelerated or flexible options in Des Moines, build externship experience across neighborhood clinics in Des Moines, and prepare for credentials like CMA, RMA, or CCMA — and explore opportunities across the Hawkeye State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Des Moines, Iowa:

Medical Assistant Training near Des Moines

#1

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, IA 1.7 miles away

Located in Des Moines, IA Mercy College of Health Sciences is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, and Medical Assistant. The campus serves roughly 905 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $17,328
  • Out-of-state tuition: $17,328
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA 9.3 miles away

Located in Ankeny, IA Des Moines Area Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, IA 46.6 miles away

Located in Marshalltown, IA Marshalltown Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and CNC Machinist. The campus serves roughly 868 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,304
  • Out-of-state tuition: $5,808
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, IA 68.3 miles away

Located in Iowa Falls, IA Ellsworth Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Technology, and Art and Design Foundations.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA 70.3 miles away

Located in Fort Dodge, IA Iowa Central Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 3,107 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,376
  • Out-of-state tuition: $7,668
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Certification & Exams in Iowa

  1. Complete an accredited medical assistant certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical externship hours and build confidence with front- and back-office skills.
  3. Sit for credentials like AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA based on employer preferences.

Tips for Choosing a Medical Assistant Program

  • Confirm the school is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited if you plan to earn the CMA credential.
  • Ask about lab simulations, EHR training, and how externship placements are coordinated.
  • Compare day, evening, and accelerated schedules that fit your work and family commitments.
  • Review certification exam pass rates, job placement support, and employer partnerships.

Iowa Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Medical Assistants (31-9092)
Data Year: 2024 • Iowa

Median Pay (2024) $43,670 $21.00 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$43,500 per year $20.91 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $36,190

$17.40 per hour

25th Percentile $38,360

$18.44 per hour

75th Percentile $47,370

$22.78 per hour

90th Percentile $50,950

$24.50 per hour

Iowa vs U.S.

Median Wage -1.2%
$43,670

$21.00 per hour

Mean Wage -2.7%
$43,500

$20.91 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 5,260

Employment: 5,260 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
3.37
Employment RSE
5.0%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
5,260 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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