Most important takeaways…
- Tennessee has 10+ CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assistant programs statewide.
- Community college tuition can run under $5,000 per year after aid.
- BLS projects 14% national medical assistant job growth through 2032.
Top Medical Assistant Programs in Tennessee: Find Your Perfect School
Explore Tennessee's top medical assistant schools with tuition data and program comparisons.
Medical assistant hiring in Tennessee surged in 2025, with state employers bringing on over 1,900 new MAs to meet expanding outpatient and primary care demand. This growth has led to a wide range of training options, from fast-track certificates completed in under a year to associate degrees bundling clinical and general education coursework.
Not all programs carry equal weight with hiring managers, though. The strongest career outcomes in Tennessee consistently flow to graduates of CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs, who can earn the CMA credential without extra steps. Choosing a program that lacks that stamp can mean starting behind in a competitive, regionally dispersed job market.
Our Ranking Methodology: How We Evaluated Medical Assistant Programs
We built this ranking to help you find Medical Assistant Training Programs that deliver real value: affordable tuition, recognized credentials, and strong job placement.
Accreditation Matters Most
Accreditation is the non-negotiable starting point. We only included schools holding programmatic accreditation from either CAAHEP or ABHES, the two agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for medical assisting. Our team cross-checked each school’s current status directly against the official directories maintained by these organizations. If a program’s accreditation lapsed or couldn’t be verified, it didn’t make the cut.
What the Data Tells Us
Beyond accreditation, we dug into publicly available outcomes that speak to return on investment. We looked at tuition and net price, graduation rates, and early-career earnings for graduates. We also considered whether schools report clear data on things like employment in the field and average student debt. Programs with transparent, positive results scored higher. Where data was missing or unclear, we noted that, but we didn’t penalize a school simply for being small or new.
Program Format and Hands-On Training
We evaluated how each program is delivered because flexibility matters. Schools offering a mix of online Medical Assisting courses and in-person labs, or fully on-campus tracks with guaranteed Medical Assistant Externship placements, stood out. A reliable externship component is critical, it’s where you build muscle memory and employer connections. We confirmed that every ranked program includes a supervised clinical experience.
The Bottom Line
This list reflects a balance: schools that won’t bury you in debt, teach the skills employers actually demand, and hold the credentials that let you sit for the CMA or RMA exam right after graduation. Our aim is straightforward: give you a clear, honest starting point for your search.
Top 10 Best Medical Assistant Schools in Tennessee
These are the 10 medical assistant schools and programs in Tennessee that stood out for accreditation, hands-on training, and value. Each summary highlights the credential, timeline, and certification preparation you can expect. Use the quick comparison table to weigh cost, length, and campus format.
How we ranked these
Factors considered
- First-year retention and completion signals
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Accreditation status and clinical requirements
- Program length and certification eligibility
- Total tuition and net price
Data sources
- Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- BEA Regional Price Parities (state cost of living) — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) — caahep.org
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski
#1Pulaski, TN · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Hands-on learners needing structured daytime training
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski runs a six-month Allied Health and Medical Assisting certificate with 648 clock hours of combined classroom, lab, and clinical training. Students practice phlebotomy, EKG, nursing assistance, and clinical medical assisting, then prepare for national certifications including CCMA, CNA, CPT, and CET. Daytime classes and a total tuition around $2,347 make this a practical, affordable entry point for local healthcare jobs.
- 648 clock hours of hands-on training
- $2,347 total program tuition
- Six-month certificate completion
- Prepares for CCMA, CNA, CPT, and CET certifications
- Daytime classroom and lab schedule
- Includes clinical experience in patient care
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson
#2Jackson, TN · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Rural Tennessee residents seeking entry-level healthcare
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson offers a 12-month Patient Care Technology/Medical Assisting certificate through full-time daytime classes. The 1,296-clock-hour curriculum blends nurse aid, phlebotomy, EKG, and medical assisting skills with supervised clinical practice. Students can study at Jackson, Lexington, or Brownsville campuses, and Tennessee's rural healthcare workforce initiative has supported high school cohorts in this pathway.
