Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama: Best Online and Campus
Discover some of the best online medical assistant programs in Alabama, explore salary potential, find answers to your questions about certification, and more.
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A medical assistant’s job isn’t boring — with diverse responsibilities in both front- and back-office roles, there is always something new to tackle. As a medical assistant, you’ll play a vital role in keeping other healthcare professionals from becoming overwhelmed with a million tasks.
If you’re looking to enter the field of medical assisting, you’ll be pleased to discover that you will have a very quick path to entry, with some programs taking as few as six weeks to complete. On top of this, most online programs are quite affordable, and many offer financial aid to further reduce the cost.
We have designed this guide to get you moving toward your medical assistant career in Alabama. In it, we profile some of the state’s most popular programs to give you a concrete idea of what is available. We’ll also analyze the salary and employment outlook in the state, answer frequently asked questions, and point you toward helpful online resources. Keep reading to take the first step toward your new career.
Profiles of Popular Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama
As you begin researching medical assistant programs in Alabama, you’ll find that many offer flexible online and hybrid options so you can fit your studies into your life. Here are a few great programs to give you an idea of what is available and help you get a clearer picture of what typical programs offer.
Alabama State University
Alabama State University offers its self-paced 100% online certified clinical medical assistant program, with 540 course hours accessible for up to 12 months. These online courses emphasize ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, protecting patient information, medical terminology, clinical procedures, and more. In addition to online coursework, students have the opportunity to complete an unpaid clinical experience and gain CPR certification for the skills required to work in a variety of healthcare settings. At the conclusion of their studies, students are qualified to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association.
Total cost is $2,795, which includes all instructional materials and a voucher for the CCMA exam. There is a payment plan available to help students manage costs by breaking the total into payments over 12 18, or 24 months.
Calhoun Community College
The clinical medical assistant program at Calhoun Community College offers an impressive number of options that give students the flexibility they need to fit their studies into their busy schedules. Two primary options are available — self-paced 100% online classes and traditional in-person classes on campus. With the on-campus option, students can choose fully in-person daytime classes (limited to 20 participants) or a hybrid night program that combines virtual learning with in-person labs. All three modalities consist of 140 class hours and an optional 160-hour clinical externship with a local healthcare provider. At the conclusion of the course, students are prepared to sit for the CCMA exam.
Total cost for the online option is $2,499, which includes e-textbooks; the in-person options cost $2,399. Both on-campus options are approved for funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), so qualifying students can get this cost covered.
Wallace State Community College
In just three semesters, prospective medical assistants can earn a certificate through the medical assistant program at Wallace State Community College. There is also a four-semester associate of applied science program available for those who want to get a head start on earning a four-year degree. Both options offer online/hybrid courses, but all lab hours must be completed on campus. Lab section assignments are random, and may be scheduled for the day, afternoon, or evening. Admission requirements for the program include a GPA of at least 2.0 and a minimum ACT composite score of 17.
At the conclusion of the program, graduates are qualified to sit for the CMA exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants. In 2021, Wallace’s program had a pass rate of 80% for this exam. The 2023 job placement rate for graduates was 94%, and the five-year employer and graduate satisfaction rate is 100%.
Medical Assistant Salary in Alabama: Comparing State and City Numbers
Before embarking on your journey and a medical assistant career, it is wise to get an overview of your earning potential. As noted in the table below, the national mean annual wage for medical assistants is $43,350. That number is less in Alabama, where medical assistants earn a mean annual wage of $34,160 statewide.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $43,350 | $56,480 |
| Alabama | $24,960 | $34,160 | $42,700 |
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | $22,120 | $31,450 | $36,150 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $25,440 | $33,620 | $39,970 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $28,720 | $36,350 | $46,340 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $24,350 | $33,980 | $38,500 |
| Decatur, AL | $29,010 | $34,080 | $41,760 |
| Dothan, AL | $22,470 | $31,280 | $37,010 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $25,550 | $33,110 | $39,730 |
| Gadsden, AL | $23,190 | $31,060 | $35,780 |
| Huntsville, AL | $29,260 | $34,510 | $38,670 |
| Mobile, AL | $24,140 | $33,010 | $39,160 |
| Montgomery, AL | $27,460 | $33,990 | $41,960 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $27,040 | $34,210 | $44,420 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Projected Job Growth for Medical Assistants in Alabama
Across the nation, job growth for medical assistants is predicted to be healthy. In the next 10 years, the field is projected to grow 18.4%, making it a stable career choice. Predictions are slightly better in Alabama, where the projected growth rate is 19.6% and 1,850 jobs are expected to be added by 2030. Overall, this means that new medical assistants should find plenty of opportunities for employment across the state and nation.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 132,600 | 18.4% | 104,400 |
| Alabama | 1,850 | 19.6% | 1,380 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
FAQs and Answers to Common Questions About Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama
We’ve covered some of the basics of embarking on your medical assistant career in Alabama, but you may have a few more questions before diving in. Continue reading to find the answers to some common queries to learn more.
