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.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Med Assisting programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alamance Community CollegeGraham, NC(336) 578-20021247 Jimmie Kerr RoadAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5922024-25 | $6,891 to $18,278by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community CollegeAsheville, NC(828) 254-1921340 Victoria RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,8822024-25 | $12,472 to $14,173by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Brunswick Community CollegeBolivia, NC(910) 755-730050 College RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5532024-25 | $8,678 to $8,848by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Cabarrus College of Health SciencesConcord, NC(704) 403-1555401 Medical Park DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Private nonprofit | $16,0702023-24 | $9,174 to $24,431by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Caldwell Community College and Technical InstituteHudson, NC(828) 726-22002855 Hickory BoulevardAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5262024-25 | $4,700 to $9,407by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Cape Fear Community CollegeWilmington, NC(910) 362-7000411 North Front StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,7482024-25 | $3,857 to $13,464by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Carteret Community CollegeMorehead City, NC(252) 222-60003505 Arendell StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,3102024-25 | $11,159 to $15,726by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Central Carolina Community CollegeSanford, NC(919) 775-54011105 Kelly DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,7112024-25 | $279 to $2,349by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Central Piedmont Community CollegeCharlotte, NC(704) 330-27221201 Elizabeth AvenueAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,7922024-25 | $3,550 to $5,760by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Cleveland Community CollegeShelby, NC(704) 669-4081137 S Post RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,6022024-25 | $1,095 to $3,456by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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College of the AlbemarleElizabeth City, NC(252) 335-08211208 N Road StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,2422024-25 | $3,667 to $7,548by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Craven Community CollegeNew Bern, NC(252) 638-7200800 College CtAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,0222024-25 | $3,923 to $5,786by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville, NC(336) 249-8186297 DCC RoadAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $1,9802024-25 | $6,236 to $14,023by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Durham Technical Community CollegeDurham, NC(919) 536-72001637 Lawson StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $1,9862024-25 | $375 to $4,126by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Edgecombe Community CollegeTarboro, NC(252) 823-51662009 W Wilson StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,6402024-25 | $4,748 to $10,565by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston-Salem, NC(336) 723-03712100 Silas Creek PkyAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,2762024-25 | $4,030 to $11,308by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Gaston CollegeDallas, NC(704) 922-6200201 Hwy 321 SAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,1862024-25 | $5,166 to $8,093by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown, NC(336) 334-4822601 E. Main StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,3202024-25 | $12,787 to $17,774by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Haywood Community CollegeClyde, NC(828) 627-2821185 Freedlander DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5802024-25 | $3,187 to $6,530by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Johnston Community CollegeSmithfield, NC(919) 934-3051245 College RoadAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,7562024-25 | $3,447 to $4,270by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lenoir Community CollegeKinston, NC(252) 527-6223231 Highway 58 SouthAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5682024-25 | $4,860 to $7,056by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Martin Community CollegeWilliamston, NC(252) 792-15211161 Kehukee Pk RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5232024-25 | $2,483 to $3,383by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Mayland Community CollegeSpruce Pine, NC(828) 765-7351200 Mayland DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,6262024-25 | $4,973 to $10,806by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Miller-Motte College-FayettevilleFayetteville, NC(910) 354-19003725 Ramsey St.Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | not published | not published |
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Miller-Motte College-JacksonvilleJacksonville, NC(910) 478-4300105 New Frontier WayAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | not published | $19,571 to $24,266by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Miller-Motte College-RaleighRaleigh, NC(919) 723-28203901 Capital Blvd Ste 151Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | not published | not published |
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Miller-Motte College-WilmingtonWilmington, NC(910) 392-46605000 Market StreetAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | not published | not published |
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Mitchell Community CollegeStatesville, NC(704) 878-3200500 W Broad StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,6512024-25 | $5,152 to $7,593by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Montgomery Community CollegeTroy, NC(910) 898-96001011 Page StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5382024-25 | $6,099 to $8,131by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Nash Community CollegeRocky Mount, NC(252) 443-4011522 N. Old Carriage RoadAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,8662024-25 | $4,060 to $6,651by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Pamlico Community CollegeGrantsboro, NC(252) 249-18515049 Hwy 306 SouthAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,7122024-25 | $5,896 to $9,648by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Piedmont Community CollegeRoxboro, NC(336) 599-11811715 College DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5562024-25 | not published |
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Pitt Community CollegeWinterville, NC(252) 493-72001986 Pitt Tech RoadAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,8712024-25 | $6,931 to $11,151by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Randolph Community CollegeAsheboro, NC(336) 633-0200629 Industrial Park AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,4162024-25 | $5,707 to $11,421by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Richmond Community CollegeHamlet, NC(910) 410-17001042 W Hamlet AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $1,9562024-25 | $5,485 to $7,908by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Sampson Community CollegeClinton, NC(910) 592-8081Highway 24 WestAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,8772024-25 | $3,374 to $5,856by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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South Piedmont Community CollegePolkton, NC(704) 272-5300680 Highway 74 WestAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,0222024-25 | $3,508 to $5,458by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southeastern College-CharlotteCharlotte, NC(704) 527-4979207 Regency Executive Park DriveAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | $24,1842023-24 | $35,583 to $39,133by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southwestern Community CollegeSylva, NC(828) 339-4000447 College DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $4,1122024-25 | $4,066 to $6,140by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Stanly Community CollegeAlbemarle, NC(704) 982-0121141 College DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,6722024-25 | $3,027 to $5,252by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tri-County Community CollegeMurphy, NC(828) 837-681021 Campus CircleAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,6362024-25 | $4,137 to $6,037by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Vance-Granville Community CollegeHenderson, NC(252) 492-2061200 Community College RoadAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $1,9442024-25 | $3,490 to $11,371by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh, NC(919) 866-50009101 Fayetteville RoadAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,2542024-25 | $5,813 to $13,266by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Wayne Community CollegeGoldsboro, NC(919) 735-51513000 Wayne Memorial DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5662024-25 | $3,223 to $7,529by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Western Piedmont Community CollegeMorganton, NC(828) 448-35001001 Burkemont AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,6502024-25 | $4,763 to $7,474by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Wilkes Community CollegeWilkesboro, NC(336) 838-61001328 South Collegiate DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $2,5722024-25 | $563 to $1,855by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed.
