Most important takeaways…
- NC medical assistants earn a median annual wage of $42,600.
- CAAHEP accredited programs dominate our 2026 North Carolina rankings.
- Most online NC programs are hybrid with required in person labs.
Your Guide to the Top Medical Assistant Schools in NC
Compare accredited programs, see real costs, and launch your medical assisting career in North Carolina
North Carolina's medical assisting workforce is expanding faster than the state can train people to fill it, with clinics from Asheville to Wilmington posting openings that sit unfilled for months. Program length ranges from nine months to two years, depending on whether you pursue a certificate or associate degree. Tuition runs from under $5,000 at community colleges to well over $15,000 at private career schools.
That spread creates a real decision point: pay less and finish faster, or invest more for an associate degree that could open supervisory roles later. Accreditation status adds another factor, since only CAAHEP- or ABHES-recognized programs let graduates sit for the CMA exam that most North Carolina employers now expect.
Wages reflect that credential gap clearly: certified assistants consistently out-earn uncertified peers in the same clinic.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in North Carolina
Our 2026 rankings highlight North Carolina medical assistant programs that combine recognized accreditation, affordable tuition, solid completion rates, and strong post-graduation outcomes. Every school on this list holds CAAHEP accreditation or prepares graduates for the CMA exam, and most are community colleges offering in-state tuition well below the national average. Whether you prefer hands-on campus learning, a fully online format, or a hybrid schedule, there is a program here that fits your situation.
Factors considered
- Programmatic accreditation status
- Net price and affordability
- Graduation and completion rates
- Graduate earnings potential
- Delivery format and flexibility
Data sources
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
#1Concord, NC · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Best for: Hybrid learners near a major health system
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a small, health-focused institution affiliated with Atrium Health, giving students direct access to one of the Southeast's largest healthcare networks. With a strong graduation rate and a hybrid format that blends online coursework with weekly on-campus clinical sessions, it stands out for students who want a personalized learning environment backed by a major health system. Simulation labs and individualized instruction keep class sizes manageable, and rolling admissions make it easier to start when you are ready.
- Two-year associate degree, 68 credit hours total
- Hybrid format with weekly hands-on clinical sessions
- CAAHEP accredited, prepares for CMA certification exam
- Affiliation with Atrium Health clinical sites
- Full-time or part-time scheduling available
- State-of-the-art simulation labs on campus
- Rolling admissions with priority fall and spring deadlines
- One-year diploma option, 38 credit hours
- Same hybrid delivery as the associate track
- Includes practicum and clinical internship hours
- Pathway to quickly enter the workforce
- Can ladder into the associate degree later
- CAAHEP accredited, CMA exam eligible
Southwestern Community College
#2Sylva, NC · $5,000/yr
Best for: Rural students wanting close faculty mentorship
Southwestern Community College, located in the mountains of western North Carolina, delivers a campus-based associate degree with reported 100% job placement and graduate satisfaction in recent cohorts. The program's small student-to-faculty ratio and comprehensive curriculum covering both clinical and administrative skills make it a solid pick for students who thrive with close mentorship. Financial aid options help offset costs at this public community college.
- Two-year Associate Degree in Medical Assisting
- CAAHEP accredited, eligible for AAMA certification exam
- Reported 100% job placement in recent cohorts
- Covers patient care, office procedures, and compliance
- On-campus delivery in Sylva, NC
- Low in-state tuition at a public community college
- Strong graduate satisfaction ratings
Montgomery Community College
#3Troy, NC · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Budget-focused students in central North Carolina
Montgomery Community College in Troy offers one of the most affordable medical assisting programs in the state, with published in-state tuition under $2,600 per year. The program reports 100% job placement, 100% graduate satisfaction, and 100% employer satisfaction, along with an 81% CMA exam pass rate. A 240-hour clinical externship and an optional accelerated diploma track give students flexibility in how quickly they enter the field.