- 1,296 clock hours of clinical and classroom training
- $4,335 total program tuition
- Textbooks and supplies estimated at $1,752.53
- Prepares for CNA, PCT, and MA certifications
- Entrance exam required: HESI or ACT
- Campuses in Jackson, Lexington, and Brownsville
- Part of Tennessee rural healthcare workforce initiative
Southern Adventist University
#3Collegedale, TN · $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)
Hispanic-Serving Institution
Best for: Online learners wanting flexible self-paced study
Southern Adventist University in Collegedale offers a fully online Clinical Medical Assistant certificate that can be completed in about six months. The program covers clinical and administrative skills using Kinn's textbooks, interactive 3D animations, and game-based learning, with a total tuition of $4,000 including exam fees and materials. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NHA's CCMA exam, making this a strong fit for students who need asynchronous, self-paced training.
- 100% online with on-demand access
- $4,000 total program tuition
- Six-month certificate completion
- Prepares for NHA CCMA exam
- Includes exam fees and Kinn's materials
- Personal advisor support and payment plan available
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville
#4Huntsville, TN · ~$16,000/yr (est.)
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville provides a six-month Allied Health and Medical Assisting certificate with 648 clock hours of classroom, lab, and clinical experience. Students prepare for four national certification exams, including CCMA, CNA, CPT, and CET, while covering patient care, anatomy, and medical terminology. Daytime classes and a $2,347 tuition total make it a practical option for students near the Oneida campus.
- 648 clock hours of training
- $2,347 total program tuition
- Six-month full-time daytime program
- Prepares for CCMA, CNA, CPT, and CET
- Clinical experiences included
- Textbooks and supplies estimated at $2,295
- Four certification exam pathways
Columbia State Community College
#5Columbia, TN · ~$5,000/yr (est.)
Columbia State Community College offers a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program that combines 140 classroom and lab hours with a 160-hour clinical externship at local healthcare providers. The program prepares students for the NHA CCMA exam and includes training in phlebotomy, pharmacology, vital signs, and EKG. Through a Tennessee Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiatives grant, eligible Maury and Marshall County cohorts can have most tuition and exam fees covered during the 2026-2027 academic year.
- 140 classroom and lab hours
- 160-hour clinical externship
- Prepares for NHA CCMA exam
- Grant reported to cover 87% of CCMA tuition
- Five cohorts funded for 2026-2027
- Phlebotomy, pharmacology, and vital signs training
- Liability insurance required
Concorde Career College-Memphis
#6Memphis, TN · ~$25,000/yr (est.)
Concorde Career College-Memphis offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting that can be completed in as few as eight months. The program blends clinical skills like venipuncture, EKG, and lab procedures with administrative training in medical billing and record-keeping. Students can choose flexible scheduling at the Memphis or Southaven campuses, with hands-on lab practice built into the curriculum.
- 8-month completion possible
- Clinical and administrative training
- Venipuncture and EKG skills
- Memphis and Southaven campuses
- Flexible class schedules
- Hands-on laboratory practice
Volunteer State Community College
#7Gallatin, TN · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Volunteer State Community College's Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program is a ten-month sequence of three 12-week courses in patient care, phlebotomy, and EKG. Each course includes 60 classroom/lab hours and 80 clinical hours, and the total cost is $2,745 including study guides and supplies. Students who complete the pathway are prepared for NHA certification and can pursue roles in hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician offices.
- $2,745 total program tuition
- Three 12-week courses
- 60 classroom/lab and 80 clinical hours per course
- Patient Care, Phlebotomy, and EKG courses
- Prepares for NHA certification
- Background check and drug screening required
- Exam fees not included
Cleveland State Community College
#8Cleveland, TN · $5,000 – $18,000/yr (est.)
Cleveland State Community College offers both an Associate of Applied Science and a Certificate in Medical Assisting from its main campus in Cleveland. The program prepares students for the CMA exam and has long held CAAHEP accreditation. Students can use FAFSA, TN Promise, and scholarships to help cover the 63-credit associate degree or the 39-credit certificate option.
