13 Best Medical Assistant Programs in North Carolina | 2024

Discover the best Medical Assistant programs in North Carolina, including detailed information about their prerequisites, requirements, salary expectations after graduation, and more. Whether you'd like to apply to a program today or just generally curious about the role, you've come to the right place.

What Is a Medical Assistant Program in North Carolina?

A Medical Assistant program in North Carolina is a comprehensive educational pathway offered through various accredited institutions, including community colleges, technical schools, and private colleges. Their curriculums, geared toward Medical Assistant certification, provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform both administrative and clinical duties in healthcare settings such as physicians' offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.

Medical Assistant Coursework

The coursework in a Medical Assistant Program in North Carolina typically includes a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences. Common courses include:

• Medical Terminology: Understanding the language of medicine.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Basics of the human body and its functions.
• Clinical Procedures: Skills for assisting in patient examinations and treatments.
• Pharmacology: Knowledge of medications and their administration.
• Medical Law and Ethics: Understanding legal and ethical issues in healthcare.
• Medical Billing and Coding: Basics of coding medical procedures and managing billing processes.
• Patient Relations: Communication and customer service skills for interacting with patients.
• Administrative Practices: Office procedures, scheduling, and electronic health records management.

Medical Assistant Clinical Training

Clinical training is an essential component of Medical Assistant Programs in North Carolina, providing students with hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting. This training typically includes:

• Externships: Placement in a medical office, clinic, or hospital to gain practical experience under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
• Patient Care: Learning to take vital signs, prepare patients for examination, and assist with procedures.
• Laboratory Procedures: Gaining skills in drawing blood, preparing specimens, and performing basic lab tests.
• EKG Administration: Training in performing electrocardiograms.
• Injection and Phlebotomy Techniques: Learning to administer injections and perform venipunctures.
• Emergency Procedures: Training in basic first aid and CPR.

Best Medical Assist Programs in North Carolina - Online & On-Campus

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Stanly Community College

The Medical Assisting program at Stanly Community College is designed to prepare multi-skilled healthcare professionals who are qualified to perform a wide range of duties, including administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures. This comprehensive program aims to equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in the medical assisting field.

Program Highlights:

• Program Options: Offers Associate, Diploma, and Certificate levels, including a Medical Billing & Coding Certificate.
• Duration: For full-time students, the program spans 21 classes over 5 semesters, totaling 2 years. General Education only requires 8 classes, and CCP (Career and College Promise) students can complete their pathway with 7 classes across 3 semesters, in 1 year.
• Skills Taught: Students will learn vital skills such as appointment scheduling, coding, insurance processing, billing, collections, computer operations, examination and treatment practices, laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, medication administration, and understanding ethical and legal issues in healthcare.
• Flexible Learning Options: The program is structured to accommodate full-time students, those focusing on general education, and CCP students, providing flexible pathways to completion based on individual needs and circumstances.

2. Johnston Community College

Johnston Community College offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting Program designed to prepare multi-skilled healthcare professionals qualified to perform a wide range of administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures. 

Program Highlights:

• Program Options: Students can pursue a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Medical Assisting, with an additional option for a Medical Assisting Review in Continuing Education.
• Flexible Scheduling: Coursework includes both online classes and in-person labs, offering flexibility to accommodate students' schedules.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Instruction covers scheduling appointments, coding and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections, computer operations, assisting with examinations and treatments, performing routine laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, supervised medication administration, and ethical/legal issues associated with patient care.
• Apprenticeship Component: Offers an apprenticeship component through UNC Health, allowing apprentices to get paid while gaining skills and professional credentials, with tuition paid during classroom training.

3. Central Piedmont Community College

Central Piedmont Community College offers a robust Medical Assisting program, which has been producing skilled graduates for over 50 years. The program focuses on critical administrative tasks, clinical functions, and laboratory procedures. Students learn to record vital signs, draw blood, administer injections, assist with medical examinations, organize medical records, schedule appointments, and perform medical coding and insurance billing.

The program aims to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities in entry-level medical assisting. Graduates find employment in various healthcare settings, including physician offices, urgent care centers, medical clinics, outpatient surgery centers, and ambulatory care centers.

The program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and boasts a 100% pass rate on the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) national certified medical assistant (CMA) exam for 15 years.

4. Miller-Motte College

Miller-Motte College's Medical Clinical Assistant program is designed to prepare students for a career within the healthcare sector, focusing on both the clinical and administrative aspects of medical assisting. This hybrid program combines online learning with hands-on, in-person experience, making it a flexible option for students looking to enter the healthcare field.