- 65 semester hours, CAAHEP accredited
- 240-hour clinical externship in medical offices
- CMA exam pass rate of approximately 81%
- 100% job placement and employer satisfaction reported
- Accelerated diploma option available
- Covers clinical, administrative, and lab procedures
- Success Navigator and career services support
- Very low in-state tuition, financial aid available
Southeastern College-Charlotte
#4Charlotte, NC · $31,000/yr (net price)
Southeastern College in Charlotte offers a certificate-level Medical Assisting program that can be completed in as few as eight months full time or fifteen months part time. Students train in EKG, injections, venipuncture, billing, coding, and electronic health records before completing an externship in a real healthcare setting. Both on-campus and hybrid delivery options are available, making it accessible for working adults in the Charlotte metro area.
- 36 credit hours, completable in 8 months full time
- Part-time option finishes in approximately 15 months
- On-campus and hybrid delivery in Charlotte
- Externship in a physician's office or clinic
- Covers clinical skills: EKG, injections, venipuncture
- Administrative training: billing, coding, EHR
- Evening students complete externship during daytime hours
Miller-Motte College-Raleigh
#5Raleigh, NC · $23,000/yr
Miller-Motte College in Raleigh provides a fully online Associate Degree in Medical Assisting designed for career changers and working adults who need maximum scheduling flexibility. The curriculum covers both clinical and administrative competencies, and transfer credits from approved clinical assistant programs are accepted. The online format makes it one of the few fully remote options headquartered in North Carolina.
- Fully online associate degree format
- Designed for career changers and working adults
- Covers clinical and administrative assisting skills
- Transfer credits accepted from approved programs
- Coursework in communications and critical thinking
- Flexible pacing for various life stages
- Located in Raleigh with online delivery statewide
Wayne Community College
#6Goldsboro, NC · $2,000/yr
Wayne Community College in Goldsboro combines an affordable community college price point with strong outcomes: an 87.5% five-year job placement average and an 82.6% CMA exam passage rate. The limited-admission AAS program includes clinical experiences and articulates with Appalachian State University for students who want to continue their education after earning their associate degree.
- CAAHEP accredited, eligible for CMA certification
- 87.5% average job placement over five years
- 82.6% CMA exam passage rate
- Hands-on clinical experiences included
- Articulation agreement with Appalachian State University
- Limited admission with specific criteria
- Very low net price for in-state students
- Background check and drug testing required for clinicals
Durham Technical Community College
#7Durham, NC · $2,000/yr
Durham Technical Community College offers a Medical Assisting AAS with one of the lowest net prices on this list. The 70-credit-hour program includes both administrative and clinical training, and students can earn a diploma after four semesters before finishing the full associate degree. Evening classes and an estimated program cost around $6,963 for tuition, books, and fees make it accessible for students balancing work and school in the Triangle area.
- 70 credit hours, CAAHEP accredited
- Diploma option available after four semesters
- Evening classes offered for working students
- Estimated total cost around $6,963
- Prepares for CMA certification through AAMA
- Application window November 1 through June 1
- Located in Durham, serving the Triangle region
Davidson-Davie Community College
#8Thomasville, NC · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Davidson-Davie Community College offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting at its Davidson Campus in Thomasville. The 67-credit-hour program covers administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures, and graduates are eligible to sit for the CMA exam. An 18-credit-hour certificate pathway is also available for students exploring medical office administration.
- 67 credit hours, approximately two years to complete
- CAAHEP accredited, CMA exam eligible
- In-person classes at the Davidson Campus
- Covers scheduling, insurance coding, billing, and labs
- Tuition approximately $5,092 plus student fees
- Financial aid available through FAFSA
- Fall start term with daytime course schedule
- 18 total credit hours
- Prepares for administrative medical roles
- Pathway to the diploma and associate degree
- Requires a grade of C or better in coursework
- Offered at the Davidson Campus
- Short-term option for quick entry into healthcare
Nash Community College
#9Rocky Mount, NC · $3,000/yr
Nash Community College in Rocky Mount delivers a CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting program with both degree and diploma options. The program reports a 100% job placement rate and an 80% certification exam pass rate. With a low net price and coursework covering everything from electrocardiography to medication administration, it is a practical choice for students in eastern North Carolina.
