Demand for medical assistants in Knoxville has outpaced supply, with LinkedIn listing more than 400 open positions in the metro area as of mid-2025. Local graduates entering this market can expect a median salary around $38,880, slightly below Tennessee's statewide figure but paired with steady employment across Covenant Health, UT Medical Center, and dozens of outpatient clinics.
This guide covers accredited programs within commuting distance, online and hybrid options, training costs, certification paths, and what Knoxville employers actually pay. Jump straight to the program list.
Knoxville's Medical Assistant Job Market: Employers, Demand, and Scope of Practice
LinkedIn alone listed 422 medical assistant job postings in Knoxville as of July 2025, with more than 1,000 open roles across the wider metro area.1 Indeed has also shown 100 or more openings in Knoxville2 and 50 or more in Knox County3 at different points in 2025 and 2026. That level of posting activity means new graduates and working medical assistants in the area have options across primary care, urgent care, specialty clinics, and large health systems.
Where Knoxville Medical Assistants Work
University of Tennessee Medical Center has posted entry-level medical assistant roles at $15 to $18 per hour2 for multiple candidates, and its University Physicians' Association hires full-time and part-time MAs for primary and specialty teams. Covenant Health posts MA positions in Knoxville and Farragut, including urgent care roles that work three 12-hour shifts per week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;4 a Covenant Health Medical Assistant PC I posting in Knoxville showed an estimated salary around $23,000 to $29,000 per year.5 Tennova Healthcare did not appear in the sample of recent job board postings reviewed, but that may reflect incomplete posting coverage rather than an absence from the local market. Larger local groups such as East Tennessee Children's Hospital, Summit Medical Group, StatCare, and Healthstar Physicians also hire medical assistants across primary and specialty care, as do independent dermatology, OB/GYN, endocrinology, pediatrics, and addiction treatment practices.
What Knoxville MAs Do Day to Day
Job descriptions consistently describe rooming patients, collecting vitals and histories, assisting with exams and procedures, handling lab specimens, documenting in the electronic medical record, and covering front-office duties. Tennessee does not have a separate practice act for medical assistants, so clinical tasks, including medication administration, are delegated by the supervising provider.6 Many posts include blood draws and injections "as permitted by licensure,"7 which means the provider's authorization, not an MA license, sets the clinical boundaries. That delegated model makes it important to ask each employer about training, supervision, and which clinical tasks you will be allowed to perform.
Certification and Your Job Prospects
Many Knoxville employers request or prefer the CMA or CCMA credential, and some openings are titled "certified clinical medical assistant" or "Certified Medical Assistant." For example, the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center asks for CMA or CCMA candidates.2 Other roles accept non-certified medical assistants or list LPNs interchangeably, especially for supervised rooming and front-office support. Medical assistant certification is not required for every Knoxville MA job, but it is commonly expected for positions that include phlebotomy, injections, and specialized procedures. Earning the CMA or CCMA can widen your options across Knoxville's large health systems, urgent care centers, and specialty practices.
Did you know Knoxville employed about 2,640 medical assistants as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics? That works out to roughly 6.4 medical assistants for every 1,000 jobs in the metro, a higher concentration than the national average, meaning local demand for trained MAs runs stronger here than in many other parts of the country.
Online and Hybrid Medical Assistant Programs for Knoxville Students
What's the real difference between a fully online medical assistant program and a hybrid one, and which format can actually prepare you for certification in Knoxville? The short answer: most legitimate career-focused options are hybrid, not fully online.
Delivery formats, decoded
- Fully online: didactic coursework online, but if there is no supervised in-person care experience, it may not meet CMA (AAMA) standards.
- Hybrid: online lectures and assignments paired with in-person labs or a clinical externship.
- On-campus: all or nearly all training happens in a Knoxville-area classroom or lab.
For CMA (AAMA) eligibility, a program generally needs CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation5 and at least 160 hours of supervised clinical work.6 Treat "fully online with zero hands-on hours" as a red flag unless you are only preparing for a non-credentialed or assistant-level role.
Options for Knoxville students
- Herzing University Medical Assisting Program: hybrid with online didactic work, in-person labs, and an arranged externship. Exact tuition is not published. The school reports Tennessee clinical site partnerships, though specific Knoxville locations are not listed.
- Tennessee State University Clinical Medical Assistant: a 4-to-6-month exam-prep oriented hybrid course that prepares for the CMAC or CCMA. It is not CAAHEP/ABHES accredited. Pricing is not listed. TSU advertises externship placement help, including a guaranteed placement, but hours and Knoxville coverage are not detailed.
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Clinical Medical Assistant Academy: an 18-week, 136.5-hour hybrid program with an optional externship. It is continuing education, not CAAHEP/ABHES accredited. The externship requires program completion, a background check, drug screen, and immunizations, but Knoxville site availability is unclear.
