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.
These rankings include
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
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Certification and Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in Alabama
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
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.
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)
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
Assuming a medical assistant is certified, most certifications have continuing education requirements and require recertification every few years.
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.
| 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.
| Area | Annual 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.
| Average Annual Openings | Current Employment | Projected Employment 2022 | Jobs Added | Growth Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 320 | 6,920 | 8,800 | 1,880 | 27.2% |
| National | 26,990 | 560,800 | 723,700 | 162,900 | 29% |
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.