- CAAHEP accredited, CMA exam eligible
- 100% job placement rate reported
- 80% certification exam pass rate
- Degree and diploma options available
- Clinical practicum included in curriculum
- Covers administrative, clinical, and lab procedures
- Affordable in-state community college tuition
Randolph Community College
#10Asheboro, NC · $7,000/yr (net price)
Randolph Community College in Asheboro offers a competitive-admission AAS in Medical Assisting that requires a 2.5 GPA, biology competency, and attendance at an information session before applying. The 75-credit-hour program prepares graduates for the CMA exam and is fully CAAHEP accredited. Day-only classes at the Allied Health Center keep cohorts small and focused.
- 75 semester hours, two-year program
- CAAHEP accredited, CMA exam eligible
- Competitive admission: 2.5 GPA required
- Biology competency and info session required
- Day-only classes at the Asheboro Allied Health Center
- Clinical practicum included in curriculum
- Financial aid available via FAFSA
Why Pursue Medical Assisting in North Carolina?
Two career seekers stand at a crossroads: one chases a role in a declining industry, the other chooses a field where the help-wanted signs never come down. Medical assisting in North Carolina falls firmly in the latter camp.
Strong Job Growth and Plentiful Openings
The numbers paint a clear picture. As of 2019, 18,650 medical assistants worked in North Carolina.1 That figure is set to rise as North Carolina's entire health care and social assistance sector expands. State labor projections forecast a 16.1% jump in health care employment, adding about 93,000 new jobs between 2017 and 2026.2 Medical assistants specifically see about 2,600 openings each year when you factor in both new positions and replacements.1 Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% growth rate for the occupation from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all fields.3
Major Health Systems Are Hiring
This isn't abstract demand. Large employers like Atrium Health, Novant Health, UNC Health, Duke Health, Cone Health, and Labcorp actively recruit across the Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro metro areas. Medical assistants are the backbone of outpatient clinics, physician offices, and specialty practices; their Medical Assistant job description covers both clinical and administrative duties. With these systems continuously expanding their networks, the need for credentialed MAs stays high.
Lower Cost of Living, Competitive Wages
North Carolina offers a financial advantage that many coastal states can't match. The median annual wage for medical assistants here sits at $42,600, with the middle 50% earning between $37,350 and $46,340. When you consider the state's reasonable housing costs and everyday expenses, a Medical Assistant salary stretches further here than in many higher-cost metros. Earning a certificate or associate degree in medical assisting gives you a flexible entry point, so you can start earning sooner without taking on massive debt.
Accreditation Leads to the CMA (AAMA) Credential
Employers don't just look for any training, they look for accredited Medical Assistant training programs. The CMA (AAMA) certification remains the most requested credential among North Carolina health systems. Completing a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) makes you eligible to sit for the exam. That stamp signals you've met a nationally recognized standard, and it often translates directly into better job prospects and higher pay.
NC Medical Assistants Earn a Competitive Salary
Medical assistants in North Carolina earn a solid median annual wage of $42,600, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top earners in the field bring home considerably more, with the 75th percentile reaching $46,340 and the highest-paid 10% earning well above that, particularly in metro areas like Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and the Research Triangle, where demand and cost of living push wages higher.
How We Selected the Best Medical Assistant Programs
Choosing a medical assistant program often comes down to balancing cost against quality, and that tradeoff shapes everything from your student debt to your job prospects after graduation. To help you navigate this decision, we built our rankings around transparent, verifiable data rather than reputation alone.
