Medical Assistant Schools in Georgia

The guide on this page outlines the requirements needed to become a medical assistant in Georgia. We highlight students’ basic prerequisites and preparatory steps before entering a training program.

Then, we discuss the specific training requirements, including the most favorable programs and pathways. Furthermore, candidates will also learn about specific certification options that could give them a career edge and other possible approaches to career growth.

We have also dedicated a section outlining a few top training programs for students to consider. Finally, we will round up some key figures concerning Georgia’s average annual salaries for medical assistants.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Georgia

The following are the steps involved in becoming a medical assistant in Georgia.

Complete a Training Program

To start their careers, aspiring medical assistants usually attend a training program to develop relevant skills and earn an award. The exact award usually depends on individual preference, with some going for a diploma or certificate program and others choosing associate degree programs.

Of course, those pursuing an associate degree will be more appealing in the employment market, but they will also have to spend more time training. Regardless of the award and program they choose, the most important thing is that candidates select a training program accredited by the appropriate authorities.

Real-World Training

After completing a training program — most of which is done in a classroom — candidates are expected to pick up on their real-world duties by participating in an externship. Here, they can perform clinical procedures, including patient examinations, while becoming familiar with their administrative duties, medical policies, and patient rights.

They will also brush up on their medical terminology and laboratory procedures. Candidates who complete such training are more likely to secure full-time employment than those who have yet to develop real-world experience.

Employment & Continuing Education

After completing the above steps, candidates can secure employment as medical assistants in Georgia. However, as with most allied healthcare professions, medical assistants must continue to improve themselves by participating in continuing education.

Becoming certified is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. We discuss this topic further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The American Association of Medical Assistants offers one of the most highly rated credentials for medical assistants nationwide. Candidates in Georgia may apply for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential by passing a multiple-choice examination.

While certification undoubtedly offers several career benefits, no law mandates medical assistants in Georgia to earn professional credentials before starting their careers.

For those who are interested in more credentials, other notable options include the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential offered by the American Medical Technologists, the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential offered by the National Center for Competency Testing, and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Georgia

Aspiring medical assistants in Georgia may consider the training programs below for their comprehensive education.

Explore medical assistant schools in Georgia by city:

• Medical assistant schools in Atlanta

Salary & Career Outlook

Georgia medical assistants may be divided into three categories based on their annual average returns. These include the lowest-paid in the bottom 10%, the mid-range earners in the middle, and the highest-paid in the top 10%.

While the lowest-paid earn an annual average salary of $33,562, mid-range earners can earn as high as $42,004, and the top 10% of medical assistants in Georgia earn an average salary of around $52,570 at the end of each year.

Some notable factors responsible for this placement are location, experience, and employer.

Medical assistants in Marietta earn the highest average salary in Georgia, at $45,282. Those in Atlanta come second at $45,165.

Also in the top five are Gainesville, with an annual average salary of $44,030; Carrollton, with an annual average salary of $44,010; and Buford, with an annual average salary of $43,869.