Alabama Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Learn about the best online medical assisting programs in Alabama. Compare tuition rates, prerequisites, and employment data.
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Updated June 7, 2023

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Discover Programs, Certification & Wages in the State

The number of Alabama medical assisting jobs is increasing fast. Between 2012 and 2022, Projections Central reports there will be a robust 27.2 percent increase in the number of medical assistants in the state. This is because medical assistants provide strong and much-needed support to doctors, from providing hands-on medical care to patients, to performing administrative and billing tasks in the office. Alabama has several accredited programs to meet the demand for well trained, knowledgeable medical assistants. For more information about the training required to become a medical assistant in Alabama, salaries, certifications offered and schools available, read on.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Alabama

Earning a degree in medical assisting in Alabama is a good way to grow your career opportunities. Graduates of these programs go on to work in physician offices, helping to cut back on wait time for patients and easing the caseload for physicians by taking on routine visits. To help you find the perfect program to meet your needs, we've done the research to bring you our list of the 2017 Best Schools for Medical Assisting.

#1 Alabama Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Trenholm State Community College

  • Montgomery, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

Trenholm State Community College is a public institution enrolling learners in associate and certificate programs. Students located in Montgomery can attend classes on campus, while others can enroll online. These flexible remote programs appeal to learners who can't move for their education.

The medical assisting technology program introduces participants to the basic ideas and practices used in medical assisting. With the skills gained from their training, individuals can apply for entry-level roles. Before entering the workforce, graduates often choose to enroll in a bachelor's program, many of which accept transfer credits from community colleges.

Trenholm State Community College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 20

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Number of Certificate Programs: 24

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,930
Out-of-state
$7,860
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
54%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,042
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Alabama Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

George C. Wallace Community College-Dothan

  • Dothan, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

With medical assistant programs at various academic levels, George C. Wallace Community College-Dothan provides learners with field-specific career preparation. Students located in Dothan can attend in-person classes, while others can enroll online. With flexible scheduling options, online learning appeals to working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.

Students enrolled in the medical assisting program examine core concepts in the field. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level medical assistant roles. To increase their earning potential, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies after earning their associate degree or certificate.

George C. Wallace Community College-Dothan at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 19

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Number of Certificate Programs: 22

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,930
Out-of-state
$7,860
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,478
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Alabama Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Chattahoochee Valley Community College

  • Phenix City, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

At Chattahoochee Valley Community College, learners can obtain a certificate or associate degree by enrolling online or on campus in Phenix City. Featuring crucial technical training, associate and certificate programs help students gain skills necessary for entry-level medical assistant positions. Many graduates pursue a bachelor's degree to qualify for more advanced positions.

By studying online, enrollees can eliminate the cost of commuting to Phenix City for in-person classes. Students with personal and professional responsibilities often choose online programs because of their increased flexibility. Before enrolling in the school's medical assisting program, applicants can speak with an admissions counselor to ensure the institution offers a program aligning with their goals.

Chattahoochee Valley Community College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 14

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Number of Certificate Programs: 16

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,930
Out-of-state
$7,860
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,592
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Alabama Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

George C. Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

  • Hanceville, AL
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners who plan to pursue a medical assistant career can earn an associate degree or certificate from George C. Wallace State Community College-Hanceville, a public institution. Although the school's campus is in Hanceville, students can attend classes online from any location with internet access. Distance learning eliminates the need to relocate and allows learners the flexibility to maintain full-time employment.

Students enrolled in the medical assistant program complete field-specific coursework and gain important training. Immediately after graduation, many individuals apply to medical assistant positions. To expand their career options, graduates can complete a bachelor's degree before applying for positions in the field.

George C. Wallace State Community College-Hanceville at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 34

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2

Number of Certificate Programs: 48

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,930
Out-of-state
$7,860
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,985
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Alabama Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College

  • Huntsville, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College delivers associate and certificate programs to prepare learners for medical assistant careers. In addition to on-campus programs in Huntsville, the school delivers online classes students can attend remotely. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to busy learners, working professionals, and individuals with families.

Participants pursuing an associate in medical assisting technology complete major-specific coursework and training. The skills gained during these programs can be applied directly to entry-level work in medical assisting and related fields. Along with applying for positions, graduates can transfer their credits into a bachelor's program and advance their education before entering the workforce.

J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 14

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Number of Certificate Programs: 21

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,930
Out-of-state
$7,860
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
41%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
789
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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Certification and Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in Alabama

How does Alabama define "medical assistant"?

Alabama does not define "medical assistant" nor have any laws expressly defining the scope of a medical assistant's practice. However, medical assistants in Alabama can expect to engage in the same tasks as medical assistants in any other state. Tasks might include:

  • Filling out paperwork
  • Processing lab work
  • Taking patient's vital signs

Is certification required?