Our Data Foundation
Every program on our list, including Medical Assistant Online Programs, was evaluated using information from the U.S. Department of Education, including College Scorecard metrics that track real student outcomes. Where available, we also incorporated program-specific data on completion rates and post-graduation employment. This approach ensures our recommendations reflect what actually happens to students, not just what schools promise in their marketing materials.
The Factors We Weighted
Our selection process considered several key indicators:
- Accreditation status: We prioritized programs holding programmatic accreditation from recognized bodies like CAAHEP or ABHES, along with proper institutional accreditation. This matters because many employers and certification exams require graduates from accredited programs.
- Net price: What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, not just the sticker price.
- Graduation rate: Programs that consistently graduate their students signal strong support systems and realistic curricula.
- Median earnings and debt: We examined what graduates earn relative to how much debt they carry, giving extra attention to programs where the return on investment makes financial sense.
Where We Placed Extra Emphasis
Completion rates received additional weight in our analysis. A program with impressive facilities means little if students struggle to finish. We also favored schools demonstrating strong job placement potential, since landing that first medical assistant position is the whole point of your training.
The Affordability Filter
Every top-ranked program on our list of Best Medical Assistant Schools has a net price below the North Carolina average for medical assistant education. We deliberately screened out expensive options that could leave graduates with debt disproportionate to entry-level medical assistant salaries. Quality education should open doors, not create financial burdens that take years to escape.
We didn’t stop at sticker price. We analyzed federal data on each program’s completion rates, typical student debt, and what graduates earn in their first year to identify the schools that give North Carolina medical assistants a real return on investment.
What You'll Pay: Cost and Financial Aid for MA Programs
The cost of a medical assistant program in North Carolina is the total price you pay to complete your training, and it usually includes more than just tuition. Expect to budget for tuition and student fees, textbooks, uniforms or scrubs, a stethoscope and other basic supplies, background checks, immunizations, and exam fees if you plan to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant Exam. Community colleges are typically the most affordable route, while Medical Assistant Trade Schools and private career schools generally cost more but may finish faster.
Start with the Schools Themselves
Before you compare programs, go directly to the source. Visit the website of each community college or school you're considering and look for their tuition and fees page for the current academic year. Search specifically for the medical assisting program page, because health science programs often carry extra lab fees or supply costs that aren't listed under general tuition. If any figure is unclear, call the program coordinator and ask for a written estimate of the full cost from start to finish.
Look Beyond Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are the starting point for most students, but North Carolina residents have additional options worth exploring:
- State aid: Look into the North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship and the NC Community College Grant, both aimed at in-state students attending eligible institutions.
- Professional associations: The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and similar organizations occasionally offer Medical Assistant Scholarships and Grants for students enrolled in accredited programs.
- Institutional aid: Many schools have foundation scholarships earmarked for healthcare students, which are separate from federal aid.
Do the Math on Return on Investment
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for current median pay figures for medical assistants. Comparing that to your total program cost gives you a rough sense of how quickly your investment pays off.
Finally, contact the financial aid office at every school on your shortlist. They can build a personalized cost estimate, walk you through every grant and scholarship you qualify for, and often flag aid sources that aren't advertised online.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you comfortable working directly with patients in a fast-paced clinical setting?
Medical assistants move between exam rooms, handle vital signs, assist with procedures, and interact with patients all day. If you thrive on variety and personal connection rather than desk work, this environment is a natural fit.
Do you want to enter healthcare quickly without committing to a four-year degree?
Most certificate and diploma programs in North Carolina can be completed in under a year, and associate degrees typically take two years. That shorter timeline lets you start earning sooner than many other healthcare pathways.
Can you manage the upfront tuition, knowing the investment often pays off quickly?
Program costs vary, but community college options in NC tend to be affordable. Graduates who land full-time positions shortly after completing their training often recoup tuition costs within the first year or two of employment.
