$38K median salary • Top employers hiring now
Missouri's healthcare industry employs approximately 370,000 workers in a state split between two major metros. St. Louis anchors eastern Missouri with BJC HealthCare/Washington University's academic powerhouse, while Kansas City features competing systems on the western border. The state ranks 39th in health outcomes with urban-rural disparities. Rural Missouri and the Ozarks face healthcare access challenges. Missouri's central location and affordability make it a healthcare hub for the region.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Missouri employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the MO healthcare job market:
Missouri's healthcare industry employs approximately 370,000 workers in a state split between two major metros. St. Louis anchors eastern Missouri with BJC HealthCare/Washington University's academic powerhouse, while Kansas City features competing systems on the western border. The state ranks 39th in health outcomes with urban-rural disparities. Rural Missouri and the Ozarks face healthcare access challenges. Missouri's central location and affordability make it a healthcare hub for the region.
MO salary ranges by experience level:
St. Louis (BJC/Wash U) pays highest with academic medicine premiums. Kansas City systems compete driving solid wages. Cost of living at 90% of average makes salaries stretch well. Springfield and Columbia offer good value. Rural Missouri pays less but cost of living is very low. Union positions available at some facilities.
Missouri features BJC/Washington University's academic excellence and competing regional systems:
150 hires/yr
St. Louis, statewide (14 hospitals)
Washington University School of Medicine's clinical partner. Barnes-Jewish Hospital consistently top-10 ranked nationally. CMAs work alongside world-renowned physicians. Missouri's most prestigious healthcare employer.
100 hires/yr
St. Louis, statewide (9 MO hospitals)
Catholic health system with strong Missouri presence. 9 Missouri hospitals. CMAs enjoy faith-based mission with regional mobility. Competing with BJC in St. Louis market.
95 hires/yr
Kansas City (8 hospitals)
Kansas City's largest health system with 8 area hospitals. Part of HCA national network. CMAs have mobility across KC metro. Research Medical Center flagship.
80 hires/yr
Kansas City (10 hospitals)
Kansas City's premier nonprofit health system. Saint Luke's Hospital flagship. CMAs work in high-quality nonprofit environment. Strong cardiology reputation.
85 hires/yr
Springfield, St. Louis, statewide
Catholic health system strong in Springfield and St. Louis. Part of multi-state Mercy network. CMAs enjoy faith-based mission with statewide presence.
55 hires/yr
Springfield, Southwest Missouri
Southwest Missouri's largest health system. CMAs serve Ozarks region. Independent system with strong Springfield presence. Competing with Mercy locally.
Where the jobs are in Missouri:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Metro | 920+ | 40% |
| Kansas City Metro (MO side) | 690+ | 30% |
| Springfield | 185+ | 8% |
| Columbia | 140+ | 6% |
| Joplin/Southwest MO | 95+ | 4% |
| St. Joseph | 55+ | 2% |
“Barnes-Jewish is a top-10 hospital with Washington University—world-class but in affordable St. Louis. I work with specialists who are leaders in their fields doing vitals, EKGs, and specialty procedures. The learning is incredible. St. Louis cost of living means I'm building real wealth here.”
Ashley B.
Clinical Medical Assistant
Barnes-Jewish Hospital/BJC
Started at $36K at BJC. Top-10 prestige in affordable St. Louis.
“Kansas City has great healthcare—I chose Saint Luke's for their nonprofit mission and cardiology reputation. Promoted to lead within two years. KC is affordable with big-city amenities. BBQ is a bonus. The healthcare competition here means CMAs have real choices.”
Derek T.
CMA Lead
Saint Luke's Health System
Advanced to lead at $44K. Kansas City quality of life with career advancement.
Missouri's healthcare industry employs approximately 370,000 workers in a state split between two major metros. St. Louis anchors eastern Missouri with BJC HealthCare/Washington University's academic powerhouse, while Kansas City features competing systems on the western border. The state ranks 39th in health outcomes with urban-rural disparities. Rural Missouri and the Ozarks face healthcare access challenges. Missouri's central location and affordability make it a healthcare hub for the region.
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