Medical Assistant Schools in South Carolina

Medical assistants in South Carolina stand out due to their expertise and technical skills. However, candidates can also take additional considerations and steps to differentiate themselves from the pack and give themselves a better chance of career advancement.

In the sections that make up this guide, interested readers will discover the best way to prepare for a medical assistant career in the state and the best places to receive relevant education. They will also gain a clear picture of how to stand out and continue to improve their skills.

Lastly, we analyze the probable figures that professionals in the field can expect concerning their annual average salary and the factors that can influence these figures.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in South Carolina

The following are the requirements for starting a career as a medical assistant in South Carolina.

Step 1: Preparation

Preparing for a medical assistant career in South Carolina usually requires candidates to work on their analytical and interpersonal skills. A strong sense of compassion and a high level of detail orientation are also huge pluses.

For their basic educational qualifications, candidates need a high school diploma or a GED.

Step 2: Comprehensive Education

Receiving comprehensive education and graduating from a training program that enjoys accreditation from CAAHEP or ABHES is an excellent way to launch a successful medical assistant career in South Carolina. The majority of professionals in the field typically earn an associate degree or a certificate along the way.

Completing a medical assistant program also ensures that candidates are as competitive as possible when it comes time to secure placement at a medical establishment.

Notably, training programs for medical assistants can also be offered online for more convenience.

Step 3: On-the-Job Education

Candidates who received their medical assistant training online and those who did so in person must receive real-world training before they can call themselves full-fledged professionals in the field. Provisions are typically made for this through externships.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a home and building inspector in South Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

South Carolina is one of the states across the country where medical assistants do not need to register with the state or undergo a licensing process. According to the laws, candidates don’t necessarily have to become certified either, but employers have the prerogative to demand certified medical assistants.

And most do.

For this reason, candidates just starting in the profession usually emphasize pursuing the Certified Medical Assistant credential, which is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

To receive this designation, candidates must graduate from an accredited program, submit supporting documents, and pay a $125 examination application fee. They will then complete their examination and receive official scores after 8 - 10 weeks.

For alternative credentials, candidates may consider the Registered Medical Assistant credential offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Top Medical Assistant Schools in South Carolina

Below are a few top programs for prospective medical assistants in South Carolina to consider.

Explore medical assistant schools in South Carolina by city:

• Medical assistant schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

The highest annual average salaries for medical assistants in South Carolina are in Conway and Charleston, at $45,013 and $44,428, respectively.

Also making their way among the top places to work for a high annual average salary in the state as medical assistants are Columbia, with an annual average salary of $43,465; Spartanburg, with an annual average salary of $43,386; and Easley, with an annual average salary of $42,939.

However, generally, without focusing on location, a medical assistant in the state earns an annual average salary of $33,152 in the low-earning category, $54,929 in the high-earning category, and $42,673 in the median category.

Regarding the career outlook, a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% yearly increase in the demand for medical assistants in South Carolina and the country.