Georgia Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Check out our ranking of the best accredited medical assistant schools, salaries, and career outlook in Georgia.
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Updated July 13, 2023

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Medical Assistant Earnings and Job Growth in Georgia

Medical assistants are in high demand all across the nation, but that need is especially acute in Georgia, where employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by an impressive 49.9 percent over the next several years. With over two dozen accredited medical assisting programs in the state, it's safe to say that Georgia is ready to train medical assistants to meet the demand. Learn what aspiring students can expect from not only their education, but from the career they will embark on when the education or training is complete.

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.

Top Online Medical Assistant Programs

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Top Colleges for Medical Assisting in Georgia

The medical field is growing and the need for qualified medical professionals is growing along with it. Earning a degree or certificate in medical assisting is a good place to start in this rewarding industry. To help you find the best program for your needs, we did the research for you. We looked at class sizes, the cost of tuition, student services available and more to bring you our list of some of the Top Colleges for Medical Assisting in Georgia.

#1 Georgia Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

North Georgia Technical College

  • Clarkesville, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

From its main campus, North Georgia Technical College is a public school educating learners through associate and certificate programs. Featuring crucial technical training, associate and certificate programs help students gain medical assisting-specific skills necessary for entry-level positions. Graduates often transfer their certificate or associate credits into a bachelor's program to qualify for more advanced roles.

While enrollees located near Clarkesville can study on campus, others may pursue the school's programs online. Students with personal and professional responsibilities often choose online programs because of their increased flexibility. Before selecting a program, applicants should research the education requirements for positions they plan to pursue.

North Georgia Technical College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 25

Number of Certificate Programs: 70

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,697
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Georgia Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Albany Technical College

  • Albany, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

A public school, Georgia-based Albany Technical College provides online and on-campus associate and certificate programs. Through coursework and technical training, associate and certificate programs in medical assisting prepare students to secure employment and succeed in entry-level roles. To qualify for higher-paying jobs, many graduates pursue a bachelor's degree.

Enrollees who prefer not to relocate to Albany can study remotely, in an online format. In addition, online learning allows students to continue earning an income while pursuing their education. Before enrolling, applicants should review their prospective program's requirements and graduate outcomes.

Albany Technical College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 45

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 11

Number of Certificate Programs: 128

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 26

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
55%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,285
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
75% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Georgia Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

  • Rome, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners interested in pursuing an associate degree or certificate in medical assisting can consider Georgia Northwestern Technical College, a public institution. Students located in the state can attend classes at the school's Rome campus, while others can enroll online. Flexible online programs allow learners to attend classes without relocating.

Along with field-specific knowledge, participants pursuing an associate degree or certificate in medical assisting gain practical skills in the field. These programs often lead directly to entry-level medical assisting positions. Graduates can also transfer to a bachelor's program to advance their education and qualify for higher-level positions in the field.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 41

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 7

Number of Certificate Programs: 131

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 27

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,616
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Georgia Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Lanier Technical College

  • Gainesville, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners can obtain an associate degree or certificate from Lanier Technical College, a public school located in Georgia. With technical, subject-specific classes, associate and certificate programs in medical assisting prepare students to succeed in entry-level roles. In addition to pursuing employment, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.

With remote programs, the school provides opportunities for enrollees in any location to study online. Additionally, online learning provides flexible scheduling options that improve accessibility for busy students. Prospective applicants should review the associate and certificate programs available from the institution before enrolling.

Lanier Technical College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 43

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 8

Number of Certificate Programs: 123

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 16

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,000
Out-of-state
$6,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,616
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Georgia Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Chattahoochee Technical College

  • Marietta, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners who plan to pursue careers in medical assisting can earn an associate degree or certificate from Chattahoochee Technical College, a public institution. Students located anywhere can enroll in the school's online programs. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate and allows learners the flexibility to maintain full-time employment.

Associate and certificate programs in medical assisting feature coursework covering crucial theories and practical knowledge. This training is usually sufficient to begin entry-level jobs in medical assisting and related fields. Graduates often pursue bachelor's studies before entering the workforce, which can lead to more job opportunities and higher salary potential.

Chattahoochee Technical College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 44

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 7

Number of Certificate Programs: 119

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 9

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,184
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Georgia Medical Assistant Training and Certification

How does Georgia define "medical assistant"?

According to Georgia law, a medical assistant is defined as "an unlicensed person employed by the physician to whom he or she delegates certain medical tasks." Of the several delegated tasks allowed of medical assistants, taking patient vital signs is the only one that does not require direct supervision. Medical assistants may only perform tasks for which they have been properly trained. These include:

  • Taking patient vital signs
  • Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections
  • Removing sutures
  • Changing dressings
  • Administering nebulizer treatments

Does Georgia require medical assistant certification?

