View all the top medical assistant schools in Alabama and learn about certification requirements, salaries, and employment. Get started today by reaching out to your preferred schools in your chosen area to request admissions, tuition, and course details.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Alabama
If you wish to pursue a career as a certified medical assistant (CMA) in Alabama you will need to first complete a high school diploma. In order to become fully certified (CMA), you will also need to have graduated from an accredited medical assistant program.
Medical assistant certification in Alabama is not essential but it is generally preferred by employers.
Jump to:
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Alabama
| College | Metro Area | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery | Associates Degree | CAAHEP |
| Northwest-Shoals Community College | Muscle Shoals | Associates Degree | CAAHEP |
| South University | Montgomery | Associates Degree | CAAHEP |
| Wallace Community College | Dothan | Associate | CAAHEP |
| Wallace State Community College | Hanceville | Certificate | CAAHEP |
| Ross Medical Education Center | Huntsville | Diploma | ABHES |
| Southern Union State Community College | Valley | Certificate | CAAHEP |
Listed above are the top 7 accredited medical assistant schools in Alabama.
Accreditation may be granted either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Completion of an accredited program is required in Alabama if you wish to apply for Certification.
Trenholm State Community College, Montgomery
The Associate in Applied Sciences in Medical Assisting at Trenholm State is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical application and experience in medical assisting. As a graduate of the Medical Assisting Technology Program at Trenholm you will be eligible to sit the national certification exams of the American Association of Medical Assistants and obtain the title of Certified Medical Assistant or Registered Medical Assistant.
Over the last 5 years, graduates of the program reported a 100% satisfaction rate with the education and training received. The program has an average job placement rate of 67%.
Requirements for enrollment in the program are clearly laid out on their website and include high school graduate or GED certificate, completed course application, COMPASS assessment, CPR certification, and liability insurance.
Trenholm offers a limited number of scholarships to first-time students who are high school graduates or GED recipients with a cumulative grade point aver of 2.5 or above. You can find out more by contacting their financial aid office on 334-420-4317.
South University, Montgomery
South University is a private academic institution with multiple campuses nationwide. They offer an Associate of Science (AAS) degree in Medical Assisting at their Montgomery campus in Alabama.
According to CAAHEP Medical Assisting Education Review Board (CAAHEP MAERB) 79% of graduates from the Medical Assisting program at South University successfully obtained employment in their desired field.
The university offers financial assistance to full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate a financial need.
For a better feel of student life at South University, you can attend an open house or take a guided tour of the campus.
Medical Assistant Certification Alabama
Is certification required in Alabama to work as a Medical Assistant?
Certification is not essential in Alabama but it will certainly enhance a candidate’s employment and career prospects.
How do you become a Certified Medical Assistant in Alabama?
Medical assistant certification (CMA) is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited medical assistant programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Medical Assistant Salary in Alabama
| Average Salary | $27,730 |
| Hourly Wage | $13.33 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $37,220 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $20,330 |
| #'s Employed | 8,570 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 8,570 people employed as MAs in Alabama with an average salary of $27,730.
This equates to $13.33 per hour and is 17.5% below the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in Alabama have an annual income of $37,220 whilst the bottom 10% earned $20,330.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in Alabama
You will be pleased to learn that the demand for MA’s has been steadily on the rise throughout the USA over the last 10 years and is projected to continue to grow by almost 30% over the next few years. In fact, it is predicted that almost 184,000 new medical assisting jobs will be created between 2016 and 2024. This is significantly above the average rate of employment growth when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
The table below details employment and salary levels for medical assistants in the main metro areas in Alabama. As can be seen, the highest salaries are in the Birmingham and Auburn areas whilst the highest numbers employed in the profession are in Birmingham and Huntsville.
| Area | Salary | # Employed | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville | $28,300 | 220 | $13.60 |
| Auburn-Opelika | $28,480 | 170 | $13.69 |
| Birmingham-Hoover | $30,220 | 2,400 | $14.53 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | $26,540 | 340 | $12.76 |
| Decatur | $26,820 | 180 | $12.89 |
| Dothan | $27,530 | 450 | $13.24 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals | $25,010 | 240 | $12.03 |
| Gadsden | $27,010 | 360 | $12.99 |
| Huntsville | $27,890 | 1,090 | $13.41 |
| Mobile | $26,280 | 770 | $12.64 |
| Montgomery | $26,760 | 670 | $12.87 |
| Tuscaloosa | $27,800 | 310 | $13.37 |
Related Healthcare Careers in Alabama
Medical assistants in Alabama earn 20.3% more than nursing assistants there and 6.7% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $27,730 | 8,570 |
| Nursing Assistant | $23,050 | 23,280 |
| EMT | $29,720 | 3,920 |
| Home Health Aide | $20,730 | 4820 |
| Surgical Tech | $36,320 | 2,130 |
| Dental Assistant | $33,490 | 3,270 |
| Physician Assistant | $99,830 | 720 |