- A.A.S. degree requires 63 credit hours
- Certificate requires 39 credit hours
- Prepares for CMA exam
- CAAHEP-accredited program
- FAFSA, TN Promise, and scholarships available
- Main campus in Cleveland, TN
South College
#9Knoxville, TN · $18,000/yr (est. net price)
South College in Knoxville offers multiple medical assisting pathways, including a CAAHEP-accredited certificate and associate degree options. Students can choose a standard medical assisting track or add a phlebotomy technician concentration, and the certificate pathway includes a 180-hour practicum and preparation for the AAMA certification exam. Hybrid and campus formats provide flexibility, and military benefits may be accepted.
- Associate degree program
- Hybrid modality with campus labs
- Covers medical lab procedures
- Includes pharmacology and medical coding
- 180-hour practicum required
- Front office and insurance coding
- Phlebotomy technician concentration
- On-ground certificate pathway
- Practicum required with phlebotomy emphasis
- Prepares for national phlebotomy certification
- CPR and immunization requirements
CAAHEP accredited
- CAAHEP-accredited certificate
- Prepares for AAMA Certification Exam
- Online or hybrid delivery
- 180 clinical hours
- Military benefits accepted
- IV prep course via MAHEC partnership
- Pathway to associate degree in 9-12 months
CAAHEP accredited
- Phlebotomy technician concentration
- Hands-on specimen collection and processing
- National phlebotomy certification exam preparation
- Campus lab training
- Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology online
Remington College-Nashville Campus
#10Nashville, TN · $25,000 – $30,000/yr (est.)
Remington College's Nashville campus offers a 24-month Associate Degree in Medical Assisting that combines clinical and administrative training in anatomy, pharmacology, and medical billing. The program includes CCMA and CPR certification costs, plus an externship for real-world experience. Campus-based classes in Nashville provide hands-on learning with experienced instructors.
- 24-month associate degree
- CCMA certification cost included
- CPR certification cost included
- Externship for real-world experience
- Clinical and administrative training
- Anatomy, pharmacology, and medical billing
Graduating from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assistant program does more than check a box. It makes you eligible to sit for the CMA credential and puts you at the front of the line with Tennessee employers, who strongly prefer candidates from accredited programs. If you skip accreditation, you may find doors closed before you even knock.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a medical assistant in Tennessee is less about clearing a single hurdle and more about weighing speed against thoroughness: you can move quickly through a shorter certificate track at medical assistant trade schools or take a slower, more comprehensive route that may open more doors later. Either way, the process follows a similar shape from enrollment to credential.
Start With the Basics
Before you enroll anywhere, get familiar with the general landscape of the occupation. BLS.gov is a solid starting point for understanding typical prerequisites, reviewing a Medical Assistant Job Description, and how certification generally factors into hiring. It won't tell you which Tennessee school is right for you, but it gives you a realistic baseline for what employers and programs tend to expect.
Check Program-Specific Requirements
Every school sets its own admission criteria, so don't assume one program's rules apply to another. Contact Tennessee schools directly or review their websites for specifics on:
- Educational prerequisites: Most require a high school diploma or equivalent, though some may ask for minimum GPA or coursework.
- Age requirements: Many programs require applicants to be at least 18, though this varies.
- Background checks: Since the role involves patient contact, expect a background screening as part of admission or before externship placement.
- Health requirements: Immunization records, physical exams, or health clearances are common before clinical work begins.
Understand Certification and Externship Timelines
Once you've narrowed down a program, professional associations like the AAMA or AMT are useful resources for understanding Certified Medical Assistant Exam eligibility, renewal cycles, and general externship expectations. These organizations can clarify what's typically required after graduation, though exact program length and externship duration still vary school to school.
Because timelines differ so much depending on schedule, format (including Medical Assistant Online Programs and Schools), and pace, the most reliable step is simply calling admissions offices directly and asking for a realistic enrollment-to-certification estimate based on your situation.
Medical Assistant Certification in Tennessee: Your Pathway
Tennessee does not require state licensure for medical assistants, but employers strongly prefer or require national certification. As unlicensed assistive personnel working under physician supervision, earning a recognized credential is the clearest way to stand out. Here is the step-by-step pathway from program enrollment to a certified career.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Can you realistically commit to a full-time daytime schedule, or do you need evening and weekend classes?