Alabama does not require certification in order to work as a medical assistant. However, certification can be obtained through medical assistant programs in the state, and it is highly recommended as a way to improve the potential for hiring and advancement.

Is certification available?

The following certifications are widely recognized around the country and are recommended for Alabama medical assistants:

  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
  • Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
  • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Is formal education and/or training required?

Alabama has no formal training or education requirement in order to practice as a medical assistant. However, those who want to become a medical assistant usually have at least one of the following:

  • Completion of an accredited medical assisting program
  • Practical training and experience performing tasks that a medical assistant would do

Are there additional requirements?

Assuming a medical assistant is certified, most certifications have continuing education requirements and require recertification every few years.

Are there tasks outside the scope of medical assistants in Alabama?

Alabama does not have explicit rules dictating what medical assistants can or cannot do. However, there are rules regarding what medical tasks can be delegated to unlicensed healthcare professionals. Tasks that specifically cannot be delegated to medical assistants include:

  • Any tasks that would exceed the scope of what a registered or licensed practical nurse is allowed to do
  • Any task that requires independent nursing judgment
  • Any task that involve sterile or invasive procedures (finger sticks and peripheral venous phlebotomy are not considered sterile or venous procedures)
  • Administering certain medications, such as certain types of prescription drugs.

Alabama Medical Assistants Salaries

What can Alabama medical assistants expect to make compared to the national average? The chart below answers that question.

Alabama Salary Compared to National Average
 Annual Wage
25th percentile
Annual Wage
Median
Annual Wage
75th percentile
Hourly Wage
Median
Alabama$21,360$25,140$29,620$12.09
National$25,500$29,960$36,070$14.41

Source: BLS, 2014

Medical Assistant City and Area Salaries in Alabama

Depending on where a medical assistant decides to work within the state, compensation may vary. But by how much? The following chart offers insight into which areas pay more, on average, or less.

Medical Assistant Salary by City
AreaAnnual Wage
25th percentile
Annual Wage
Median
Annual Wage
75th percentile
Hourly Wage
Median
Anniston-Oxford, AL$17,980$22,190$27,850$11.72
Auburn-Opelika, AL$20,460$25,440$29,300$12.03
Birmingham-Hoover, AL$23,350$27,360$31,120$13.56
Decatur, AL$21,350$24,260$28,810$12.05
Dothan, AL$19,790$23,710$28,770$11.74
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL$17,920$20,710$25,200$10.27
Gadsden, AL$20,580$23,020$27,020$11.61
Huntsville, AL$22,150$25,560$30,360$12.81
Mobile, AL$20,690$23,060$26,860$11.53
Montgomery, AL$22,010$25,810$30,990$12.76
Tuscaloosa, AL$21,200$25,070$29,810$12.40
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area$20,230$24,170$29,220$11.89
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area$21,400$25,270$30,950$12.52
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area$22,230$25,760$28,690$12.23
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area$19,700$23,030$28,370$11.88

Source: BLS, 2014

Alabama Medical Assisting Job Growth Trends

The need for medical assistants is expected to rise dramatically across the country in the coming years, and Alabama is no exception. The chart below details the expected need for medical assistants in Alabama.

Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022
 Average Annual
Openings
Current
Employment
Projected
Employment 2022
Jobs
Added
Growth
Rate
Alabama3206,9208,8001,88027.2%
National26,990560,800723,700162,90029%

Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022

Alabama Medical Assisting School Spotlight

Students seeking an associate's degree in medical assisting may find Wallace State Community College a good option. Learn more about what this college can offer aspiring medical assistants in Alabama.

Wallace State Community College - Hanceville

Wallace State Community College offers an associate's degree in medical assisting that consists of 71 credits. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be ready to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants.

The associate in applied science degree in medical assisting can be earned in as little as two years, or longer if the student chooses to attend part-time or does not enter with any general education requirements already completed.

Program Website

School Type: Public Community College Accreditation: CAAHEP

Alabama Medical Assistant Resources

Includes the entire Administrative Code for regulated medical procedures and practitioners in Alabama. Includes the entire Administrative Code for regulated medical procedures and practitioners in Alabama. Even though Alabama does not have explicit rules governing the scope of what a medical assistant can or cannot do, the Alabama Board of Nursing website contains information about tasks a nurse can delegate to an unlicensed medical professional, such as a medical assistant. In addition to providing for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification, the AAMA has local state chapters and provides information on what it means to become certified. In addition to providing for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification, the AAMA has local state chapters and provides information on what it means to become certified. The AMT offers the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification, one of the most widely recognized medical assisting certifications.

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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