Medical Assistant Schools in Alabama

A medical assistant in Alabama must have what it takes to carry out administrative duties in the office and must also be prepared to handle a few clinical tasks when called upon. Of course, specialization is also possible, as is certification for career opportunities.

In the sections that follow, we aim to guide candidates through the specific considerations they will need to have in mind to not only launch their medical assistant careers in the state but be as competitive as possible as they do so.

We provide a step-by-step analysis of the educational and certification process and list some top training programs to attend.

The guide then concludes with an overview of the possible annual average income figures one could expect during the course of a medical assistant career in Alabama.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Alabama

Medical assistants in Alabama typically follow the path below to start a successful career in the state.

Basic Requirements

A high school diploma is the basic requirement for becoming a successful medical assistant in Alabama. Those without a diploma can submit equivalent GED test results.

Furthermore, candidates are to start developing their communication, critical thinking, interpersonal, and analytical skills as early as possible.

Training Destinations & Possibilities

Alabama offers several possible training destinations for prospective medical assistants. The first is academic training programs that offer in-person classes.

Another option is to enroll in an online academic program. This choice is suitable for busy people who like to multitask.

Furthermore, candidates may opt for programs that lead to a certificate or programs that will allow them to pick up an associate degree.

Of course, the latter does take longer to complete than the former, but it is usually more prestigious.

Experience & Employment

Alabama needs trained medical assistants for several medical establishments, including physician offices and clinics. For this reason, securing employment in the position is usually quite straightforward.

Of course, candidates will have a better chance of employment once they have developed themselves in a practical environment. Typically, students participate in externships for this very purpose.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an aircraft mechanic in Alabama

Licensure & Certification Requirements

A well-trained professional in the field can earn the Certified Medical Assistant designation by sitting for a certification examination from the American Association of Medical Assistants. This will give them a significant boost among peers and employers.

To qualify for this examination, interested individuals must complete a training program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. They must then pay a $125 examination fee to take the CMA exam.

Candidates who would like a different option can pursue the Registered Medical Assistant credential offered by the American Medical Technologists. To qualify for this examination, candidates must attend an accredited program and pay a $120 application fee.

After becoming certified, professionals must also maintain their credentials through continuing education.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Alabama

The schools below offer high-quality medical assistant training programs for residents of Alabama.

Explore medical assistant schools in Alabama by city:

• Medical assistant schools in Birmingham

Salary & Career Outlook

Medical assistants in Alabama can end the year with an annual average salary of $27,902 at the start of their careers. Candidates can look forward to even higher returns after they have been well-established in the field.

Once they make it to be among the median earners, for example, the annual average salary will shoot up to around $37,018 per year. Once they make it to the top 10%, they will be able to manage an annual average salary of $49,112.

Candidates will be glad to know that the more experience they gain, the higher their annual average salary will be. Acquiring credentials and moving to a better employment establishment can also lead to a higher annual average salary.

Another factor that can affect salary is location. Birmingham is currently the highest-paying city for medical assistants in Alabama, with an annual average salary of $40,959. Hoover, with an annual average salary of $40,645, and Huntsville, with an annual average salary of $37,578, are also among the top cities.