How can I be a medical assistant in Alabama?
Technically, Alabama does not have any formal requirements for working as a medical assistant. This means that it may be possible to find entry-level roles in the state with only a high school diploma or GED. However, medical assistants who complete formal training programs and gain certification (CMA or CCMA) will have the best chances at getting hired and earning higher salaries.
What is a medical assistant salary in Alabama?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for medical assistants across the state is $34,160. Some areas pay a bit more than this, such as the Birmingham-Hoover area, where the mean annual wage is $36,350.
How do I get a CMA in Alabama?
You can earn a certified medical assistant (CMA) credential by taking the exam offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take this exam, you must first complete a medical assistant training program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
How long does it take to become a CMA in Alabama?
On average, becoming a CMA in Alabama takes one to two years. The length of study depends on whether you complete a certificate program or an associate degree program.
What can medical assistants do in Alabama?
In Alabama, medical assistants are qualified to take on a number of administrative and medical tasks, including scheduling appointments, answering phones, taking medical histories, drawing blood, taking vital signs, administering medication, and changing wound dressings. Some medical assistants also perform basic laboratory tests and help with procedures.
Are medical assistants getting jobs in Alabama?
According to the labor market projections from Projections Central, the employment outlook for medical assistants in Alabama is healthy. The market in Alabama is expected to grow 19.6% in the next 10 years, which is about one point above the national growth projection. Based on this information, it appears that there should be plenty of employment opportunities for medical assistants across the state.
Resources and Support for Medical Assistants in Alabama
A smooth start to your medical assistant career involves several components, including finding the perfect program and getting clear on your path to certification. If you need assistance along the way, there are many helpful online resources out there that medical assistant students (and professionals) in Alabama can use to succeed. Continue reading below to learn about a few of them.
- Alabama Rural Health Association (Student Chapters):
The Alabama Rural Health Association advocates for health matters in the state’s rural areas by providing training and education about rural health care issues and focusing on policy development. Medical assisting students can join the student chapters featured on this list and get involved with these efforts before starting work in the field. - Alabama Society of Medical Assistants:
An affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants, the Alabama Society of Medical Assistants advocates for the profession across the state by providing education, networking opportunities, and more. Job seekers can find opportunities for medical assistants posted on the main website as well as the associated Facebook page. - Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP):
Medical assistant students who need financial aid may qualify for education funding through the Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP). This need-based state grant provides eligible undergraduate students with $300 to $5,000 per academic year. Candidates must be Alabama residents and be attending one of the state’s 80 participating institutions. - AlabamaWorks!:
This statewide initiative aims to improve employment outcomes and the economy in the state of Alabama. It features seven different regions, each with a dedicated career center that connects citizens with employment and training opportunities in their specific areas. Certified medical assistants can explore job openings and get career assistance through this program. - National Healthcare Workers Association:
The NHCWA is a third-party certification agency. Its voluntary certifications are issued to healthcare workers who meet the organization’s required education, experience, and examination requirements. Certified medical assistants can set themselves apart by earning the agency’s Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant credential, which requires continuing education credits for renewal. - NHA Exam Study Materials:
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is the organization that issues the certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) credential. Students who are studying for this exam can use the preparation materials provided by the organization to improve their performance. This site includes links to test plans, study guides, and practice tests available in multiple formats. - Quizlet NHA Flash Cards:
This study resource consists of 315 flashcards that cover key topics tested on the National Healthcareer Association’s clinical medical assistant (CCMA) exam, including phlebotomy, EKGs, anatomy and physiology, clinical skills, patient treatment, and federal laws and programs such as HIPAA. Students can access the full set by signing up for a free account. - r/MedicalAssistant Subreddit:
Both current medical assistants and medical assistant students can visit this subreddit for career advice, support, and camaraderie. This group offers many tips for getting through school and passing certification exams. Posts and comments are searchable by keyword, which makes it easy to locate relevant information and find answers to questions. - The Medical Assistant Network Facebook Group:
Users in this group gather for networking, discussing career opportunities, and finding work. Members can also find and share exam study resources, career research, career placement services, and a variety of other helpful information. The group is searchable for finding answers to questions, but members can also create new posts. - Visual Medical Assistant Study Tool from Picmonic:
The visual medical assistant study tool from Picmonic is a resource that turns topics such as medical terminology, conditions, medications, and healthcare concepts into mnemonic pictures that are scientifically proven to increase memory retention. The site features study guides, reviews, and exam prep materials that all employ this learning concept.
