Medical Assistant Schools in South Carolina

South Carolina provides plenty of work opportunities for medical assistants, no matter how long they have been in the field. Whether you live in Columbia, Charleston, or some other city in the state, you have access to great jobs near you. The key to getting those jobs is to have a solid education behind you. You can do that through medical assistant schools in South Carolina. The information below shows you what you can expect from those schools, and it may help you decide if this is the career for you.

South Carolina Medical Assistant Schools at a Glance

Most medical assistants in South Carolina have an associate’s degree in medical assisting, but there are other degrees that provide similar training. You can choose to complete your schooling online or through a local technical college, depending on your schedule and how you like to learn. The CAAHEP and ABHES are two major accreditation boards that assess medical assisting programs throughout the country. Look for a school that is accredited by one of them if you want to get a solid education.

You can take your schooling one step further by completing a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam. This is offered through the National Healthcare Association, the American Association of Medical Assistants, and other organizations as a way to test a graduate’s skills and knowledge. If you have paid attention in school, passing something like this should be no problem at all. You can learn more about the exam by contacting the South Carolina Society of Medical Assistants.

Medical Assistant Jobs in South Carolina

Medical assistants in South Carolina get paid just under the national average. In this state, you can expect to make about $13.52 an hour, keeping in mind that pay will fluctuate by location. There is a higher demand for medical assistants in rural parts of the state, but the best paying jobs are in the big cities. You will have to decide where you want to start your career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase of 31% in medical assistant jobs between 2010 and 2020. That is great news for current students questioning their job security. As long as you have a degree and an active understanding of your work, you should be able to get a job no matter what.