Program Highlights:

• Flexible Learning Options: The program offers a diploma or certificate in Medical Clinical Assisting, with classes beginning every 5 to 10 weeks depending on the location.
• Duration: Students can complete their Medical Clinical Assisting program in as little as 13 to 15 months, depending on the chosen track.
• Externship Experience: Alongside classroom education, students participate in an externship to gain hands-on training in a workplace environment, enhancing their practical skills.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The curriculum covers diagnostic procedures, medical terminology, administrative tasks, computer software skills, capillary sticks, microscopic examinations, medication terminology, patient exam preparation, and disease process education.

5. Richmond Community College

The goal of Richmond Community College's Medical Assisting program is to prepare competent medical assistants who excel in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, ready to enter the profession with confidence.

Program Highlights:

• Curriculum: Includes instruction in scheduling appointments, coding and processing insurance accounts, billing, collections, medical transcription, computer operations, assisting with examinations and treatments, performing routine laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, and supervised medication administration.
• Ethical and Legal Training: Students also learn about the ethical and legal issues associated with patient care, preparing them for the complexities of the healthcare environment.
• Certification: Graduates may be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants' Certification Examination to become Certified Medical Assistants, enhancing their employability.
• Program Cost: The total cost of the program is $8,007.00.

6. Haywood Community College

Haywood Community College's Medical Assisting program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled medical assistants in the healthcare industry, providing graduates with the qualifications needed to succeed in various medical and healthcare settings.

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Students will learn essential skills such as scheduling appointments, coding, billing, processing insurance accounts, computer operations, obtaining medical histories, assisting with examinations and treatments, electrocardiography, office procedures, vital signs, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, capillary stick, lab testing, medication administration (oral and injections/immunizations), and addressing ethical/legal issues related to patient care.
• Degrees/Certificates Offered: The program offers an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting, a Certificate in Medical Office Administration, and an Accelerated Diploma, providing multiple pathways for students based on their career goals and timelines.

7. Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board. This program is designed to prepare students for a career as competent medical assistants, equipped with knowledge, skills, and behavior essential for the healthcare industry.

Program Highlights:

• Occupational Safety Training: Includes the MED-138: Infection/Hazard Control course, teaching students about workplace safety, infection control procedures, and North Carolina laws relevant to healthcare workers.
• CAAHEP Accreditation: Ensures graduates are eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) certification examination to become Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs).
• Apprenticeship Component: Offers an apprenticeship program in partnership with WakeWorks®, allowing students to gain paid work experience and professional credentials while completing their education.

8. ECPI University

ECPI University offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Science-Medical Assisting. This program prepares students to perform a variety of clinical and administrative functions in medical settings.

The curriculum includes extensive hands-on laboratory experience and an externship in a local medical facility, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for certification exams and entry-level positions as medical assistants, phlebotomists, EKG technicians, and more. The program emphasizes critical thinking, effective patient care, and the ability to adapt to the changing healthcare environment.

9. Gaston College

Gaston College offers a Medical Assisting program designed to prepare students for a rewarding healthcare career. This program equips students with both clinical and administrative skills necessary to excel as medical assistants in various healthcare settings, including physician's offices, clinics, and hospitals.

Program Highlights:

• Duration: Students can earn a diploma in just one year, gaining essential clinical and administrative skills. With an additional 20 credit hours, students can also earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
• Comprehensive Skill Set: The program covers a wide range of tasks, including minor surgical procedures, administering vaccinations, computer operations, communication skills, and patient education.

10. South Piedmont College

South Piedmont Community College's one-year, diploma program is a limited enrollment program that begins in the fall and Spring of each year. It aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for both clinical and administrative duties in the healthcare field.

Program Highlights:

• Admission Process: The program has specific deadlines for Spring and fall program applications, with a detailed admission requirement booklet available for prospective students.
• Limited Enrollment: Admission to the Medical Assisting program is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers essential medical assisting skills, including general education and MED courses, with a focus on achieving a minimum grade of "C" or higher in all relevant courses.
• Phase I and II Requirements: Applicants must complete specific admissions and program requirements, including attending a mandatory virtual Medical Assisting Information Session and meeting eligibility criteria for certain courses.
• 1 + 1 Diploma/Degree Option: Successful completion of the diploma program with a 3.0 GPA allows students to progress into the degree option, further enhancing their qualifications and career prospects.

