How to Become a Medical Assistant in North Carolina
Greeting patients, scheduling appointments and completing administrative duties are all included in the responsibilities of a medical assistant. Medical assistants also support physicians as they examine and diagnose patients, helping them keep track of important medical information and ensuring patients understand their prescriptions. If you want to enter this career field, you can expect to work in a hands-on environment, from interacting with people to handling medical records.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in North Carolina
In North Carolina, a high school diploma or GED is a minimum requirement to find employment as a medical assistant. While earning certification and completing a post-secondary training program are not required by law, it is a good idea to take advantage of these options.
This will amp up your resumé and show employers that you are serious about your craft.
Medical Assisting Training and Educational Programs in North Carolina
Enrolling in a training program for medical assistants is not required to practice in North Carolina. Even so, completing one of these programs will help establish your expertise and lay the foundation for a rewarding career as a medical assistant.
Each of the Medical Assistant Schools in North Carolina below is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Alamance Community College
Alamance Community College is located in the city of Graham and offers a two-year degree program in medical assisting. Upon completion, students will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Brunswick Community College
Brunswick Community College is located in the city of Bolivia. The school allows students to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in medical assisting, which will take two years of study to complete.
Carteret Community College
Carteret Community College is located in Morehead City and offers a diploma program in medical assisting. The program can be completed in about one year.
Southwestern Community College
Southwestern Community College is located in Sylva and offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program in medical assisting.
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville Technical Community College is located in Fayetteville and offers a diploma, an associate degree, and a certificate program in medical assisting. The certificate program is the shortest, taking about one year to complete, while the associate degree will take two years.
Vance Granville community college
Vance-Granville Community College is located in Henderson and offers a diploma and an associate degree in medical assisting. The diploma can be completed in about one year, while the associate degree will take two years.
South piedmont community college
South Piedmont Community College is located in Polkton and offers a one-year diploma program in medical assisting.
Moses Cone Health System
Moses Cone Health System is a major healthcare provider in North Carolina that offers a 12-month medical assistant
Craven Community College
Craven Community College is located in New Bern and offers a diploma, an associate degree, and a certificate program in medical assisting. The certificate program is the shortest, taking about one year to complete, while the associate degree will take two years.
Haywood Community College
Haywood Community College is located in Clyde and offers a diploma, an associate degree, and a certificate program in medical assisting. The certificate program is the shortest, taking about one year to complete, while the associate degree will take two years.
Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant in North Carolina
Four different certifications exist for medical assistants. Of these, the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) are the two most common. Other options include the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications. Each certification exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
While each exam has its own set of prerequisites, completing a medical assistant training program accredited by either the ABHES or the CAAHEP will typically allow you to sit for any of these exams. In some cases, you may be able to substitute experience for education, or you may need a combination of both to sit for certain exams.
Certified Medical Assistant Certification in North Carolina
The Certified Medical Assistant credential is offered by the Certification Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To qualify to take this exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assisting program or have had equivalent experience.
You will also be required to submit a signed professional conduct agreement and pay a fee. If you pass the exam, you will need to recertify every 60 months.
Registered Medical Assistant Certification in North Carolina
The RMA credential is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To qualify for this credential, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have had equivalent experience.
You will also be required to submit a signed professional conduct agreement and pay a fee. If you pass the exam, you will need to recertify every three years.
National Certified Medical Assistant Certification in North Carolina
The NCMA credential is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To qualify for this credential, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have had equivalent experience.
You will also be required to submit a signed professional conduct agreement and pay a fee. If you pass the exam, you will need to recertify every two years.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certification in North Carolina
The CCMA credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To qualify for this credential, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have had equivalent experience.
You will also be required to submit a signed professional conduct agreement and pay a fee. If you pass the exam, you will need to recertify every two years.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in North Carolina
The demand for medical assistants in North Carolina is expected to continue growing, reflecting the broader national need for healthcare services as the U.S. population ages. Medical assistants in North Carolina play a crucial role in supporting healthcare providers by performing both administrative and clinical tasks. As of 2022, medical assistants in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $37,660, with the starting salaries at $30,680 and the top earners making up to $45,730 annually. This competitive wage reflects the vital services medical assistants provide in the healthcare industry in North Carolina.
National vs. North Carolina Salaries for Medical Assistants
| Location | Average Salary | Low (10%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $38,270 | $30,390 | $51,710 |
| North Carolina | $37,660 | $30,680 | $45,730 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in North Carolina
| Region | Low (10%) | Median | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $32,190 | $39,070 | $45,730 |
| Raleigh, NC | $29,550 | $38,870 | $47,420 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $31,930 | $38,820 | $43,930 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Noth Carolina
In 2020, North Carolina employed 19,600 medical assistants. This number is projected to grow to 23,370 by 2030, marking a 19% increase in employment within this period. This growth rate is higher than the national average growth rate for medical assistants, which is projected at 14% from 2022 to 2032. Annually, North Carolina is expected to have 2,860 job openings for medical assistants from 2020 to 2030, which includes openings due to growth and replacements for vacated positions. This data underscores the strong demand for medical assistants in North Carolina, reflecting broader trends in healthcare employment across the state and the nation.
Employment Trends
| Indicator | 2020 | 2030 | Projected Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 19,600 | 23,370 | 19% | 2,860 |
Sources of data:
- North Carolina Data: The employment figures and projections for North Carolina are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central specializes in state-level employment projections, providing detailed insights into various occupations.
- United States Data: The national employment statistics and projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly their 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as a Medical Assistant in North Carolina
In North Carolina, cities like Pleasant Hill, Garysburg, and Henrico are common places where medical assistants receive the highest compensation.
You can choose to work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, private practices, or urgent care offices. With great communication skills and an eye for detail, you can excel at this career and set yourself up for rapid advancement within the industry.
Popular Medical Assistant Schools in North Carolina
FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of North Carolina?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of North Carolina made an average of $36,790 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $28,990 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $46,210.
