Online Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama: Compare Schools
Alabama medical assistants play a vital role in supporting healthcare providers by handling administrative and clinical tasks. If you’re considering this career path, many online medical assistant programs in Alabama are available to explore. Keep reading to learn where to pursue this education, what credentials to consider, and what the training involves. This guide also covers essential details like salary expectations, career outlook, and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Exploring Alabama’s Top Online Medical Assistant Programs
Becoming a certified medical assistant in Alabama requires technical, administrative, and patient-centered training. If you want to enter the field quickly, you can complete an online certificate or diploma program in a year or less. Another option is to take a longer, more comprehensive program to ensure you receive the best training.
There are also different types of programs to consider. Some schools offer fully online programs, while others provide a hybrid approach, where you complete part of the coursework virtually and part on campus. Each option has pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider your preferences and schedule when choosing a program.
To get started, let’s dive into three online medical assistant programs for Alabama students to consider.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant — Alabama State University
Alabama State University’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program is offered entirely online. The course generally takes 12 months to complete; however, students can work through the 540 hours of coursework at their own pace. The program curriculum teaches Alabama students the skills required to work as a medical assistant in various healthcare settings, including ethical behavior, therapeutic communication, protecting patient information, medical terminology, clinical procedures, and more.
In addition to virtual coursework, students can complete an unpaid clinical experience to gain valuable hands-on knowledge. After their studies, graduates are qualified to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association. The program tuition also includes a voucher for the cost of the exam.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $2,890
Admission Requirement: High school diploma or GED
Curriculum: Students take two core courses — one teaches medical terminology, while the other teaches essential CCMA skills and knowledge. Topics covered include organ systems, diagnostic procedures, legal and ethical issues, patient scheduling, medical records, health insurance, medical coding, pharmacology, pathophysiology, exams and procedures, phlebotomy, administrative skills, office management, and more.
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Clinical Medical Assistant — Calhoun Community College
The Clinical Medical Assistant program at Calhoun Community College trains students to assist physicians with clinical responsibilities. This program offers flexible options to fit different schedules, allowing students to choose between self-paced online classes; on-campus daytime classes; and hybrid night classes.
The self-directed classes can be started anytime, and students have up to six months to complete the program. With the on-campus option, students can choose entirely in-person daytime classes (limited to 20 participants) or a hybrid night program that combines virtual learning with in-person labs. The hybrid option is approved for funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), meaning qualifying students can have their education costs covered.
All three modalities consist of 140 class hours and an optional 160-hour clinical externship with a local healthcare provider. After the course, students are prepared to sit for the CCMA exam.
Duration: 4-6 months
Mode: Online, hybrid, or on-campus
Cost: $2,399 -$2,499
Admission Requirement: High school diploma or GED
Curriculum: Topics covered include routine laboratory procedures, examination and treatment, diagnostic testing, phlebotomy, pharmacology, medication use and administration, taking and documenting vital signs, cardiology, professional workplace behavior, ethics, and the legal aspects of healthcare.
Medical Assistant — Wallace State Community College
In just three semesters, Alabama students can earn a Medical Assistant Certificate through Wallace State Community College and graduate prepared to work in medical offices, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The curriculum includes online and hybrid courses, with all lab hours completed on campus. Lab section assignments are random and may be scheduled for the day, afternoon, or evening, so students enrolling in this program must have a flexible schedule.
After the program, graduates are qualified to sit for the CMA exam or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). This CAAHEP-accredited program boasts a 94% placement rate for recent graduates and an 80% pass rate for credentialing exams. Upon completing the 41-hour Medical Assistant Certificate, students can continue their education by pursuing a 61-hour Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Assisting.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $129 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- A minimum 2.0 grade point average
- A minimum American College Testing (ACT) composite score of 17
Curriculum: Courses cover topics pertinent to medical assistants, including medical business practices, medical terminology, clinical procedures and specialties, mathematical applications, medical law and ethics, medical assisting theory, laboratory practices, pharmacology, and preceptorship.
Common Questions About Becoming a Medical Assistant in AL
Now that you have insight into what to expect from an online medical assistant program, you are probably wondering how to become a certified medical assistant in Alabama. Below, we answer common questions from prospective MA’s about state licensure, career prospects, and more.
How do I become a medical assistant in Alabama?
Technically, Alabama has no formal requirements for working as a medical assistant. This means finding entry-level roles in the state with only a high school diploma or GED may be possible. However, medical assistants who complete formal training programs and gain certification have the best chances of getting hired and earning higher salaries.