11. Craven Community College

Craven Community College offers a Medical Assisting (MA) program designed to prepare students for a variety of roles within the healthcare sector. The program focuses on training students to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures in healthcare settings, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and career potential.

Program Highlights:

• Flexibility: The program offers diverse career paths, allowing graduates to work in various healthcare environments, from large hospitals to private practices, depending on their preferences.
• Career Potential: Completing the program significantly enhances employability in the healthcare field, increases salary potential, and provides a foundation for further education.

12. Central Carolina Community College

Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) offers a comprehensive Medical Assisting program designed to prepare students for a variety of roles within the medical field. This program combines office environment skills with medical setting abilities, creating multi-skilled healthcare professionals proficient in clinical, lab, and administrative medical office management.

Program Highlights:

• Career Potential: Graduates become valuable assets to various healthcare institutions, enhancing their salary potential and providing a pathway to further education.
• Hands-on Learning: The curriculum includes hands-on activities in a simulated clinical environment, training students on the latest sterilization and centrifuge equipment.
• Clinical Externship: A 240-hour clinical externship is a key component of the curriculum, offering real-world experience in a healthcare setting.
• Flexible Program Options: Students can choose between a two-year Associate's in Applied Science degree or a one-year Diploma. The program is offered during the day at the Harnett Main Campus and Chatham Main Campus during the first year, and online and evenings at the Lee Main Campus during the second year.

13. Southeastern College

Southeastern College offers a Medical Assisting program that prepares students to become skilled professionals in the healthcare industry. This program combines core medical assisting courses with general education, providing a well-rounded education that covers both the clinical and administrative aspects of medical assisting.

Program Highlights:

• Core Courses (34.0 credit hours): Includes Clinical Procedures, Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants, Medical Office Management with Billing and Coding, Medical Terminology, Lab Procedures, Electronic Health Records, and an Externship.
• General Education Courses (26.0 credit hours): Covers Behavioral/Social Science, Communications, Computers, English, Humanities/Fine Arts, Mathematics, and Natural Science.
• Flexible Course Delivery: Courses are available via distance education and residential delivery, except for the externship course (MEA 188), which is completed in a healthcare facility.
• Externship Experience: A 4.5 credit hour externship allows students to gain hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting.
• Distance Education: Designed for flexibility, the program accommodates students' schedules, requiring regular virtual classroom attendance that contributes to final grades.

North Carolina Medical Assistant Prerequisites & Requirements

Medical Assistant programs in North Carolina come with several prerequisites and requirements to ensure students are prepared for the rigors and demands of education and healthcare careers.

Prerequisites of Medical Assistant Programs in North Carolina

Before enrolling in a Medical Assistant program in North Carolina, prospective students typically need to meet the following prerequisites:

• High School Diploma or GED: Applicants must have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• Minimum Age Requirement: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old by the time they complete the program.
• Health Immunizations: Up-to-date immunizations are often required to protect the health and safety of students and patients they will interact with during clinical training.
• Background Check: A clean criminal background check is usually necessary due to the sensitive nature of the work environment and patient interactions.
• Basic Computer Skills: With the increasing use of electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital tools in healthcare, basic computer literacy is often a prerequisite.

Requirements of Medical Assistant Programs in North Carolina

Once enrolled, students must meet certain requirements to complete their Medical Assistant program and qualify for certification. These requirements often include:

• Coursework Completion: Students must complete all required coursework, which covers a range of administrative and clinical skills necessary for the role of a medical assistant.
• Clinical Hours: Completion of a specified number of clinical hours or an externship is required, providing hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
• CPR Certification: Obtaining CPR certification is often a part of the program or a separate requirement, ensuring students are prepared to respond to emergencies.
• Competency Exams: Students may need to pass competency exams that assess their skills and knowledge in various areas of medical assisting.
• Certification Exam: Although not always mandatory, many programs prepare students to take a certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), which is highly recommended for employment prospects.

Medical Assistant Salary Expectations in North Carolina

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Medical Assistants in the state is $38,720, or $18.40 per hour. This is slightly higher than the average for North Carolina, which is $38,230.

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for other occupations.

While these figures are directional, it's important to consider the various factors that affect salary expectations, such as geography, years of experience, employer, level of education, and more.

The top-paying states include:

• Washington: $50,350
• District of Columbia: $50,020
• Alaska: $49,400
• California: $47,850
• Minnesota: $47,330

Are Medical Assistant Programs Worth It in North Carolina?

