Medical Assistant Schools and Careers in Tennessee

Tennessee, the Volunteer State, is home to over six million people and is one of the most popular tourist states in the southeastern United States. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville are the major metropolitan areas of the state and visitors to these areas enjoy everything from historic attractions to wineries and fine dining. Students in Tennessee who want to enter the medical assisting field have several quality schools from which to choose. Many of the schools are accredited and students can find a program that offers training at every level from certificate to associate’s degree. In addition, students in Tennessee may find financial assistance through the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program, the McWherter Scholars Program, and more.

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Employment Environment in Tennessee

Tennessee is in the lower-middle range for employment of medical assistants and in the low range for medical assistant salaries. The average salary of a medical assistant in Tennessee is $27,140, which is lower than some surrounding states. However, the low cost of living makes it possible for many medical assistants in Tennessee to live comfortably on this salary.

Tennessee’s Medical Assisting Future Outlook

The healthcare field is expected to grow rapidly in Tennessee as in most other states. This will provide many new job openings for medical assistants, especially those who have taken the AAMA’s certification examination. In addition, the growing need for medical assistants will likely result in an increase in average salaries, making this promising career an even better choice.

List of Medical Assistant Schools in Tennessee

Fortis Institute

  • Program Link: Medical Assisting program
  • Description: Fortis Institute in Nashville provides students with the opportunity to earn a medical assisting diploma in less than two years. The program prepares students to work as general medical assistants, working both in patient care and in the front office of a healthcare facility. Students who choose Fortis enjoy small class sizes, full student support, and a quality externship experience. This program qualifies students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination that is offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
  • Programs: diploma
  • Average Program Length: less than two years
  • Tuition:  $14,620
  • Clinical Experience: Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: 72%
  • Fun Fact: Fortis students train on the latest technology and instruments.

Chattanooga State Community College

  • Program Link: Medical Assistant program
  • Description: The Tennessee Technology Center at Chattanooga State Community College offers a technical diploma in medical assisting that prepares students to work in direct patient care as well as the front office area of a variety of healthcare facilities. The program is available during day or evening hours, allowing students flexibility to work and take care of families while getting an education. Students who choose this program enjoy low tuition rates, small class sizes, and flexible scheduling. This is a great program for students who want an education but are working with difficult circumstances.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Programs:  diploma
  • Average Program Length: 1290 clock hours
  • Tuition:  $3,111
  • Clinical Experience: Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: 87%
  • Fun Fact: Graduates of this program are eligible for 30 semester hours of advanced placement toward an associate’s degree in applied technology.

Miller-Motte Technical College

  • Program Link: Medical Assisting program
  • Description: Miller-Motte has campuses in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville. The medical assisting program at Miller-Motte prepares students to work in both clinical and administrative capacities in a variety of healthcare environments. Students who attend Miller-Motte are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination and will benefit from a variety of student support services that include everything from registration and financial aid assistance to career placement and personal counseling.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Programs:  diploma
  • Average Program Length: 72 weeks
  • Tuition:  $25,995
  • Clinical Experience:  Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: 88%
  • Fun Fact: Miller-Motte has been providing career training for over 75 years.

National College of Business and Technology

  • Program Link: Medical Assisting program
  • Description:  National College of Business and Technology has campuses in six locations around Tennessee. Students who choose to earn medical assistant training at National can choose day or evening classes to fit their needs. In addition NCBT offers small class sizes, peer tutoring, and a variety of other services to ensure that students will succeed both during school and after graduation. Since the program is CAAHEP accredited, students who graduate from this program are eligible to take the AAMA’s Certified Medical Assistant examination.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Programs:  Associate’s Degree
  • Average Program Length: two years
  • Tuition:  $30,432
  • Clinical Experience:  Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: 73% to 100%
  • Fun Fact: National College offers free refresher courses to its graduates.

South College

  • Program Link: Medical Assisting program
  • Description: South College in Knoxville offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting that provides students with the clinical, administrative, and hands-on training needed to be a vital part of a thriving healthcare facility. The program is fully accredited and prepares students to become Certified Medical Assistants by taking the American Association of Medical Assistants credentialing examination. The staff at South College offers counseling, writing labs, research assistance, job placement, and much more.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Programs:  Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
  • Average Program Length: two years
  • Tuition:  $45,800
  • Clinical Experience:  Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: 95%
  • Fun Fact: South College has been open in Knoxville since 1882.