Kansas City is home to several affordable medical assistant programs that can help you start a career in healthcare without racking up major debt. Each program varies in cost, format, and length—so it’s important to find one that fits your schedule, goals, and preferred learning style.
1. Kansas City School of Phlebotomy
This 11-week Clinical Medical Assisting program is designed for beginners and focuses on core skills like taking vitals, phlebotomy, injections, EKGs, front office tasks, and more. Students meet twice a week for 4-hour sessions, with classes combining lectures, hands-on labs, and weekly quizzes. A final exam and national certification exam are both included.
The total cost is $2,300, which covers tuition, lab fees, books, and the certification exam. Payment plans are available with no extra fees. For those who qualify with a B average and instructor approval, an optional externship is offered for $300, with placements lasting 40 to 120 hours at local facilities. The externship is not required but can offer added real-world experience.
Students must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED. Every graduate is eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam on the final day of class—so certification is guaranteed if all program requirements are met.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $2,300 total (includes tuition, lab fees, books, and exam); optional externship is $300 |
| Duration | 11 weeks |
| Class Format | On-site with lecture and hands-on labs |
| Class Schedules | 2 sessions per week, each 4 hours long; exact days/times vary by cohort |
2. Meritas Health
This 14-week medical assistant training program combines online coursework, hands-on skills labs at Park University, and weekly clinical rotations at Meritas Health locations. Students attend one lab and two clinic shifts per week while completing virtual assignments in between. Training is fully paid, and Meritas Health also covers the cost of instruction.
Participants are required to work for at least 18 months in a Meritas Health clinic after finishing the program. While pay rates and job benefits after graduation aren’t clearly outlined, the paid training and no-cost tuition make this an appealing option for those willing to commit to the work agreement. Space availability, application windows, and eligibility criteria are not listed, so interested applicants should reach out directly to Meritas Health for updates.
| Category | Details |
| Price | No cost to student; Meritas Health covers training and pays during program |
| Duration | 14 weeks |
| Class Format | Virtual coursework, weekly in-person lab at Park University, and clinic shifts |
| Class Schedules | One skills lab per week and two on-site clinic rotations per week |
3. University of Central Missouri
This medical assistant program runs for 325 hours and includes classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and a clinical externship. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6–9 p.m., with additional training on eight Saturdays from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.—a schedule that works well for those balancing work or other responsibilities.
Students learn how to prep patients for exams, take vitals, perform phlebotomy, administer medications, and understand the cardiac life cycle. After completing the 170-hour classroom portion, passing a background check, and drug screening, students qualify for placement in a local externship. The program costs $3,995 and makes students eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) CCMA exam.
The certificate earned does not count toward a college degree, but students do gain continuing education units. Financial aid through federal programs isn’t available, though UCM is known for offering lower costs compared to other universities in Missouri.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $3,995 |
| Duration | 325 hours (includes classroom training, labs, and externship) |
| Class Format | In-person (includes lecture, hands-on labs, and clinical externship) |
| Class Schedules | Tuesdays and Thursdays (6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.) and 8 Saturdays (9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) |
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4. University Health
This 6-month Medical Assistant Apprentice program is a collaboration between University Health, Metropolitan Community College, and the Full Employment Council. Students split their time between weekly in-person classes (4–6 hours), online learning (10–12 hours), and hands-on clinical work in University Health clinics. The program combines academic training with paid on-site experience and leads to eligibility for certification as a Certified Medical Assistant.
All training costs are covered by the program, and students are paid while they learn. However, participants should expect to transition into a role at University Health after completing the program, and it’s unclear whether a formal work agreement is required. It’s also important to note that University Health does not hire individuals who use tobacco. The program is best suited for those who want to stay employed within the University Health system after training.
| Category | Details |
| Price | Covered by University Health |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Class Format | Hybrid (in-person classes, online coursework, and clinical site training) |
| Class Schedules | 4–6 hours/week in-person, 10–12 hours/week online, plus clinical rotations |
5. Mid-America College of Health Sciences
This 22-week Medical Assistant program totals 730 clock hours, including 160 hours of supervised externship. Students can choose from weekday morning, weekday evening, or blended schedules (Thursday–Saturday), making it easier to fit training into a busy life. Classes cover everything from EKGs and phlebotomy to front office procedures and patient care skills.
Tuition is $9,800, which includes textbooks and lab supplies. A $25 registration fee is required to hold your seat. Students who qualify for the Great Jobs KC training program or other third-party assistance may have their full costs covered. The program prepares students to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) CCMA certification exam.
Externships are arranged through the school’s partnerships with major healthcare providers like KU Medical Center and Advent Health. A high school diploma or GED, basic computer skills, and a recent TB test are required before the program begins.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $9,800 tuition + $25 registration fee (financial assistance may be available) |
| Duration | 22 weeks (730 total hours, including 160-hour externship) |
| Class Format | In-person with hands-on lab and clinical externship |
| Class Schedules | Weekday Mornings (Mon–Thurs 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.), Weekday Evenings (Mon–Thurs 3–9:30 p.m.), Blended Week (Thurs–Sat 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) |
6. Metropolitan Community College
This online Clinical Medical Assistant program is offered through Ed2Go and gives students up to 12 months to complete 540 hours of self-paced training. The cost is $2,795, and it includes a voucher for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association.
The course covers both front and back office responsibilities, such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, administering medications, performing lab tests, and managing patient scheduling and records. Students also learn key subjects like medical terminology, HIPAA compliance, pharmacology, and clinical procedures.
While the course is fully online, there’s an optional unpaid clinical experience available for those who qualify. However, placement isn’t guaranteed and may require additional steps depending on location. Students should also have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for the CCMA exam.
What We Think
Choosing the right medical assistant program in the Kansas City area depends on your budget, learning style, and long-term goals—but also on intangibles that often go unnoticed: quality of instruction, hands-on support, and post-program outcomes. Here’s how these options stack up:
The Kansas City School of Phlebotomy offers one of the cheapest and fastest paths to CCMA certification—just 11 weeks at $2,300. With small class sizes and built-in hands-on lab time, it’s ideal for those looking for structured in-person training without breaking the bank. However, support like job placement or career counseling may be limited, so ask about that upfront.
Meritas Health and University Health both offer paid training and cover all program costs, making them standout choices if you’re open to working at their affiliated clinics after graduation. Meritas is shorter (14 weeks), but lacks public details on job pay or placement guarantees. University Health stretches to 6 months and offers more transparency around weekly schedules and partnerships, though they don’t hire tobacco users and may expect you to stay onboard after training.
The University of Central Missouri offers strong in-person training plus a clinical externship for $3,995. It’s ideal for those who prefer a slower pace (evenings and weekends) and want face-to-face instruction without going full-time. It’s not degree-granting, but the hands-on practice and clear schedule make it a solid middle-ground choice for working adults.
Metropolitan Community College’s Ed2Go-based program is entirely online, self-paced, and includes a CCMA exam voucher. At $2,795, it’s affordable and perfect for self-motivated learners. But externship placement isn’t guaranteed and there’s minimal real-time support—so this is best for those who don’t need much guidance.
Mid-America College of Health Sciences provides the most intensive training, with 730 hours over 22 weeks, including a 160-hour externship. At $9,800, it’s the most expensive—but students may qualify for full funding through Great Jobs KC. This is a good fit if you want deeper training and access to strong local partnerships for externship placement.
Final Tip: Always reach out directly to ask about class sizes, instructor experience, and job placement support. The tone and helpfulness of the staff can tell you a lot about the quality of the program.