Deciding whether Medical Assistant programs are worth it in North Carolina involves weighing the potential benefits against the drawbacks.

Pros North Carolina Medical Assistant Programs

1. Growing Job Market: The healthcare industry in North Carolina is expanding, with an increasing demand for medical assistants in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices. This growth translates to more job opportunities and job security for graduates.
2. Short Training Period: Compared to other healthcare professions, medical assistant programs can be completed relatively quickly, often within a year or two. This allows graduates to enter the workforce sooner and start earning a salary.
3. Versatility in the Workplace: Medical assistants are trained in both administrative and clinical tasks, making them versatile employees who can work in various areas of a healthcare facility. This versatility can lead to greater job satisfaction and opportunities for advancement.
4. Stepping Stone for Further Education: For many, a certificate or diploma in medical assisting is the first step toward further healthcare education and career advancement. The experience and knowledge gained can serve as a foundation for nursing, healthcare administration, or specialized medical fields.
5. Competitive Salaries: While starting salaries for medical assistants in North Carolina may vary, the potential for competitive wages increases with experience, certification, and specialization. Additionally, many employers offer benefits packages, including health insurance and retirement plans.

Cons of North Carolina Medical Assistant Programs

1. Cost of Education: The cost of completing a medical assistant program can be a barrier for some individuals. While less expensive than a four-year degree, tuition, books, and supplies can still add up.
2. Emotional and Physical Demands: Working as a medical assistant can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Long hours on your feet and dealing with sick or distressed patients can be challenging.
3. Limited Scope of Practice: Medical assistants have a defined scope of practice, which can limit the procedures they are allowed to perform. Some may find this aspect of the role restrictive.
4. Need for Certification and Continuing Education: To remain competitive and meet employer requirements, medical assistants may need to obtain certification and pursue continuing education, which can involve additional time and expense.
5. Job Competition: In certain areas, the job market for medical assistants can be competitive, making it challenging for new graduates to find positions, especially in preferred healthcare settings or specific locations.

Ultimately, whether a Medical Assistant program in North Carolina is worth it depends on individual career goals, financial considerations, and the value placed on the pros and cons listed above.

Importance of Picking an Accredited Medical Assistant Program in North Carolina?

Choosing an accredited Medical Assistant program in North Carolina is crucial for several reasons:

• Quality Education: Accreditation ensures the program meets high standards for curriculum, faculty, and student resources, providing a quality education that prepares students for the workforce.
• Certification Eligibility: Graduates from accredited programs are eligible to sit for national certification exams, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is often required by employers.
• Employment Opportunities: Employers prefer hiring graduates from accredited programs, recognizing their comprehensive training and readiness for the medical assisting role.
• Transfer Credits: Credits from an accredited program are more likely to be accepted by other institutions if you decide to pursue further education.

The primary accrediting bodies for Medical Assistant programs are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Medical Assistant Programs Near Me

Discover the best Medical Assistant programs in the following states:

• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work full-time while attending a Medical Assistant program in North Carolina?

Many Medical Assistant programs in North Carolina offer flexible scheduling options, including part-time classes or online coursework, to accommodate students who need to work full-time. However, the intensity of the program, especially during the clinical practicum phase, may require careful time management.

What kind of financial aid is available for Medical Assistant students in North Carolina?

Financial aid options for Medical Assistant students in North Carolina include federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Many schools also offer specific scholarships for students enrolled in health sciences programs. Prospective students should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and consult with their school's financial aid office to explore all available options.

Are there any online Medical Assistant programs in North Carolina that include clinical practicum?

Some online Medical Assistant programs in North Carolina offer a hybrid format where theoretical coursework is completed online, but students are required to complete their clinical practicum in person at a healthcare facility. This ensures that students gain the hands-on experience necessary for certification and employment.

How important is learning electrocardiography (EKG) in a Medical Assistant program?

Learning electrocardiography is an important part of the clinical training for Medical Assistants, as it is a common procedure in many healthcare settings. Proficiency in EKG can expand a Medical Assistant's scope of practice and enhance their employability in specialized areas of healthcare, such as cardiology.

What are the key administrative duties taught in Medical Assistant programs in North Carolina?

Key administrative duties taught in Medical Assistant programs include scheduling appointments, managing medical records, billing and coding for insurance purposes, handling correspondence, and using electronic health record (EHR) systems. These skills are crucial for the efficient operation of healthcare facilities and ensure that students are prepared for a variety of roles within the medical office.