Programs with rigid daytime hours may not work if you're balancing a job or family responsibilities. Evening and weekend options exist at several Tennessee schools, so identifying your availability upfront helps narrow your search.
Do you learn better through hands-on campus labs or through flexible online lectures you can review on your own time?
Clinical skills like phlebotomy and injections require supervised practice, but some students absorb anatomy and terminology more effectively at their own pace online. Hybrid programs can offer both, while fully on-campus tracks provide more structured accountability.
Are you considering advancing to nursing or another allied health career later?
If you plan to become an RN eventually, starting with an associate degree in medical assisting can give you transferable credits and a healthcare foundation. A shorter certificate gets you working sooner but may require additional coursework down the road.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Medical Assistant Programs in Tennessee
The table below compares some of the most affordable medical assistant programs in Tennessee, sorted by estimated net price. Net price reflects the average annual cost after grants and scholarships are applied, and these figures are institution-wide averages from U.S. Department of Education data (2023), not program-specific totals. Your actual out-of-pocket cost may be significantly lower depending on the financial aid you receive. To explore your options, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov as early as possible. Federal Pell Grants can cover a large portion of tuition at community colleges and TCATs, and recent high school graduates may also qualify for Tennessee Promise, which covers tuition and fees at eligible two-year institutions. Be sure to contact each school's financial aid office directly to ask about institutional scholarships and payment plans.
| School | City | Program Format | In-State Tuition (Annual) | Estimated Net Price (Annual) | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia State Community College | Columbia | Campus | $5,296 | $4,734 | Certificate |
| Cleveland State Community College | Cleveland | Campus | $4,762 | $6,384 | Associate |
| Volunteer State Community College | Gallatin | Campus | $4,756 | $7,802 | Certificate |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Jackson | Jackson | Campus | N/A | $8,472 | Certificate |
| The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga | Chattanooga | Hybrid | $10,448 | $14,265 | Certificate |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Pulaski | Pulaski | Campus | N/A | $15,269 | Certificate |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Oneida | Huntsville | Campus | N/A | $15,875 | Certificate |
| South College | Knoxville | Campus | $18,535 | $17,858 | Associate |
| Miller-Motte College, Chattanooga | Chattanooga | Online | N/A | $23,958 | Associate |
| Southern Adventist University | Collegedale | Online | $27,300 | $24,345 | Certificate |
Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in Tennessee
Knowing the Medical Assistant Salary outlook (and where the jobs actually are) helps you decide whether a medical assistant program is worth the tuition and time. Here is how Tennessee looks based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, plus what it suggests about demand across the state.
How Tennessee Wages Compare Nationally
As of the May 2024 BLS data, the median annual wage for medical assistants nationwide was $44,200 (about $21.25 per hour)1. In Tennessee, the median came in at $38,150 per year, or roughly $18.34 an hour. That puts Tennessee below the national median, which is common in states with a lower overall cost of living. For context, national top earners (90th percentile) cleared $57,8301, while the middle 50% of medical assistants nationally earned between $37,490 and $50,960.
The takeaway: Tennessee wages are competitive within the state's cost-of-living range, but if you are comparing offers across state lines, expect metros in the Northeast and West Coast to pay noticeably more.
Where the Jobs Are in Tennessee
Tennessee employed roughly 19,940 medical assistants in 2024, and pay varies meaningfully by metro:
- Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin: ~$41,500 median ($19.95/hr)4, with about 6,340 medical assistants working in the metro3. This is the strongest combination of pay and job density in the state.
- Chattanooga (TN-GA): ~$38,510 median ($18.52/hr)4
- Memphis (TN-MS-AR): ~$38,360 median ($18.43/hr)4
- Knoxville: ~$38,300 median ($18.41/hr)4
Nashville stands out largely because of its hospital systems, specialty clinics, and the ongoing expansion of outpatient care across Middle Tennessee.
