What are the most common duties and job responsibilities for medical assistants in Mississippi?

According to the Medical Assisting Technology Mississippi Curriculum Framework, which prescribes curriculum for Mississippi’s community colleges, some of the business administrative duties that medical assistants routinely perform include scheduling, answering phone calls and correspondence, collecting patient data, and handling insurance matters. A medical assistant’s clinical duties will vary depending upon the specific training they have received as well as their level of certification. Some common clinical responsibilities include taking vital signs, collecting blood and urine/stool samples, preparing patients for exams, and drawing blood. Again, the specific duties will depend on the medical assistant’s training and their specific job.

Online Medical Assistant Programs: Mississippi's Top Schools

Q: What is the cost of a medical assistant certification program?

Unsurprisingly, the cost of online medical assistant programs in MS can vary a bit from school to school, but affordable options exist here and throughout the country. In general, programs that offer an associate degree instead of a diploma often cost more. But on average, tuition costs for basic certification programs in Mississippi usually average around $2,500. A program on the higher end of this spectrum is offered at Mississippi State University, which costs $3,799. Conversely, the program offered at Pearl River Community College is one of the most affordable in the state at a price of only $2,000. When calculating overall costs, remember to factor in supplies, additional fees, and any financial aid or assistance that you may qualify for.

Q: Can a medical assistant program be completed online?

Yes, but usually not entirely: Though many medical assistant programs exist online, students will often have in-person requirements. The nature of the work requires more than learning theory through online courses; you must also be able to effectively and competently apply your learning to real-life situations. Therefore, labs and clinicals are indispensable components of any legitimate program that allow you to gain the hands-on experience you will need. Furthermore, eligibility requirements for certification exams such as the CMA specify that you must complete a set number of practicum or externship hours before taking the test.

Q: How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Mississippi?

With an online accelerated medical assistant program, you can complete your medical assistant training in under a year. For example, Delta Technical College offers a nine-month accelerated program that includes various features to make the quickened pace more manageable: in-person labs, classes in the evening, and even career placement assistance. Along with the programs listed above falling just under 12 months, you can be on your way to a career helping your communities with their wellbeing faster than you might’ve thought.

Q: Are medical assistants in demand in Mississippi?

Yes, absolutely. Although wages for medical assistants in Mississippi may be a bit low compared to the national average, the demand for them is absolutely booming. Nationally, the job is expected to grow an extremely healthy 15% over the next 10 years. And in Mississippi, this number is projected to skyrocket to 22%, with 550 new jobs anticipated by 2030. In short, medical assistants in Mississippi should not have difficulty finding plenty of employment opportunities. As you apply for employment as a medical assistant, an online degree from an accredited school and a certification can help you stand out from other applicants.

You’ve decided that becoming a medical assistant is the right career path for you, but may be unsure what comes next. This guide introduces some of the best online medical assistant programs in Mississippi, with details on tuition, time to completion, admissions requirements, and what you’ll learn along the way.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Megan Harrington, BA

HealthcareNursingMedical Coding

Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD

HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Updated: 12/12/2025

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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Mississippi

Most medical assistant programs lead to a certificate, though some schools also offer associate or even bachelor’s degrees if you want to advance your career later on.

The programs below are completely online for the theory portion, allowing you to complete a certificate in months instead of years. In most online medical assistant programs, you’ll take your classroom courses remotely, and depending on the school, may complete labs or a hands-on externship to build clinical skills.

At the end of the program, you’ll prepare to sit for a national medical assistant certification exam.

Mississippi State University — Medical Assistant Certification

Mississippi State University’s Medical Assistant Training Program prepares students to earn three separate credentials: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), and Certified EKG Technician (CET).

The first portion of the program includes 100% online theory courses using a mix of videos, images, interactive simulations, games, and other training tools. These courses are self-paced, and students have access for 12 months.

Once coursework is complete, students move on to 100 hours of clinical externship through one of the school’s partner providers. Placement is handled through the school’s Learner Placement Portal. Throughout the program, students have access to one-on-one support via phone, live chat, and email.

Duration: 12 months or less

Mode: Hybrid | Online coursework + in-person clinical externship hours

Cost: $3,799 (includes venipuncture kit and exam fees)

Admissions Requirements:

No prerequisite courses required
High school diploma or equivalent required to sit for certification exam

Curriculum: Self-paced, interactive theory courses + hands-on externship preparing students for:

CCMA exam
CPT exam
CET exam

Modules include the human body, patient care, medical procedures, and administrative duties.

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Mississippi College — CCMA Certification

Mississippi College offers a straightforward, affordable online medical assistant program designed for flexibility. The 540-hour CCMA program is fully online and self-paced, allowing students to begin anytime. Once enrolled, students have 12 months of access to all online coursework.

The curriculum covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in both front- and back-office medical assisting roles. After completing the online coursework, students apply their learning during a hands-on clinical experience, with the option to earn CPR certification as well. Graduates are prepared to sit for the CCMA exam.