Online and Hybrid Medical Assistant Programs in NC
Fully online medical assistant programs are rare because the profession requires hands-on clinical skills you simply cannot learn through a screen. Most NC programs marketed as "online" are actually hybrid, combining asynchronous or virtual coursework with required in-person labs and clinical externships. That said, hybrid and online-friendly formats can be a real lifeline for working adults or anyone juggling family responsibilities. Two programs stand out for their online flexibility: Miller-Motte College in Raleigh offers an online associate degree with coursework you can complete remotely, though clinical placement is still required. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in Concord runs a hybrid model that pairs online classes with weekly on-campus lab sessions at facilities connected to Atrium Health, giving students access to strong clinical sites. Regardless of format, every accredited program will require you to complete supervised clinical or externship hours at a healthcare facility before you can sit for certification.
| School | Program | Format | Net Price | Clinical/Externship Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miller-Motte College, Raleigh | Medical Assisting (Associate) | Online | $22,736 | Clinical placement required locally; coursework is fully online |
| Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, Concord | Medical Assisting (Associate or Diploma) | Hybrid | $17,618 | Weekly on-campus labs plus practicum and internship through Atrium Health clinical sites |
| Durham Technical Community College, Durham | Medical Assisting (Associate) | Campus with some online options | $1,664 | In-person clinical training required; evening classes available |
| Southeastern College, Charlotte | Medical Assisting (Certificate) | Campus (hybrid delivery noted) | $30,611 | Externship in a physician's office required; evening students complete externship during the day |
Medical Assistant Salary in North Carolina
Medical assistant pay in North Carolina spans a wide range depending on experience, certification, and location. Many new graduates start near the 25th percentile, but earnings climb quickly as you gain clinical experience and earn credentials such as the CMA. Metro areas like Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham typically pay above the statewide median, so where you work matters too.
Your Path to CMA Certification in North Carolina
North Carolina does not require a state license to work as a medical assistant, but most employers strongly prefer or require the CMA (AAMA) credential. Earning certification also boosts your earning potential. The national first-time pass rate for the CMA exam sits at about 69%, though some NC programs report rates as high as 100% over extended periods. Several schools offer dedicated exam-prep courses to help you pass on the first attempt.
Clinical Hours and Externship Requirements
Balancing classroom learning with real-world practice is one of the trickiest parts of choosing a medical assistant program: you want enough hands-on training to feel confident on day one of your job, but you also need a schedule that fits your life. Understanding the clinical hour expectations and externship structure early on helps you avoid surprises later.
Why Clinical Training Can’t Be Rushed
Clinical hours are where textbook knowledge turns into muscle memory. You’ll practice taking vitals, drawing blood, administering injections, and managing patient flow under supervision. It’s normal to feel a little awkward at first; that’s exactly why these hours matter. A program that rushes this phase can leave you less prepared for the pace of a real clinic. Most accredited programs build in a significant block of time for supervised practice, often spread across several weeks , long enough to build competence without dragging out your timeline unnecessarily.
Externship Placements: What to Expect
A Medical Assistant Externship places you in a working healthcare setting, such as a physician’s office, outpatient clinic, or urgent care center. You won’t be shadowing from the corner; you’ll be doing the work: greeting patients, updating records, assisting with exams, with a preceptor nearby to guide you. Some schools coordinate these placements for you, tapping into long-standing relationships with local providers. Others expect you to find a site on your own, though they often provide a list of approved partners. Before you enroll, ask point-blank: “Who arranges my externship, and what happens if a placement falls through?” The answer reveals a lot about how much support you’ll actually get.
How North Carolina Programs Typically Structure This Requirement
Program standards vary, but CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting programs in North Carolina generally include a minimum number of clinical hours and a formal externship component. Community colleges and technical institutes often weave clinical rotations into the latter half of the curriculum, so you build a foundation before stepping onto the floor. Some hybrid programs handle didactic work online, following a Typical Medical Assisting Course structure, and concentrate the hands-on training into intensive on-campus labs or weekend clinical blocks. If you’re balancing a job or family responsibilities, look for a format that groups clinical requirements predictably; erratic scheduling can become an unexpected hurdle.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
- Accreditation: Does the program’s accrediting body set a clinical-hour minimum, and does this program meet or exceed it?