Job Growth and Demand Drivers
Nationally, the BLS projects medical assistant employment to grow about 14 to 16% over the 2022 to 2032 decade1, much faster than the average across occupations. Tennessee's demand tracks that trend closely, driven by an aging population, the shift of care from hospitals into outpatient clinics, growth in Medical Assistant Jobs in Hospitals, and continued expansion of large health networks like Vanderbilt Health, HCA, and Ballad Health. In practical terms: if you graduate from an accredited program and earn certification, finding an entry-level role in Tennessee is realistic rather than aspirational.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% employment growth for medical assistants nationally from 2022 to 2032, a pace much faster than the average for all occupations. Tennessee's expanding healthcare infrastructure and aging population are driving even stronger local demand, making this a particularly promising time to enter the field in the state.
Types of Medical Assistant Programs: Online, Hybrid, and Campus Options in Tennessee
Medical assistant training has quietly moved beyond the traditional classroom, with online and hybrid formats now common across Tennessee. Whether you need a short certificate for quick entry or an associate degree for broader career options, there is a format that can work for your life.
Certificate vs. Associate Degree: What’s the Difference?
A certificate or diploma program typically runs 9 to 12 months and covers core clinical and administrative skills like phlebotomy, EKG, and medical office procedures. An associate degree adds general education courses (math, English, sciences) and stretches to about two years. In Tennessee, an associate degree can strengthen long-term earning potential and may transfer credits toward a Medical Assistant to RN program or healthcare management bachelor’s later. Both pathways meet eligibility for national certification exams like the CMA (AAMA), so your choice between an associate degree or certificate in medical assisting really hinges on time, budget, and future goals.
How Online and Hybrid Formats Work in Practice
Fully online programs deliver lectures, readings, and quizzes remotely, but hands-on skills cannot be learned through a screen. Accredited programs solve this by requiring in-person lab intensives (on campus or at a proctored site) and a clinical externship arranged near you. Hybrid programs mix online theory with regular on-campus lab sessions. This gives you face-to-face practice while cutting commute time. In Tennessee, many schools now blend these approaches: online coursework paired with scheduled skill labs on select evenings or weekends.
Which Tennessee Schools Offer Flexible Formats?
Our directory lists several schools with hybrid options. South College (Knoxville, Nashville) and Concorde Career College (Memphis) offer structured hybrid or campus-based programs with integrated labs. National providers like Penn Foster and U.S. Career Institute enroll Tennessee students for fully online didactic content, though you must coordinate your own externship site. Always confirm current format details directly with the school, as delivery modes shift.
Externship Placement: The Fine Print You Must Check
No matter the format, your externship is the gateway to real-world experience and certification eligibility. Before enrolling, ask bluntly: Does the school find and secure my placement, or do I have to hunt for a site? What if a clinic backs out? Good programs in Tennessee maintain active partnerships with local hospitals, private practices, and urgent care centers. If you are in a rural area, clarify how far you may need to travel. A program that leaves you to arrange your own externship can delay your finish date, get the placement promise in writing.
Medical Assistant Externship and Job Placement Support in Tennessee
Hands-on clinical experience through an externship is the cornerstone of a quality medical assisting education in Tennessee. It's where classroom skills meet real patient care, and it often becomes the springboard to a first job.
What to Expect from Your Externship
Most accredited programs in Tennessee require between 160 and 220 hours of supervised clinical work in a genuine healthcare facility.5 That typically translates to four to eight weeks of full-time schedules, immersing you in the daily flow of a clinic, physician group, or outpatient center. You'll practice taking vital signs, drawing blood, updating EHR records, and assisting with exams, all under the guidance of a preceptor who signs off on your competencies.
How Schools Arrange Clinical Placements
Accredited schools don't leave you to find a site on your own. They maintain active partnerships with regional hospitals, large multi-specialty physician groups, and community clinics. Once you've completed the required classroom and lab hours, a clinical coordinator matches you to a participating site that fits your geography and schedule. Some programs even guarantee placement as part of enrollment, removing one of the biggest logistical headaches for students.
Examples of Program Externship Requirements
Programs vary slightly in structure, but all aim to meet or exceed the 160-hour benchmark commonly expected for certification eligibility.6 Here are a few examples from top Tennessee schools:
- Herzing University Medical Assisting: 180-hour externship1 conducted over 8 weeks at 25-40 hours per week, often in physician offices or hospital outpatient departments.