Duration: 12 months or less

Mode: Hybrid | Online coursework + in-person clinical experience

Cost: $2,795 (includes CCMA exam voucher)

Admissions Requirements:

No prerequisites
High school diploma or equivalent required to sit for a certification exam

Curriculum: Focus on medical terminology and CCMA exam preparation, with opportunities for CPR certification and an externship.

Pearl River Community College — CCMA Certification

Pearl River Community College offers a hybrid medical assistant program that combines online coursework with hands-on practice, including twice-weekly labs and a three-week in-person externship. This model provides extensive real-world experience and prepares students to take the CCMA national exam.

At $2,000, it’s also one of the most affordable programs in Mississippi. Tuition assistance may be available for accepted students. Pearl River Community College’s Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Duration: 500 hours

Mode: Hybrid | Online coursework + twice-weekly labs + 3-week externship

Cost: $2,000

Admissions Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent
Immunization records
TB skin test
Drug screening
Medical examination

Curriculum: Prepares students for the NHA CCMA exam, CPT exam, and CET exam.

Answers to Mississippi Medical Assistant Students’ Questions

Choosing the right online medical assistant program is a big decision. Here are answers to common questions from prospective students in Mississippi.

What is the cost of a medical assistant certification program in Mississippi?

Most online medical assistant programs in Mississippi cost around $2,500. Costs vary by school and credential level. Associate degree programs typically cost more than certificate programs, but affordable options are available. For example:

Mississippi State University: $3,799
Pearl River Community College: $2,000

When calculating total cost, remember to consider supplies, exam fees, and possible financial aid or tuition assistance.

Can a medical assistant program be completed online?

Yes, in Mississippi, there are medical assistant programs that let you complete your coursework online, but you’ll still need hands-on training.

Medical assisting requires skills you can’t learn from theory alone, so students must complete labs or an externship at an approved site. Certification exams may also require documented practicum hours.

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, you can become a medical assistant in under 1 year.

Accelerated online programs allow you to finish training in 9-12 months. For example, Delta Technical College offers a 9-month accelerated program with evening classes, in-person labs, and career assistance.

Are medical assistants in demand in Mississippi?

Yes, demand for medical assistants in Mississippi is increasing rapidly. While wages may lower than the national average, job growth is strong, with a projected 11% increase and 540 new jobs opening every year by 2032. Certification can also help you stand out to employers when applying.

What do medical assistants do in Mississippi?

Medical assistants support both clinical and administrative tasks. Common administrative duties include:

Scheduling
Answering phone calls
Collecting patient data
Handling insurance matters

Clinical duties depend on training and certification, but often include:

Taking vital signs
Collecting blood or urine samples
Preparing patients for exams
Drawing blood

Specific responsibilities vary based on education, training, and employer expectations.

Certifications and Continuing Education in Mississippi

While Mississippi law does not require certification for medical assistants, many employers prefer or require it. The main national certifications include:

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) – from National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – from the American Medical Technologists organization
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

To qualify for these exams, you’ll need to complete an accredited medical assistant programs.

To maintain certification, medical assistants must complete continuing education or re-take the exam. If you want to advance, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in health sciences or gaining a specialized certification can help you qualify for higher-level roles.

Salary & Career Potential for Mississippi’s Medical Assistants

Area ↕	Curr. Jobs ↕	Proj. Jobs ↕	New Jobs ↕	Growth % ↕	Avg. Ann. Openings ↕
Mississippi	3,680	4,080	400	10.90%	540
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
Mississippi	$28,080	$34,800	$44,600
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS	$28,760	$33,810	$39,590
Hattiesburg, MS	$28,970	$34,820	$44,920
Jackson, MS	$29,510	$36,390	$45,660

Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Why Trust EduMed?

Online Medical Assistant Programs: Mississippi's Top Schools

FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Mississippi

Mississippi State University — Medical Assistant Certification

Mississippi College — CCMA Certification

Pearl River Community College — CCMA Certification

Answers to Mississippi Medical Assistant Students’ Questions

What is the cost of a medical assistant certification program in Mississippi?

Can a medical assistant program be completed online?

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Mississippi?

Are medical assistants in demand in Mississippi?

What do medical assistants do in Mississippi?

Certifications and Continuing Education in Mississippi

Salary & Career Potential for Mississippi’s Medical Assistants

Megan Harrington, BA AUTHOR

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD EDITOR

Why Trust EduMed?

Keep Learning

Online Medical Assistant Programs: Mississippi's Top Schools

FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Mississippi

Mississippi State University — Medical Assistant Certification

Mississippi College — CCMA Certification

Pearl River Community College — CCMA Certification

Answers to Mississippi Medical Assistant Students’ Questions

What is the cost of a medical assistant certification program in Mississippi?

Can a medical assistant program be completed online?

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Mississippi?

Are medical assistants in demand in Mississippi?

What do medical assistants do in Mississippi?

Certifications and Continuing Education in Mississippi

Salary & Career Potential for Mississippi’s Medical Assistants

Keep Learning

Megan Harrington, BA AUTHOR

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD EDITOR