Steps to become a Medical Assistant in Tennessee;
If you wish to pursue a career as a medical assistant in Tennessee 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.
Jump to:
- Find an accredited medical assistant school
- Fulfill certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a medical assistant make in Tennessee
- Salary and employment data by metro area
- Explore related careers in Tennessee
If a career as a medical assistant in Tennessee (TN) strongly appeals to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for medical assistants has been steadily on the increase over the last decade and is projected to grow by a further 29% over the coming years. This is much faster than average when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
 | Fortis Institute NASHVILLE and COOKVILLE, TN | Visit School |
| Medical Assistant program designed to provide you with the knowledge based required for entry-level employment as a medical assistant in a medical office or clinic, with skills in office administration, computer, and clinical areas. | ||
Accredited Medical Assistant Schools Tennessee
| College | Metro Area | Find Out More | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga | Request Information |
| 2. | Cleveland State Community College | Cleveland | Request Information |
| 3. | Miller | Clarksville | Request Information |
| 4. | Miller | Chattanooga | Request Information |
| 5. | National College | Bartlett | Request Information |
| 6. | National College | Bristol | Request Information |
| 7. | National College | Knoxville | Request Information |
| 8. | National College | Madison | Request Information |
| 9. | National College | Memphis | Request Information |
| 10. | National College | Nashville | Request Information |
| 11. | South College | Knoxville | Request Information |
Listed above are the top 11 accredited schools for medical assistants in Tennessee.
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 Tennessee
Medical assistant certification (CMA) 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.
Certification is not essential in Tennessee but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary Tennessee
| Average Salary | $31,490 |
| Hourly Wage | $15.14 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $40,540 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $22,540 |
| #'s Employed | 13,640 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 13,640 people employed as MAs in Tennessee with an average salary of $31,490.
This equates to $15.14 per hour and is 4.1% below the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in Tennessee have an annual income of $40,540 whilst the bottom 10% earned $22,540.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in Tennessee
| Area | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $31,320 | 1,490 |
| Clarksville | $31,870 | 370 |
| Cleveland | $28,950 | 210 |
| Jackson | $27,890 | 350 |
| Johnson City | $26,520 | 450 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol | $31,060 | 520 |
| Knoxville | $30,890 | 2,000 |
| Memphis | $31,610 | 3,290 |
| Morristown | $26,850 | 230 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $34,200 | 3,800 |
Related Healthcare Careers in Tennessee
Medical assistants in Tennessee earn 19.3% more than nursing assistants there and 11.5% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $31,490 | 13,640 |
| Nursing Assistant | $26,390 | 88,500 |
| EMT | $35,590 | 7,040 |
| Home Health Aide | $22,000 | 5140 |
| Surgical Tech | $43,310 | 2,970 |
| Dental Assistant | $36,090 | 5,800 |
| Physician Assistant | $84,730 | 1,610 |