- Allied Health Careers Institute: 220 clinical hours2 integrated into a 529-hour program, combining robust classroom instruction with hands-on practice.
- South College Certificate in Medical Assisting: 180 hours3 of supervised clinical experience, coordinated through the college's network of local providers.
- Chattanooga Medical Assistant School: 80-hour externship4 scheduled toward the end of the program, offering a shorter but still valuable patient-care immersion.
Job Placement Support: From Classroom to Career
A quality school continues to support you after the externship ends. Look for institutions that offer dedicated career services like:
- One-on-one guidance on Writing a Medical Assistant Resume and cover letter workshops
- Mock interviews tailored to medical assistant roles, with advice from our Getting Ahead: Nailing Your Medical Assistant Interview guide
- On-campus or virtual career fairs with local employers
- Direct referrals to hiring clinics and hospitals that partner with the program
Many Tennessee schools report that a significant share of externship hosts end up hiring their graduates directly. When you treat your clinical rotation as an extended job interview, you often walk away with more than just completed hours, you walk into a job offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Assistant Schools in Tennessee
Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask about medical assistant training in Tennessee. Each answer draws on details covered earlier in this guide, so you can quickly find the information that matters most.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Tennessee?
Many of the 5 Best Medical Assistant Schools offer certificate programs that take 9 to 12 months or associate degrees that take about two years. Your timeline also depends on whether you attend full time or part time. After finishing your program, you can sit for a national certification exam, which adds a few more weeks to the overall process.
How much does a certified medical assistant make in Tennessee?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in Tennessee earn an annual median salary in the mid $30,000s range, though pay varies by region and employer type. Certified medical assistants often command higher starting wages than their non-certified peers, and experience in specialized clinics can push earnings above the state average.
Which Tennessee medical assistant programs include an externship?
Nearly all CAAHEP and ABHES accredited programs in Tennessee require an externship as part of the curriculum. These supervised clinical placements, typically 160 hours or more, give you hands on experience in physician offices, hospitals, or outpatient clinics. Check with individual schools to confirm externship site partnerships in your area.
Do you need to be certified to work as a medical assistant in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not legally require medical assistants to hold a national certification. However, most employers strongly prefer or require credentials such as the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) or Registered Medical Assistant. Earning certification improves your job prospects, may increase your starting pay, and demonstrates competency to both employers and patients.
What is the difference between the CMA and RMA credentials?
The CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is awarded by the AAMA after passing an exam that requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program. The RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) is offered by AMT and accepts a broader range of qualifying education and experience pathways. Both credentials are widely recognized by Tennessee employers.
Are there fully online medical assistant programs in Tennessee?
Some Tennessee schools offer hybrid programs that deliver lecture coursework online while requiring in person labs and an externship component. Fully online programs without any hands on requirements are rare for medical assisting because clinical skills training and externship hours are essential. If flexibility is a priority, look for programs with evening or weekend lab options.
Can I get financial aid for medical assistant school?
Yes, many accredited medical assistant programs in Tennessee are eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and subsidized loans. Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Some schools also offer institutional scholarships, payment plans, or workforce development grants. Contact your chosen program's financial aid office early to explore all available options.
Additional Medical Assistant Programs in Tennessee
The ranking above highlights the highest-scoring medical assistant programs in the state, but Tennessee has more accredited options worth exploring. This directory covers the remaining schools, with their locations, delivery formats, and program types. Always confirm current accreditation status and tuition directly with the school before you apply, since both can change from one catalog year to the next.
Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga
The Chattanooga campus offers a fully online Associate's degree in Medical Assisting built around clinical and administrative skills, with coursework in interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and college-level general education. Career services support and financial aid options are available, and credits may transfer from approved clinical assistant programs.
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
A hybrid certificate program that pairs online coursework with in-person labs and small class sizes. Students practice phlebotomy, EKGs, vital signs, and medical terminology, with an optional clinical externship and the certification exam fee included in tuition. No prior experience is required, which makes it a fit for career changers.
Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers
A fast-track nine-month diploma that blends online coursework with evening campus sessions for hands-on practice. The 50-credit curriculum covers clinical skills such as lab techniques and patient care alongside administrative training, plus an externship component and preparation for NCCT certifications.
