Online Medical Assistant Programs in Tennessee: School Comparison

Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Tennessee

Medical assistants play a vital role in an allied healthcare team. They provide critical, often unsung, support in both patient care and office management. Whether you’re interested in dermatology or obstetrics, there is a medical facility that can benefit from having you as a medical assistant.

Becoming a medical assistant can provide a fulfilling career in and of itself or serve as a stepping stone to other healthcare careers. Working as a medical assistant is a great way to start your experience that many nursing, physician assistant, and other medical programs these options can bridge towards, and it all starts with the right online MA program. If, like many students, you have personal and professional obligations, you’ll be glad to know that these online programs are designed with you and your needs in mind, making it possible for you to earn your certificate on your own time.

Keep reading for an inside look at the best program in Tennessee, a breakdown of what makes a program worth attending, the steps you need to take to launch your career, and so much more.

Top Tennessee Medical Assistant Student Questions, Answered

Pursuing any career training is a big decision. As you explore online medical assistant programs in Tennessee, it is normal to have questions about everything from the application process to program costs to your career prospects, and more. We’ve addressed some of the most common concerns among prospective medical assistant students below to help you feel confident as you take this next step.

Do online medical assistant programs in Tennessee have prerequisites?

Medical assistant programs prepare students for entry-level jobs in allied healthcare. As such, few, if any, programs have prerequisites. In fact, some online medical assistant programs in Tennessee, such as the one offered through The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT), allow students to register for and begin their program in as few as 24-48 hours. Regardless of your program’s prerequisites, or lack thereof, in order to take the national certification exams for medical assistants, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

How can I network during my program, and does it matter?

Networking during your program matters as it can help you land your dream job after graduation, or at least get you started on the right path. Although it can be slightly more difficult to network while completing an online program, you can start by building professional relationships with peers in your program, engaging in discussions with your instructors, establishing rapport with staff at clinical sites, and joining a professional organization like the Tennessee Society of Medical Assistants. Completing an externship or a few days of in-person labs can also help you make connections with others in the medical field.

Is it difficult to be accepted to Tennessee online medical assistant programs?

In short: no. While many online medical assistant programs in Tennessee require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED, few have GPA or prerequisite requirements. The more advanced the degree or certificate program, the more stringent their application requirements are bound to be. Some medical assisting programs don’t even require a high school diploma, but if you’re goal is to get certified, know that national certification exams do require test-takers to have a high school diploma or GED. For a more detailed breakdown of what it takes to get into a medical assistant program, you can check out our dedicated admissions guide.

What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Tennessee?

Federal financial aid is always a good place to start, particularly if you are enrolled in an accredited, for-credit program, such as an associate degree. If your school accepts federal financial aid, you can apply for it by filling out the FAFSA. If you attend a program that does not offer or accept federal financial aid, you may be able to receive funding through workforce development programs, hospital or healthcare organizational training programs, or scholarships. Schools like South College accept federal financial aid and partners with state and local organizations and initiatives to offer scholarships. Other options include payment plans and student loans.

What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Tennessee?

The cost of an online medical assistant program varies according to its length, type, and fee structure. Tuition at South College, for example, depends on a student’s credit load. Quarterly tuition for students taking 10-20 credits is just under $4,000. In contrast, the programs at TCAT and the University of Tennessee-Martin offer a flat fee of roughly $3,000, although students can incur additional fees if they exceed the 12-month program timeline. These costs don’t always include fees, books, and other materials, so be sure to seek additional detail when the time comes to choose a program.

Ranking the Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Tennessee

An ideal school for your needs will include various factors including proper accreditation, online components for flexibility, the availability of academic counseling, and the existence of career placement services. Keep reading for an inside look at the best program in Tennessee, decided by a combination of the features listed above. Take a look at which school made it onto our list as the top choice for potential students like you.

Tennessee’s Options for Certifications and Continuing Education

No certification is required to work as a medical assistant in Tennessee. However, if you wish to become certified, applying to and graduating from one of Tennessee’s online medical assistant programs is just the first of several steps to obtaining and maintaining the training and certification you desire. Once you’ve completed your accredited medical assistant program, you’ll want to take one of the following national certification exams:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) (AAMA)® administered by the American Association of Medication Assistants
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) administered by the National Healthcareer Association
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) organization

While your course of study should prepare you for the exam, you can also find exam prep books to help you practice test questions. If you know the organization you hope to work for after graduation, you can determine their certification requirements and work backward to find a program that prepares you to earn it.

Once you’re certified, you will want to keep that certification active. While you can recertify by retesting, completing the designated number of continuing education credits (CE) is often easier.

Each certification varies in its renewal requirements, all of which include an associated fee and a certain number of CE credits. For CCMA, CMA (AAMA)®, and RMA, the requirements are as follows:

• CCMA requires a fee and 10 CE credits every two years.
• CMA (AAMA)® requires a fee and 60 CE credits every 60 months.
• RMA requires an annual fee and 30 CE credits every three years.

Your employer may pay or reimburse you for the cost of your continuing education credits or your recertification, especially if they require certification as a condition of your employment.

An Overview of Salary & Career Potential for Medical Assistants in TN

Tennessee’s healthcare sector offers exciting opportunities for medical assistants, with a robust job market and steady earning potential. Across the state, the median salary is $37,350, with the top 10% earning up to $47,890. Memphis leads the way with a median pay of $37,550, while top earners in Chattanooga can see salaries soar to $55,020. Smaller areas like Morristown and Cleveland have lower medians, but they still provide solid opportunities, especially for those beginning their careers or seeking lower living costs. With experience, specialization, and certifications, salaries can increase significantly, especially in high-demand urban areas.

Career prospects in Tennessee are among the strongest in the nation, with a projected growth rate of 23.1%—well above the national average. This expansion will add 4,140 new positions, bringing the total to 22,090 by 2030. With nearly 3,000 openings annually, Tennessee is an excellent choice for those looking to join a growing healthcare workforce. Explore the tables below to discover where your skills can take you in the Volunteer State.