Union, Missouri
East Central College Medical Assistant Programs
What Medical Assistant Programs Does East Central College Offer?
East Central College in Union, Missouri offers 2 medical assisting programs (certificate and associate degree). Certificate in Medical Assistant is CAAHEP-accredited, so graduates are eligible for the CMA (AAMA) exam. Programs run 40 weeks.
2 Medical Assistant Programs at East Central College
- CertificateCAAHEPCMA (AAMA) eligible
- Cost
- $157per credit, 2026-27
- Length
- 40 wk1 year
- Externship
- Included
- CMAAAMA
- Associate degree
- Cost
- $157per credit, 2026-27
- CMAAAMA
East Central College's Programs Side by Side
| Program | Credential | Format | Length | Externship | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Medical Assistant, East Central College | Certificate | 40 weeks | Included | $157per credit, 2026-27 | |
| Associate Degree in Medical Assistant, East Central College | Associate degree | $157per credit, 2026-27 |
Blank cells: the school's pages don't give that figure.
Certificate in Medical Assistant: The Details
- Length
- 1 year
- Schedule
- Day and evening
- Externship
- MDA 223 Medical Assistant Clinical Externship (4 credit hours)
- Certification
- Eligible for the CMA (AAMA) exam
- Tuition (school's wording)
- $157 per credit hour tuition for in-district students (Tier 1)2026-27. Source: eastcentral.edu, reviewed October 12, 2026.
- Outcomes the school publishes
- Five-year average job placement 86% (2020-2024)Reported for 2020-2024.
Certificate in Medical Assistant at East Central College: full program profileEast Central College certificate page on eastcentral.edu ↗
Associate Degree in Medical Assistant: The Details
- Schedule
- Day and evening
- Certification
- Eligible for the CMA (AAMA) exam
- Tuition (school's wording)
- $157 per credit hour tuition for in-district students (Tier 1)2026-27. Source: eastcentral.edu, reviewed October 12, 2026.
Associate Degree in Medical Assistant at East Central College: full program profileEast Central College associate degree page on eastcentral.edu ↗
From East Central College's own program, admissions and tuition pages, reviewed October 12, 2026. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees with the school.
How East Central College Compares
- Certificate in Medical Assistant runs 40 weeks; the median for certificate programs is 39 weeks.
Medical assistants in Missouri earn a median of $40,440 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), against $45,690 nationally.
Is East Central College's Medical Assistant Program Accredited?
Yes. Certificate in Medical Assistant is listed by CAAHEP (directory captured October 12, 2026). Accredited by CAAHEP on the recommendation of MAERB (CAAHEP directory, October 12, 2026), so graduates meet the standard education route for the CMA (AAMA) exam.
The accreditor's listing covers Certificate in Medical Assistant; Associate Degree in Medical Assistant is a different credential and isn't covered by it.
Medical Assisting Awards at East Central College
| Award level | Awards, 2022-23 |
|---|---|
| Certificates of one to two years | 3 |
| Associate degrees | 3 |
Federal completions data (IPEDS, CIP 51.0801) count 6 medical assisting awards conferred by East Central College in 2022-23, 828th of 951 schools on this site. These are credentials awarded, not graduates or job outcomes.
More Medical Assistant Schools in Missouri
- Cape Girardeau Career and Technology CenterCape Girardeau · certificate
- Concorde Career College-BroadwayKansas City · diploma
- Concorde Career College-Kansas CityKansas City · diploma
- Crowder CollegeNeosho · certificate
- Midwest InstituteEarth City · certificate
- Midwest Technical Institute-MissouriSpringfield · diploma · accredited
- Missouri State University-West PlainsWest Plains · certificate
- North Central Missouri CollegeTrenton · associate degree
- St Charles Community CollegeCottleville · certificate
- State Fair Community CollegeSedalia · associate degree and certificate
- Medical assistant programs in MissouriEvery local program, plus online options for residents
East Central College Medical Assisting: Common Questions
Is East Central College's Medical Assistant Program Accredited?
Yes. Certificate in Medical Assistant is listed by CAAHEP (directory captured October 12, 2026). Accredited by CAAHEP on the recommendation of MAERB (CAAHEP directory, October 12, 2026), so graduates meet the standard education route for the CMA (AAMA) exam.
How Much Does East Central College's Medical Assistant Program Cost?
Certificate in Medical Assistant: $157 per credit hour tuition for in-district students (Tier 1) (2026-27). Associate Degree in Medical Assistant: $157 per credit hour tuition for in-district students (Tier 1) (2026-27).
How Long Is East Central College's Medical Assistant Program?
Certificate in Medical Assistant: 1 year.
Does East Central College Include an Externship?
Yes. Certificate in Medical Assistant: MDA 223 Medical Assistant Clinical Externship (4 credit hours).
Which Certification Exams Does East Central College Prepare You For?
Certificate in Medical Assistant names the CMA (AAMA). Associate Degree in Medical Assistant names the CMA (AAMA).
Compare With Programs Like These
- All Medical Assistant ProgramsEvery verified MA program
- Accredited Medical Assistant ProgramsPrograms that make you CMA-eligible
- Medical Assistant Certificate ProgramsCertificates and diplomas compared
- Medical Assistant Associate DegreeAssociate degrees compared
- Medical Assistant CertificationCMA, RMA, CCMA and NCMA compared
Sources
- eastcentral.edu: Certificate in Medical Assistant program page, reviewed October 12, 2026
- CAAHEP, accredited medical assisting programs, captured October 12, 2026
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS completions 2022-23, CIP 51.0801 (medical/clinical assistant)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025: Medical Assistants, Missouri