The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama of 2023

portrait of Nalea Ko, MFA portrait of NurseJournal Rankings Team
by

Updated August 30, 2023

Alabama needs qualified medical assistants. Find out more about medical assistant programs in Alabama and why program accreditation is important.
mini logo
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Credit: aldomurillo / E+ / Getty Images

Do you want to join the fast-growing field of medical assisting? Medical assistants in Alabama start working after earning a certificate or an associate degree at a two-year college. Others can begin with no formal education. That said, without technical training from an accredited school, your responsibilities — and your ability to obtain certification —can be limited.

Explore more about the best medical assistant programs in Alabama, including admission requirements and expected salaries for graduates.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best medical assistant programs in Alabama, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

At a Glance: The Top Alabama Medical Assistant Programs

  1. Central Alabama Community College
  2. Chattahoochee Valley Community College
  3. Fortis College-Dothan
  4. Fortis College-Montgomery
  5. George C Wallace Community College-Dothan

How Do Medical Assistant Programs Work?

Aspiring nurses enroll in medical assistant programs in Alabama to gain valuable theoretical and hands-on training in labs and simulations. Both online and on-campus associate degrees and certificatescover medical terminology, clinical specialties, theory, law and ethics, and medical assistant pharmacology.

Practicum experiences let you further develop professional skills and knowledge of clinical procedures, while also forming relationships with coworkers and superiors at healthcare sites.

Certificate programs take roughly 4-12 months to complete, or 2-3 semesters, and associate degrees require 18-24 months to complete, or four semesters of studies.

Explore Featured Online Medical Assistant Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Applying to a Medical Assistant Program in Alabama

The first step to a career as a medical assistant involves completing an online application. Though, each school has its own requirements. While specifics vary by program, applicants need at least a high school diploma or a GED certificate to enter a medical assistant program in Alabama.

  • Admission Materials

    Submit an online application and supplemental materials, such as your high school or previous college transcripts.

  • GPA Requirement

    Minimum 2.0 GPA

  • Other Requirement

    Minimum ACT or SAT scores as noted by the school

Why Is Medical Assistant Program Accreditation Important?

What is accreditation? It is important to look for an accredited vocational school or community college to earn a certificate or associate degree in medical assisting. Accredited schools have higher standards for curriculum and educational outcomes, with outside accrediting bodies routinely reviewing program offerings.

All medical assistant programs listed on this page hold accreditation. Accredited degrees prove to future employers that your education adequately equipped you for the job.

If you want to pursue a higher degree, you need to graduate from an accredited school to transfer your credits. This also matters when you qualify for medical certifications.

Learn More About the Best Alabama Medical Assistant Programs and Schools

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.

#1 The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama of 2023

Central Alabama Community College

  • Alexander City, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

Central Alabama Community College offers a 66-credit associate degree in medical assisting technology (MAT). The curriculum includes general education courses in English composition, math, psychology, and public speaking. Students also take medical assisting courses covering administrative, clinical, and lab procedures; medical terminology; and pharmacology. The program culminates in a phlebotomy preceptorship.

CACC awards specialty short-term certificates in administrative medical assistant, multi-skilled patient technician, and phlebotomy technology to MAT enrollees as they progress through the program and complete the required courses.

  • Program: Associate of applied science in medical assisting technology
  • Campus: Alexander City
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Tuition: $166 per credit for Alabama residents; $291 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; 2.0 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 88% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,677 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,990
Out-of-state
$7,920
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
59%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,546
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama of 2023

Chattahoochee Valley Community College

  • Phenix City, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

Chattahoochee Valley Community College's medical assisting program prepares students to assist physicians with administrative and clinical duties. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

The curriculum includes a 225-hours practicum at a local healthcare facility and coursework in medical assisting theory, laboratory procedures, CPR, and general education topics. On completion of the third semester and phlebotomy preceptorship, enrollees can apply for their short certificate in medical assisting: phlebotomy and CPT certification exam.

  • Program: Associate of applied science in medical assisting
  • Campus: Phenix City
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditations: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
  • Tuition: $164 per credit for Alabama and eligible Georgia residents; $297 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; 2.0 GPA; ACT or ACCUPLACER scores
  • Minimum Time Commitment: Five semesters
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 88% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,860 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,990
Out-of-state
$7,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
55%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,399
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama of 2023

Fortis College-Dothan

  • Dothan, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

The medical assistant program at Fortis College-Dothan focuses on training students to handle administrative responsibilities, provide direct patient support, and fill various supporting roles. The curriculum features classroom and hands-on learning, including an externship. Fortis offers job placement assistance to graduates at hospitals, physicians' offices, and residential facilities.

All applicants meet with an admissions advisor and a financial aid advisor. Students in their final quarter can take the National Healthcareer Association's Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

  • Program: Diploma in medical assisting
  • Campus: Dothan
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
  • Tuition: $15,342 total
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Minimum Time Commitment: Nine months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
59%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
165
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

#4 The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama of 2023

Fortis College-Montgomery

  • Montgomery, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

Fortis College-Montgomery's medical assistant program emphasizes working alongside other medical professionals to deliver safe and compassionate patient care. Students learn to perform organizational and administrative tasks and adapt to fast-paced working environments.

Coursework, hands-on lab experiences, an externship, and job placement assistance prepare graduates for medical assistant roles at area hospitals, such as Jackson Hospital and Baptist Medical Centers.

Courses include electronic health records, invasive clinical procedures, laboratory procedures and techniques, and medical terminology. 

  • Program: Diploma in medical assisting
  • Campus: Montgomery
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
  • Tuition: $15,108 total
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Minimum Time Commitment: Nine months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,357 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
284
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

#5 The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama of 2023

George C Wallace Community College-Dothan

  • Dothan, AL
  • 2 years
  • Campus

George C Wallace Community College-Dothan offers an associate of applied science in medical assisting. The 71-credit curriculum includes general education core requirements and medical assisting courses, along with a medical assistant practicum. Students can opt to earn their medical assisting degrees with phlebotomy short certificates.

Graduates qualify to apply for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination. Those with phlebotomy certificates are also eligible to sit for their Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP) and Registered Phlebotomy Technician (AMT) certification examinations.

  • Program: Associate of applied science in medical assisting
  • Campus: Dothan
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditations: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Tuition: $162 per credit for Alabama residents; $287 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; ASSET or COMPASS assessment or SAT or ACT scores
  • Minimum Time Commitment: Five semesters
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 95% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $47,762 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,990
Out-of-state
$7,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
55%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,681
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Medical Assistant Programs

How do I become a medical assistant in Alabama?

While Alabama employers may not require a formal education to become a medical assistant, it helps to show hiring managers that you have the administrative and medical assisting skills to perform your job.

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

It takes 1-2 years to complete a medical assistant program in Alabama. The exact length depends on if you earn a certificate, which averages one year, or an associate degree that takes two years to complete with full-time study. Part-time learners will need more time to complete their program.

What is a medical assistant salary in Alabama?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants make a mean annual salary of $31,390, or $14.38 an hour, in Alabama. Nationwide, medical assistants make the most working in agencies and brokerages, merchant wholesalers, outpatient care centers, and insurance carriers. Annual mean salaries in those fields range from $52,970-$44,390.

Do medical assistants have to be certified in Alabama?

No. In fact, medical assistants in Alabama do not need any formal education to begin working. However, certification helps you stand out to hiring managers. To become certified, you may need to graduate from a program accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Popular credentials include the certified medical assistant, the registered medical assistant, and certified clinical medical assistant certifications.


Explore Other Medical Assistant Programs

Popular Resources

Resources and articles written by professionals and other nurses like you.