While getting a formal education best positions you for success, you don’t necessarily need to complete a medical assistant program to get certified if you have received on-the-job training. For example, the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam requires completing an accredited program, but the CCMA exam does not. In addition, completing a training program is not a requirement to take the RMA exam with appropriate work experience.
What is a medical assistant salary in Alabama?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for medical assistants across the state is $34,160. Some areas pay a bit more than this, such as the Birmingham-Hoover area, where the mean annual wage is $36,350. Different industries also pay more, with outpatient care centers offering the best pay and healthcare practitioner offices offering the least (excluding physicians and ambulatory care).
How do I get a CMA certification in Alabama?
You can earn a certified medical assistant credential by taking the exam offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants. To be eligible to take this test, you must first complete a medical assistant training program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
The CMA certification exam comprises 200 multiple-choice questions covering healthcare delivery, patient safety, infection control, and healthcare information management. This is a timed examination; test-takers are allotted 195 minutes to finish the questions.
Expert Insight
Most of the time, the medical assistant program you are enrolled in will offer practice exams. These were helpful because the questions were formatted to cover topics that could appear on the certification exam. There are also free practice exams online, which are also a great resource. By completing practice exams, I felt more confident when taking the certification exam.
What can medical assistants do in Alabama?
In Alabama, medical assistants are qualified to take on several administrative and medical tasks under the supervision of a licensed provider, such as a physician. Administrative work includes setting appointments, answering phones, and preparing examination rooms.
When assisting with the delivery of patient care, these professionals may take medical histories, draw blood, take vital signs, administer medication, and change wound dressings. In addition, they communicate with patients about the treatments and procedures they receive and answer questions to help them understand these services. Some medical assistants also perform basic laboratory tests and assist with procedures.
Expert Insight
When looking for a medical assistant job, it is important to take into consideration that the medical assistant role can differ in each specialty. For instance, my first MA job was in a dermatology office, tasks more clinical than administrative. Whereas, when I worked at an OBGYN office, it was a combination of both clinical and administrative tasks. You should look at the tasks listed under the job descriptions and decide if it is the best fit for you.
Are medical assistants getting jobs in Alabama?
According to the labor market projections from Projections Central, the employment outlook for medical assistants in Alabama is healthy. The market in Alabama is expected to grow 17.2% over the next 10 years, which is slightly higher than the national growth projection of 13.8%. There will be 1,970 new jobs added to the profession each year.
Based on this information, there should be plenty of employment opportunities for medical assistants across the state. This is especially true in rural Alabama and other underserved areas, which have been experiencing a severe shortage of healthcare providers that the state is taking measures to address.
Expert Insight
One great tip is if you are searching for job opportunities on sites like Indeed, turn on the notifications when new jobs are available. When I was searching for job opportunities, I would get emails from Indeed if there were new job opportunities that matched what I was looking for. I found this helpful as I could apply to new job postings the same day they were first posted.
Medical Assistant Certification in Alabama
Although the state does not require medical assistants to earn a certification to work in Alabama, having one to compete in the job market is a good idea.
Getting credentials like a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) can go a long way toward setting yourself up for success. Each certification has different requirements regarding work experience, program credentials, and education, and you should take this into account when choosing a program if you have your sight set on a particular credential.
And since the healthcare profession is constantly changing, it’s also a good idea to prepare for lifelong learning to sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge. In fact, it’s not only a good idea, but it’s also required to keep certifications current.
For example, to keep a CMA, medical assistants must complete 60 continuing education credits every 60 months. These credits should be in courses covering clinical procedures and medical terminology. Any continuing education classes must be approved by the American Association of Medical Assistants for them to count toward their certification requirements.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Alabama
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 12,670 | 14,680 | 2,010 | 15.90% | 1,940 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Alabama | $28,280 | $34,980 | $43,530 |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | $28,440 | $32,950 | $37,690 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $27,270 | $34,200 | $43,170 |
| Birmingham, AL | $29,710 | $35,640 | $44,420 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $29,570 | $35,370 | $41,590 |
| Decatur, AL | $30,290 | $34,580 | $42,190 |
| Dothan, AL | $24,590 | $31,680 | $38,080 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $29,120 | $34,000 | $42,190 |
| Gadsden, AL | $28,860 | $31,200 | $37,090 |
| Huntsville, AL | $29,890 | $36,280 | $42,970 |
| Mobile, AL | $27,540 | $34,790 | $41,000 |
| Montgomery, AL | $28,000 | $35,050 | $45,050 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $26,520 | $35,100 | $44,720 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
