20 Best Medical Assistant Programs In Raleigh, NC (2023 Updated)

ByChris Padilla Last Update on

Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare, providing critical administrative and clinical support to physicians and health professionals. As demand for healthcare services continues to grow, so does the need for qualified medical assistants. Raleigh, North Carolina offers numerous excellent programs for those looking to start their careers as medical assistants. This blog post highlights the 20 best medical assistant programs in Raleigh, NC for 2024.

1. Piedmont Community College

Piedmont Community College is a leading community college located in Roxboro, about an hour north of Raleigh. Its medical assisting program provides comprehensive training in concepts like anatomy, medical terminology, clinical skills, and administrative office procedures. Students gain hands-on experience during a 6-credit hour externship at a local healthcare facility.

Key Features:

  • Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting
  • Externship provides real-world experience
  • Prepares students to sit for medical assisting certification exams

2. Wake Technical Community College

Operating several campuses in and around Raleigh, Wake Tech is a top destination for medical assistant training in the region. Its diploma and associate degree options blend online and in-person learning, allowing students to progress on a flexible schedule. Graduates are eligible to take the RMA and CMA certification exams.

Key Features:

  • Diploma and AAS degree options in Medical Assisting
  • Blended online/in-person format
  • Prepares students for RMA and CMA certification exams

3. Durham Technical Community College

Located in nearby Durham, Durham Tech offers an Medical Assisting Diploma program that can be completed in as little as 1 year. The curriculum covers areas like medical terminology, clinical procedures, pharmacology, and lab techniques. Students complete clinical requirements at affiliated medical facilities.

Key Features:

  • Medical Assisting Diploma program
  • Practical clinical experience at medical facilities
  • Small class sizes and hands-on learning

4. South Piedmont Community College

This Charlotte-area school provides an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting that emphasizes front- and back-office skills. In addition to lab sessions, students complete a 200-hour externship to gain practical work experience prior to graduation.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree program
  • 200-hour externship opportunity
  • CAAHEP-accredited program

5. Central Carolina Community College

At this college‘s Sanford campus, students can complete a 45-credit Medical Assisting Associate in Applied Science degree on a flexible schedule. The program includes courses in areas like medical terminology, insurance processing, clinical skills, and more.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree with flexible options
  • Courses in clinical and administrative skills
  • Externship experience at local practices

6. Miller-Motte College

Miller-Motte offers a diploma program in Medical Clinical Assistance at its Cary campus. Students gain experience in both front- and back-office medical assisting skills across 41 weeks of full-time instruction. Graduates can sit for the RMA or CMA exams.

Key Features:

  • 41-week diploma program
  • Training in clinical and administrative skills
  • Eligibility for RMA and CMA certification exams

7. Fortis College

At Fortis College‘s Raleigh campus, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting in as little as 18 months. The program includes lab sessions, interactive online learning, and 240 hours of hands-on externship training.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree program
  • Blended online and in-person learning
  • 240-hour externship experience

8. Caldwell Community College

Students in Caldwell‘s Medical Assisting program complete coursework on topics like anatomy, clinical procedures, lab techniques, and billing/coding. The program includes hands-on labs and an externship opportunity, preparing graduates to work in clinical or administrative settings.

Key Features:

  • Associate of Applied Science Degree program
  • Well-equipped on-campus labs
  • 160-hour externship experience

9. Johnston Community College

Located just south of Raleigh in Smithfield, Johnston CC offers a 1-year Medical Assisting Diploma program. Students learn front- and back-office skills through a blended format of online and on-campus instruction. An externship at a local medical facility is also required.

Key Features:

  • 1-year diploma program
  • Blended online and in-person format
  • Includes 160-hour externship experience

10. Alamance Community College

Alamance offers an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting that can be completed in 2 years if attending full-time. Key program features include lab sessions, simulated hands-on training, and a 160-hour externship opportunity.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree program
  • Simulated hands-on training
  • 160-hour externship prior to graduation

11. Southeastern Institute

Southeastern Institute is a career college with a campus located in Charlotte, NC. Its diploma program in Medical Assisting provides both administrative and clinical training in just 36 weeks. An externship with a nearby healthcare provider is also required.

Key Features:

  • 36-week diploma program
  • Administrative and clinical skills focus
  • Required externship experience

12. South University

South University‘s campus in High Point, west of Greensboro, provides a Medical Assisting Associate of Science degree. The program balances online and in-person classes, allowing students to complete requirements on a flexible schedule.

Key Features:

  • Associate of Science Degree program
  • Blend of online and in-person learning
  • Flexible scheduling options

13. Guilford Technical Community College

Located in Jamestown, Guilford Technical Community College offers both a diploma and associate degree option in Medical Assisting. Both blend classroom lectures, lab work, and off-site clinical training to prepare students for medical assisting certification.

Key Features:

  • Diploma and AAS degree options
  • Blended course format of classes and clinicals
  • Prepares students to obtain MA certification

14. College of Wilmington

This private career college located in Wilmington provides an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting. Coursework can be completed on campus or online. Clinical externships are also required to gain practical experience.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree program with online options
  • Hands-on clinical experience through externships
  • Prepares students to sit for RMA or CMA exams

15. James Sprunt Community College

Located north of Wilmington in Kenansville, James Sprunt Community College offers a Medical Assisting Diploma program. The 1-year curriculum includes lab sessions, simulated clinical experience, and an opportunity to apply skills during a 160-hour externship.

Key Features:

  • 1-year diploma program
  • Simulated clinical training and labs
  • 160-hour externship experience

16. Western Piedmont Community College

This Morganton, NC school provides an Associates degree in Medical Assisting with options to complete coursework online or in the classroom. Graduates are qualified to work in administrative and clinical medical assisting roles.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree with online options
  • Prepares students for administrative and clinical MA duties
  • Externship experience included

17. Coastal Carolina Community College

Located in Jacksonville, this school offers an AAS degree in Medical Assisting that balances classroom learning with hands-on labs and clinical experience. Students gain practical skills during a required externship.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree program
  • Hands-on labs and clinical experience
  • 160-hour externship prior to completion

18. Craven Community College

Craven Community College in New Bern, NC provides training in administrative and clinical medical assisting skills through its Associate in Applied Science degree program. Practical experience is emphasized through lab work and a 160-hour externship.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree program
  • Administrative and clinical skills focus
  • 160-hour externship requirement

19. Methodist University

This private university located in Fayetteville offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Medical Assisting. In addition to coursework, an externship provides hands-on clinical experience.

Key Features:

  • BS degree with Medical Assisting concentration
  • Combines classroom and clinical training
  • Externship for hands-on experience

20. Living Arts College

Located in Raleigh, Living Arts College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assistant. The program includes courses in areas like pharmacology, clinical skills, anatomy, lab techniques, and medical office administration.

Key Features:

  • AAS degree program
  • Lab sessions and simulated training
  • Small class sizes

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