Dreambound
Blog

Medical Assistant schools near me in Columbia

In the Columbia metro area, the average cost of a Medical Assistant class is $2130 and the average class length is approximately 27 weeks long

Healthcare classes near

Columbia, SC 29201

Online classes
Financial aid
Filters

Medical Assistant

ECPI - Columbia, SC

Medical Assisting - Associate's

ECPI - Columbia, SC

Hybrid
Associate Degree
Financial aid (may be available)

Medical Assistant

ECPI - Columbia, SC

Medical Assisting - Diploma

ECPI - Columbia, SC

Hybrid
Certificate/Diploma
Financial aid (may be available)

Medical Assistant

MedCerts

Fully online Medical Assistant class

MedCerts

Online
Certificate/Diploma
Payment plan
$239 to start

Medical Assistant

Laurel Institutes Online

Medical Laboratory Technician

Laurel Institutes Online

Online
Associate Degree
Financial aid (may be available)

Medical Assistant

Liberty University Online

AAS: Medical Office Assistant

Liberty University Online

Online
Associate Degree
Financial aid (may be available)

Medical Assistant

CareerStep

Medical Assistant

CareerStep

Online
Certificate/Diploma
$3,799 total

Schools not available on Dreambound

Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

Online Medical Assistant Classes

State Fair Community College Online

Online
Certificate/Diploma
No cost info
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant

Data Science Dream Job

Online
Certificate/Diploma
No cost info
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

Online Medical Assistant Classes

Chabot College Online

Online
Certificate/Diploma
No cost info
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

Online Medical Assistant Classes

Fresno City College

Online
Certificate/Diploma
No cost info
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

Medical Office Assistant certification

San Joaquin Delta College - Online Education

Online
Certificate/Diploma
No cost info
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

Marie's Allied Health & Technical Institute - Online

Medical Assistant

Marie's Allied Health & Technical Institute - Online

Online
Certificate/Diploma
Payment plan
$1,500 to start
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

Online Clinical Medical Assistant Certification

Suffolk County Community College

Online
Certificate/Diploma
$2,999 total
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

Online Medical Assistant Classes

Northeastern Illinois University Bootcamps by Quickstart

Online
Certificate/Diploma
No cost info
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

In person Medical Assistant Classes

ALLHEART Allied Health Education Center - Columbia

In person
Certificate/Diploma
No cost info
Not available on Dreambound

Medical Assistant

In person Medical Assistant Classes

Fortis College - Columbia

In person
Certificate/Diploma
No cost info

Some results are sponsored.

Medical Assistant Classes Near Me in Columbia

When it comes to Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, it's a beacon of opportunity, especially in the healthcare sector. Boasting a population of over 130,000 and a thriving healthcare industry, Columbia offers a dynamic and diverse setting for individuals looking to become Medical Assistants near the area. The city's rich environment provides aspiring Medical Assistants with ample opportunities to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for success in this fulfilling field, ensuring they can secure good jobs and earn a competitive medical assistant salary.

Medical Assistant

What is a Medical Assistant?

A Medical Assistant is a healthcare professional who performs a wide range of administrative and clinical tasks in a medical setting, such as a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital. Their responsibilities may include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, taking vital signs, assisting with examinations, and providing basic patient care. Medical Assistants play a crucial role in supporting the healthcare team and ensuring the smooth operation of a medical facility.

Training Requirements

To become a Medical Assistant in Columbia, individuals typically need to complete a formal training program, which can be found at various educational institutions in the area. These programs often include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, administrative procedures, and clinical skills.

Fastest Path to Becoming a Medical Assistant in Columbia

The fastest way to become a Medical Assistant in Columbia is to enroll in a certificate or diploma program, which can typically be completed in 1 year or less. These programs are designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the workforce quickly, allowing students to begin their careers as Medical Assistants in a relatively short period of time.

Medical Assistant Classes in Columbia

  1. Midlands Technical College: Midlands Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, which can be completed in approximately 2 years. The program covers a wide range of topics, including medical terminology, clinical procedures, administrative tasks, and electronic health records. Tuition for the program is around $5,000 for in-state students.

  2. Fortis College: Fortis College in Columbia provides a Medical Assisting diploma program that can be completed in as little as 10 months. The curriculum includes instruction in medical office procedures, clinical skills, and pharmacology. Tuition for the program is approximately $15,000.

  3. Southeastern Institute: Southeastern Institute's Columbia campus offers a Medical Assisting diploma program that can be finished in as little as 9 months. The program covers both administrative and clinical skills, preparing students for a career as a Medical Assistant. Tuition for the program is around $17,000.

  4. Centura College: Centura College in Columbia has a Medical Assisting diploma program that can be completed in as little as 9 months. The program covers a range of topics, including medical terminology, clinical procedures, and electronic health records. Tuition for the program is approximately $16,000.

Exploring a Career in Medical Assistant Outside Columbia

If you're eager to start a career as a Medical Assistant but are situated in a different state, don't be discouraged. Your opportunity to work as a Medical Assistant might be found in Bridgeport, Greensboro, Little Rock, Rochester, Toledo. If you don't live near these areas, Dreambound offers a straightforward solution to scout and compare Medical Assistant classes by searching with your zip code. No matter where you live, with dedication and the right resources, carving out a career in healthcare is within your reach.

Online and Free Options in Columbia

While Columbia does not offer any fully online Medical Assistant programs, some local institutions do provide hybrid or blended learning options that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. These options can be beneficial for students who need more flexibility in their education.

Additionally, there are no completely free Medical Assistant programs available in Columbia. However, some students may be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, or tuition assistance programs to help offset the cost of their education.

Certification Process

In South Carolina, Medical Assistants are not required to be certified, but many employers prefer or require certification. The most common certifications for Medical Assistants in Columbia include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential from the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

The certification process typically involves passing a national exam, which covers topics such as clinical procedures, administrative duties, and medical terminology. Certification can enhance a Medical Assistant's job prospects and earning potential in the Columbia area.

Job Environment in Columbia

The job environment for Medical Assistants in Columbia is generally positive, with a growing demand for these healthcare professionals. Potential employers for Medical Assistants in the city include:

  • Prisma Health, the largest healthcare system in the state, with multiple hospital and clinic locations in the Columbia area.
  • Lexington Medical Center, a respected community hospital system serving the Midlands region.
  • Various primary care practices, specialty clinics, and outpatient facilities throughout the Columbia metropolitan area.
  • Local community health centers and federally qualified health centers that provide care to underserved populations.

The job outlook for Medical Assistants in Columbia is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 14% growth in employment for this occupation nationwide between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Final Thoughts

Columbia, South Carolina, offers a variety of educational opportunities for individuals interested in becoming a Medical Assistant. With several accredited programs available, ranging from certificate and diploma options to associate degree programs, aspiring Medical Assistants in the Columbia area can find the right fit to jumpstart their careers in the healthcare industry. The city's growing healthcare sector and the increasing demand for Medical Assistants make this an excellent time to pursue this rewarding and in-demand profession.

Looking for a better fit? These other articles could be more in line with your expectations if this one isn't precisely what you had in mind:

FAQ

What is Dreambound?

Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find career & technical training programs. While we can't guarantee a career outcome, our mission is to provide all the information you need to find the perfect program for you.

What programs do you offer?

Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.

Do you offer financial aid?

Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.

Is it possible to do online classes?

Yes, Dreambound offers many online programs. On Dreambound's search, you can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person).