North Carolina is a jewel in the heart of the south. The state provides beautiful coastlines, outdoor activities, cultural events, and more and is home to over 9 million people. The healthcare industry in the state is booming and has grown rapidly over the last five years. As such, this state is an ideal one in which to enter the field of medical assisting. Medical assisting students in North Carolina have a great selection of schools and training programs from which to choose, many of which are accredited. Students in the state can earn a certificate, diploma, or degree in medical assisting and can benefit from a number of financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
North Carolina’s Medical Assisting Employment Environment
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, North Carolina ranks in the top tier for employment of medical assistants and in the middle to upper range for medical assistant salaries. Medical assistants in the state enjoy ample job opportunities and earn an average salary of around $28,680. Even though there are plenty of jobs, there can still be stiff competition for those with the highest salaries and best working conditions. You can give yourself an edge over other applicants by taking the AAMA’s certification examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant.
Medical Assisting Outlook in N.C.
The recent growth in North Carolina’s healthcare industry is expected to continue over at least the next decade. This growth will result in even more medical assisting positions and potential competition between employers for the best assistants. This competition will likely lead to increased pay and better benefits. As such, this is an ideal time to get your medical assistant training to enter this remarkable field in North Carolina.
List of Medical Assistant Schools in North Carolina
ECPI University
- Program Link: Medical Assistant degree program
- Description: Located in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, ECPI University offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting that prepares students to work in both the clinical and administrative functions of a healthcare facility. The program can be completed in around a year and a half, allowing students to get to work quickly. Students at ECPI benefit from steady support throughout the program as well as instructors who are skilled professionals within the field.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: Associates Degree
- Average Program Length: 17 months
- Tuition: $25,500
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 70% – 83%, depending on campus
- Fun Fact: Some classes may be available online, adding freedom and flexibility for students.
Alamance Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting degree program
- Description: Alamance Community College has campuses in Graham and Burlington that offer classes during the day or evening for maximum student flexibility. The medical assisting program at ACC results in students earning an associate of science degree and includes all the training and skills necessary to work a medical front office or to assist in providing patient care. Students who complete this program are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
- Accreditation: Commission on Education of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $2,160/academic year
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: ACC offers a collaborative campus-wide event on Constitution Day to help students become more involved in the school and community.
Brookstone College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting diploma program
- Description: At its campuses in Charlotte and Greensboro, Brookstone College offers a medical assisting diploma program that can be completed in as little as 70 weeks. Students at Brookstone receive a faculty mentor that provides support, advice, and guidance through every step of the program. The medical assistant training at Brookstone provides both clinical and administrative training and prepares students to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Commission on Education of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: 70 weeks (day); 100 weeks (evening)
- Tuition: $19,400
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 82%
- Fun Fact: Brookstone College was founded in 1939 and serves many students from North Carolina and other states.
Haywood Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting degree program
- Description: Haywood Community College is located in Clyde and offers an associate of applied science degree in medical assisting. The program can be completed in two years at very affordable tuition rates. The school has been in operation since 1965 and now provides educational programs to thousands of students in classrooms and online. The medical assisting program at HCC prepares students to work as general medical assistants and to take the CMA examination after graduation.
- Accreditation: Commission on Education of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $1,104/semester
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 90%
- Fun Fact: Scholarships may be available through the HCC Community Foundation.
Nash Community College
- Program Link: Medical assisting diploma program; Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
- Description: Nash Community College is located on 86 acres in Rocky Mount. NCC offers students the choice between earning a medical assisting diploma or an associate of applied science. Both programs prepare students to work in clinical and administrative assisting and give students everything they need to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination. The school offers all of the charm of a small school combined with the amenities of a modern college.
- Accreditation: Commission on Education of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: diploma; A.A.S.
- Average Program Length: diploma – 45 credit hours; degree – 72 credit hours
- Tuition: diploma – $3,105;degree – $4,968
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: NCC is conveniently situated halfway between Nashville and Rocky Mount.