- Site variety: Will you rotate through multiple types of practices, or is the externship limited to one location?
- Licensing prep: Are the clinical tasks you perform during the externship aligned with what you’ll need to demonstrate for national certification exams?
- Support: Who helps you troubleshoot if you encounter a difficult preceptor or a scheduling conflict?
Taking a few minutes to call the program coordinator or attend an information session can give you the clarity you won’t find in a glossy brochure. The goal is to land at a site where you’re challenged, supported, and able to walk away with both the skills and the professional references you need to launch your career.
Admissions Requirements: What You'll Need to Apply
North Carolina medical assisting programs share a core set of admissions requirements, though the specifics can vary from one school to the next. Gather the following before you apply so nothing slows you down.
- High school diploma or GEDEvery accredited program in the state requires proof of high school completion or equivalency. Some programs also require you to be at least 18 years old by the time you finish the program.
- Minimum GPAGPA thresholds differ by school and program type. Associate-degree programs often set the bar at 2.8 for direct placement, while some certificate tracks accept a 2.0. At least one program requires a 3.0 to stay enrolled in core courses, and many require a grade of B or better in medical assisting (MED) coursework to progress. Check your target school's information packet for its exact numbers.
- Placement tests or standardized scoresMany community colleges require Accuplacer results, TEAS scores, or qualifying SAT/ACT scores to confirm readiness in reading, writing, and math. If your scores fall below the cutoff, you may need to complete developmental coursework first.
- Background check and drug screeningA criminal background check and drug screen are standard across North Carolina programs. Clinical sites mandate them, so a flagged result could affect your ability to complete required externship hours.
- Immunizations and health clearanceExpect to provide documentation of a physical exam, up-to-date immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B series, and others), and a current TB test. Clinical facilities set these requirements to protect both students and patients, so plan ahead, some vaccine series take months to complete.
- CPR certificationPrograms require current CPR certification, typically American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers. Some schools ask for it at enrollment; others let you obtain it before your clinical rotation begins.
- Prerequisite coursework (associate-degree programs)If you're pursuing an associate degree, you'll usually need to complete general education prerequisites such as English Composition, a college-level math course, a biology course with a lab component, an introductory computer course, psychology, and a communications course. Certificate and diploma tracks generally have fewer or no prerequisite requirements.
- Residency determinationNorth Carolina community colleges require a residency determination to set your tuition rate. Complete this step early, it's a separate process from your program application and can affect how much you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About NC Medical Assistant Programs
Choosing a medical assistant program raises a lot of practical questions, from cost and format to what happens after graduation. Below are answers to the questions prospective students in North Carolina ask most often, drawn from trusted sources and real program expectations.
Tuition varies widely depending on whether a school is a community college, a private institution, or a for-profit career school. Community colleges in the NC Community College System generally offer the lowest tuition rates for in-state residents. To find the most affordable option for your situation, compare tuition on individual school websites and complete the FAFSA to see what federal and state financial aid you qualify for. Many community colleges also list net price calculators on their financial aid pages, which can help you estimate your true out-of-pocket cost before you apply.
Yes, several schools in North Carolina offer online or hybrid medical assistant programs that let you complete coursework remotely. However, nearly all employers and certification bodies require hands-on clinical hours, so you should expect an in-person externship component even in an online program. Before enrolling, make sure the program is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation matters because it affects your eligibility for national certification exams and can influence how employers view your credentials.
Program length depends on the credential you pursue. Certificate and diploma programs typically take about nine to twelve months to complete, while associate degree programs usually require around two years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Medical Assistants page is a helpful resource for understanding these timelines and the education requirements involved in each pathway.