Though medical assistants in Georgia are not required to have certification, many employers look favorably upon those who do, and several certifications are available. The following are all accepted in the state of Georgia:

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

Does Georgia require formal training or education?

Formal education or training is not required to become a medical assistant in Georgia; however, most employers prefer to hire someone who has completed a training program, earned a diploma or degree, or have become certified by a national certifying agency. Certifying agencies do require formal training.

Are there additional certification requirements?

Those who have chosen to become certified must complete certain requirements to keep their certification in good standing. This might include continuing education or a certain number of experience hours. Certification must typically be renewed every five years.

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

Physicians, registered nurses, advanced practice nurses and similar medical professionals can delegate certain tasks to medical assistants; however, they cannot delegate tasks for which the medical assistant has not received proper training.

Salaries for Medical Assistants in Georgia

Wonder how salaries stack up against the rest of the nation? The following chart compares the average salaries of Georgia medical assistants with the average of those throughout the nation.

Salary and Growth Potential
Location Annual Wage 25th percentile Annual Wage Median Annual Wage
75th percentile
Hourly Wage Median
Georgia $24,420 $28,410 $33,890 $13.66
National $25,500 $29,960 $36,070 $14.41

Source: BLS, 2014

Georgia City and Area Salaries

What a medical assistant makes can vary depending upon numerous factors, including geographic location. Here's a sampling of what medical assistants may expect to see on their paychecks, depending upon the area in which they practice.

Salary Comparison by Cities
Area Annual Wage 25th percentile Annual Wage Median Annual Wage 75th percentile Hourly Wage Median
Albany, GA $21,530 $25,880 $30,190 $12.82
Athens-Clarke County, GA $24,610 $28,730 $34,570 $14.39
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA $25,270 $29,410 $35,130 $14.62
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $24,150 $28,200 $33,900 $14.39
Brunswick, GA $25,580 $30,150 $39,410 $15.37
Columbus, GA-AL $22,080 $25,120 $29,130 $12.64
Dalton, GA $25,540 $28,110 $30,810 $14.46
Gainesville, GA $26,390 $29,410 $34,190 $15.10
Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA $24,460 $28,090 $33,030 $13.92
Macon, GA $25,720 $29,560 $34,370 $14.40
Rome, GA $22,950 $28,280 $34,360 $13.80
Savannah, GA $25,550 $28,530 $32,810 $14.24
Valdosta, GA $22,550 $26,610 $30,090 $15.19
Warner Robins, GA $23,550 $27,180 $30,390 $13.71
North Georgia nonmetropolitan area $21,630 $26,350 $31,070 $12.94
Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area $21,370 $24,510 $29,360 $12.66
East Georgia nonmetropolitan area $20,420 $23,620 $28,330 $11.99
South Georgia nonmetropolitan area $18,550 $23,260 $28,060 $11.73

Source: BLS, 2014

Hiring Trends for Medical Assistants in Georgia

Those who choose to work as medical assistants in Georgia should have no trouble landing a job; in fact, Projections Central expects a whopping 49.9 percent job growth for medical assistants between 2012 and 2022. The chart below offers more details about Georgia's robust job growth.

Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022
Location Average Annual Openings Current
Employment
Projected Employment 2022 Jobs Added Growth Rate
Georgia 1,210 17,520 26,270 8,750 49.9%
National 26,990 560,800 723,700 162,900 29%

Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022

Spotlighting Medical Assisting Schools in Georgia

There are currently around 25 accredited medical assisting schools or programs available to students in the state of Georgia. The following three spotlight schools provide students with a glimpse of what they might expect from any of the accredited programs in the state.

Columbus Technical College


School Type: Private College

Accreditation: CAAHEP

School highlights: This school offers numerous programs under the umbrella of health science, which means that medical assisting students can also take courses that further their specializations, such as those in phlebotomy or radiology.

Programs offered: The medical assisting diploma program can be completed with 61 credit hours. Courses focus on practical patient care as well as office management.

West Georgia Technical College


School Type: Public School

Accreditation: CAAHEP, Medical Assisting Education Review Board

School highlights: Part of the technical college system of Georgia, WGTC offers medical assisting courses in various locations in a seven-county area.

Programs offered: Students can obtain a diploma in medical assisting in 12 to 18 months. The program prepares students to sit for national certifying examinations upon graduation.

Georgia Medical Assistant Resources

An in-depth description of the various licensed medical providers in the state and some assistant positions. This division of the American Association of Medical Assistants has 10 chapters throughout the state of Georgia. Discussed the scope of several states for medical assistants, including Georgia.

Popular Resources

Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.

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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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