If a career as a medical assistant (MA) in South Carolina (SC) strongly appeals to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for MA’s has been steadily on the increase over the last decade and is projected to grow by a further 29% over the coming years. In fact it is predicted that an additional 183,900 jobs will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
This is much faster than average when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
How to become a Medical Assistant in South Carolina;
- Find an accredited medical assisting program in SC
- Fulfil SC certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a medical assistant make in South Carolina?
- Salary and employment data by metro area in SC
- Explore related careers in South Carolina
If you wish to pursue a career as a MA in South Carolina you will need to first complete a high school diploma. In order to become fully certified (CMA) you will also need to have graduated from an accredited program.
Certification is not essential but it is generally preferred by employers.
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in South Carolina
| College | Metro Area | Find Out More |
|---|---|---|
| Aiken Technical College | College - Aiken | Request Information |
| Central Carolina Technical College | Sumter | Request Information |
| Forrest College | Anderson | Request Information |
| Greenville Technical College | Greenville | Request Information |
| Midlands Technical College | Columbia | Request Information |
| Miller | North Charleston | Request Information |
| Miller | Conway | Request Information |
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | Orangeburg | Request Information |
| Piedmont Technical College | Greenwood | Request Information |
| South University | Columbia | Request Information |
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg | Request Information |
| Tri | Pendleton | Request Information |
| Trident Technical College | Charleston | Request Information |
Listed above are the top accredited MA programs in South Carolina.
Accreditation may be granted either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Medical Assistant Certification South Carolina
Medical certification in South Carolina is not essential but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Certification is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited MA programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Medical Assistant Salary in South Carolina
| Average Salary | $31,080 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $14.94 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $39,680 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $22,920 |
| #'s Employed | 9,540 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 9,540 people employed as MAs in South Carolina with an average salary of $31,080.
This equates to $14.94 per hour and is 5.4% below the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in South Carolina have an annual income of $39,680 whilst the bottom 10% earned $22,920.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in South Carolina
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston | $33,120 | $15.92 | 2,310 |
| Columbia | $30,530 | $14.68 | 1,960 |
| Florence | $27,460 | $13.20 | 420 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin | $30,650 | $14.73 | 1,790 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort | $30,940 | $14.88 | 360 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $31,370 | $15.08 | 520 |
| Spartanburg | $32,860 | $15.80 | 530 |
| Sumter | $28,760 | $13.83 | 240 |
Related Healthcare Careers in South Carolina
Medical assistants in South Carolina earn 19.7% more than nursing assistants there and 7.1% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $31,080 | 9,540 |
| Nursing Assistant | $25,970 | 5,940 |
| EMT | $33,470 | 5,180 |
| Home Health Aide | $21,220 | 8960 |
| Surgical Tech | $39,120 | 1,780 |
| Dental Assistant | $38,110 | 4,400 |
| Physician Assistant | $95,630 | 1,330 |