A certificate program focuses almost entirely on clinical and administrative medical assisting skills and can be completed more quickly, usually in under a year. An associate degree covers those same core competencies but adds general education courses such as English, math, and science, giving you a broader academic foundation. Associate degree holders may find it easier to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree later or to qualify for certain supervisory roles. Both credentials can prepare you for national certification exams like the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) or RMA (Registered Medical Assistant).
North Carolina does not require a state license to work as a medical assistant. However, earning a nationally recognized certification, such as the CMA through the American Association of Medical Assistants or the RMA through American Medical Technologists, is strongly recommended. Many employers prefer or require certification, and holding a credential can improve your starting pay and long-term career prospects. Graduating from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program is typically a prerequisite for sitting for these certification exams.
Job placement rates are not always published in a single, easy-to-find location. Your best bet is to contact each program's career services office directly and ask for their most recent graduate outcomes data. For programs within the state community college system, annual performance reports are sometimes available on the NC Community College System website. Private and for-profit schools that hold programmatic accreditation through CAAHEP or ABHES are also required to track and report outcomes as part of their accreditation reviews. Asking about these numbers during your school research process is a smart way to gauge how well a program supports its graduates in finding employment.
Additional Medical Assistant Schools in North Carolina
Here are more accredited medical assisting programs across North Carolina, organized by region. Contact each school directly for the most up-to-date information on program availability, costs, and admissions.
Western North Carolina
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Caldwell Community College offers a Medical Assisting program that prepares students for healthcare roles, covering administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures, and includes an externship and mock clinics.
Mayland Community College
Mayland Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, preparing students for clinical, administrative, and laboratory roles with a 72-credit curriculum including clinical practicum.
Piedmont Triad
Alamance Community College
Alamance Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting, covering appointment scheduling, insurance processing, laboratory procedures, and medication administration.
Forsyth Technical Community College
Forsyth Tech offers an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting, a two-year program with day classes covering medical terminology, clinical procedures, and administrative tasks, including externships.
Charlotte Metro
Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting with both in-person and online classes, a practicum at a clinical site, and can be completed in 2.5 semesters.
Gaston College
Gaston College offers Medical Assisting programs with diploma and associate degree options; the diploma can be completed in one year, and the program prepares students for the CMA exam.
Stanly Community College
Stanly Community College's Medical Assisting program prepares multi-skilled professionals with multiple credential options including associate degree, diploma, and certificates, covering administrative, clinical, and lab skills.
Northern Piedmont
Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, training students in administrative tasks like scheduling and billing, and clinical skills including lab procedures and medication administration.
Eastern North Carolina
Carteret Community College
Carteret Community College's Medical Assisting program offers hands-on training in administrative, clinical, and laboratory skills, with diploma and certificate options and a clinical practicum.
Craven Community College
Craven Community College's Medical Assisting AAS program prepares students for clinical, administrative, and laboratory roles, including coursework in insurance coding, billing, and electrocardiography.
Edgecombe Community College
Edgecombe Community College offers an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, preparing students for clinical and administrative roles, with courses in appointment scheduling, insurance coding, and laboratory procedures.
Martin Community College
Martin Community College offers an A.A.S. Degree in Medical Assisting, covering administrative, clinical, and laboratory skills, and is CAAHEP-accredited with job placement rates averaging 82.61%.
Pamlico Community College
Pamlico Community College offers a CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting Diploma program, campus-based, preparing students for clinical and administrative roles and the CMA certification.
Pitt Community College
Pitt Community College's Medical Assisting program prepares students for healthcare careers through hands-on training in administrative, clinical, and lab procedures, including a clinical practicum and eligibility for the CMA exam.
Richmond Community College
Richmond Community College offers a Medical Assisting program preparing students for administrative, clinical, and laboratory roles, with an 88.46% exam passage rate (note: program is in teach-out status).
