Medical Assistants are in demand across the country, so now is the perfect time to begin a rewarding career in this field.
Anyone interested in earning a good salary and creating stability should learn about the educational opportunities and pay outlook.
Keep reading to learn more about Tennessee schools that train medical assistants and salary details for the state.
Page Navigation
- 5 Medical Assistant Schools in Tennessee
- Salary for a Medical Assistant in Tennessee
- Schools by City
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the role of a medical assistant in a clinical setting?
- How long does a training program or a school course last for potential medical assistants?
- Does a medical assistant need to recertify after passing the national exam?
- Does a medical assistant need to undergo a background check?
- Can a medical assistant treat a patient without supervision?
5 Medical Assistant Schools in Tennessee
Many schools and programs in Tennessee offer training as a medical assistant.
These top five options provide comprehensive education and the hands-on experience necessary to begin working in this exciting field of career.
1. Nashville College of Medical Careers
This on-site training program can train students for a rewarding career as a medical assistant in as little as one year.
The tuition for the school is approximately $13,600 per year.
Financial aid is also available.
The location of this college is 1556 Crestview Drive, Madison, TN 37115.
The phone number for the Admissions Office of the college is 615-868–2963.
2. Ross Medical Education Center
This school has multiple campuses across the country and provides an excellent education and training program for aspiring medical assistants.
The program lasts 30 to 36 weeks to complete.
The tuition for the school is $10,800.
The location of the campus is 206 North Seven Oaks Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37922.
The phone number for the admissions offices is 865-297-4800.
3. Fortis Institute
This one-year comprehensive Hands-On training program is designed to provide students with the education and skills necessary to begin a rewarding career as a medical assistant.
The tuition for the program starts at approximately $2,500 and can vary depending on the student’s situation and financial aid.
The location of the Institute is 3354 Perimeter Hill Drive Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37211.
The phone number for the admissions offices is 615–320–5917.
4. Allied Health Careers Institute
This two-year associate degree program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education to help them begin a career as medical assistants in Tennessee.
The tuition for the medical assistant program is $7,495 plus additional fees.
The school’s location is 1237 Commerce Park, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.
The phone number for the admissions office is 615-396-8730.
5. Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting
The school offers a comprehensive 9-month program designed to provide medical assistance with an associate’s degree that allows them to begin an exciting career as a medical assistant in Tennessee.
The cost of the tuition for the school is between $5,000 and $8,000.
The location of the school campuses is 1507 County Hospital Road, Nashville, TN 37218.
The phone number for the Admissions Office at 615-678-8196.
Medical Assistant Schools in Tennessee – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Tennessee
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Nashville College of Medical Careers | 1556 Crestview Dr, Madison, TN 37115 |
| Ross Medical Education Center | 206 North Seven Oaks Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37922 |
| Fortis Institute | 3354 Perimeter Hill Drive Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37211 |
| Allied Health Careers Institute | 1237 Commerce Park, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 |
| Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting | 1507 County Hospital Road, Nashville, TN 37218 |
Salary for a Medical Assistant in Tennessee
The average salary for a medical assistant in Tennessee is $37,914 annually.
However, medical assistants can make well over $40,000 per year, depending on their experience level, specialties, and job location.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Assistants in Tennessee
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $35,135 |
| Nashville-Davidson | $35,235 |
| Knoxville | $34,786 |
| Chattanooga | $34,183 |
| Clarksville | $34,437 |
| Murfreesboro | $34,970 |
| Jackson | $34,870 |
| Johnson City | $32,998 |
| Kingsport | $33,122 |
| Franklin | $35,111 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 2,400 | $39,490 | $18.98 | $55,020 | $29,820 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 520 | $36,880 | $17.73 | $45,070 | $29,470 |
| Cleveland, TN | 280 | $35,920 | $17.27 | $43,300 | $29,930 |
| Jackson, TN | 400 | $36,370 | $17.49 | $44,820 | $28,130 |
| Johnson City, TN | 690 | $36,110 | $17.36 | $42,880 | $29,760 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 690 | $36,470 | $17.53 | $44,190 | $30,570 |
| Knoxville, TN | 2,640 | $38,010 | $18.28 | $45,220 | $30,890 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 3,610 | $38,680 | $18.6 | $45,920 | $31,730 |
| Morristown, TN | 240 | $33,860 | $16.28 | $38,380 | $27,690 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 5,360 | $41,860 | $20.13 | $50,450 | $35,080 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Schools by City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a medical assistant in a clinical setting?
Medical assistants provide various services and perform multiple duties for doctors and nurse practitioners.
A medical assistant can provide basic medical care, diagnostic testing, and routine non-surgical procedures.
Some examples of a clinical medical assistant’s responsibilities include wound care, EKGs, injections, and phlebotomy.
How long does a training program or a school course last for potential medical assistants?
The length of time it takes to train and pass a course or program depends on the school and institution, and the potential candidate.
The length of courses varies from place to place, and to successfully enroll, the individual must first fulfill the prerequisite.
If the individual successfully enrolls, school courses or programs can last anywhere from 3 to 9 months on average.
This program is designed to be a 2-year associate’s degree and requires, on average, 30 to 36 weeks for proper training and an externship.
An individual may begin working as a clinical medical assistant within one to two years of enrolling in a school.
Does a medical assistant need to recertify after passing the national exam?
Once an individual completes their training program and passes the national medical assistant exam, they no longer need to undergo additional testing for recertifications.
However, some employers may require ongoing education or other training to ensure medical assistants learn the latest techniques and strategies and keep up with new technology.
Does a medical assistant need to undergo a background check?
Individuals who plan to enroll in a training program or school courses to become medical assistants must undergo a national background check provided by a third party.
This background check is explicitly looking for felonies in an individual’s past. Anyone who wants to become a medical assistant can’t enroll in a training program if they have felonies.
Other incidents may require review by the school or program director.
Can a medical assistant treat a patient without supervision?
One attribute that separates a clinical medical assistant from a CNA or a nurse’s aide is that they may treat patients without the direct supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
The medical assistant may perform basic non-surgical procedures and provide diagnostic testing, wound care, and other procedures.