- EHired Medical Assistant Training: a free, self-paced online option for Tennessee residents that leads to the AMCA CMAC exam. There is no placement help, so Knoxville students must arrange their own externship. Tuition is $0, but exam fees and background checks are separate.
- Roane State Community College Certified Clinical Medical Assistant: a 12-week hybrid option for Knoxville-area students.7
Working adult advantages
Online and hybrid formats help Knoxville students keep a job, childcare schedule, or current shift routine while training. The main trade-off is that hands-on clinical hours still require local travel, so ask exactly who sets up the externship and whether the school has worked with Knoxville-area clinics before you enroll.
In-State Medical Assistant Programs Within Commuting Distance of Knoxville
The central tradeoff for many Knoxville-area students is how far to drive for a truly accredited program versus how quickly to finish a shorter noncredit option. The clearest accredited choice sits farther out, while several closer campuses offer fast-track training with fewer published details.
The Accredited Degree Route: Cleveland State
Cleveland State Community College's Medical Assisting Program has the clearest medical assistant pathway. Its CAAHEP-accredited associate degree includes a 4-credit practicum course.1 Externship hours are not specified in the program materials, but Tennessee accredited medical assistant programs typically include a clinical practicum. Published 2024-2025 in-state tuition and required fees total about $4,746 per year, plus roughly $1,807 for books and supplies.2 That is not the full program cost, but it gives a starting point. This is the only program in this group with confirmed CAAHEP accreditation, and the associate degree route is the longest commitment. Cleveland State is farther from Knoxville than the noncredit options below, so plan for a real commute.
Shorter Noncredit Options: Roane State and Walters State
Roane State Community College lists a noncredit Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program at 12 weeks and 72 clock hours. A 2026 session fee was published at $730. Accreditation and externship details are not clearly documented, so confirm both before enrolling. Because this is noncredit, it may not satisfy every employer's preference for an accredited credential. Roane State has locations that can work for students near Oak Ridge and surrounding areas.
Walters State Community College advertises partner-delivered medical assistant training at $2,499 including materials. The college's noncredit health programs generally run 12 to 28 weeks, but the specific medical assistant length and accreditation status are not published in the available course description. Students near Morristown or Sevierville may find the campus convenient, but they should ask for written confirmation of clinical placement and credentialing exam eligibility.
What About Pellissippi State and the Closest Campuses?
For students near Maryville, Alcoa, or Knoxville's western side, Pellissippi State's campuses are close. However, at review time Pellissippi State did not list an accredited for-credit medical assistant program. You may still see noncredit or partner-delivered offerings, but costs, accreditation, and externship placement were not verifiable.
- Oak Ridge: Roane State is the nearer noncredit option.
- Maryville/Alcoa: Pellissippi State is convenient, but confirm current medical assistant offerings.
- Morristown/Sevierville: Walters State has partner-delivered training.
- Athens: Cleveland State's accredited associate program is the clearest accredited route, with a longer drive.
If staying closest to home matters more than earning a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited credential, Roane State and Walters State are the nearer fast-track options. If accreditation matters most, Cleveland State is the clearest in-state program to evaluate.
How Much Does Medical Assistant Training Cost in Knoxville?
Medical assistant training in Knoxville is not one flat price. A short certificate can cost under $1,500 before aid, while a private college associate track can carry a much higher published tuition. The total depends on the credential, the school, and the extra costs that do not always show up in a tuition table.
Typical Program Costs
- TCAT Knoxville: Tuition and fees run about $273 to $1,487 per trimester, based on enrolled hours, per the TCAT Knoxville tuition and fees schedule. Program fees and textbooks are separate.
- UT Knoxville HealthEd Today Medical Assistant Certificate: Total program cost is roughly $1,299 to $2,499, including books, through the University of Tennessee Knoxville Medical Assistant Certificate program.
- TCAT Oneida-Huntsville: A nearby comparison program is about $2,347 for the full medical assisting certificate.1
- Online medical assistant programs in Tennessee: Most average $3,000 to $5,000.1
- South College Medical Assisting: Quarterly tuition is listed around $1,000 for a 10 to 20 credit load, but total program cost can vary. The school's published annual in-state tuition is $18,535, with an estimated net price of $17,858.1
Financial Aid That Lowers the Bill
Federal Pell Grants can reduce out-of-pocket cost for students who qualify. In Tennessee, the Tennessee Promise program may cover up to about $4,000 per academic year2 for recent high school graduates at eligible institutions, including TCAT Knoxville. Plan to pay for non-mandatory fees, books, and supplies yourself. TN Reconnect can help many adults without a degree, and individual campus financial aid offices can point to local scholarships.
Employer assistance may also help. Covenant Health lists tuition reimbursement and loan assistance for some positions4, while Tennova Medical Group offers tuition reimbursement for eligible roles.3 Ask about eligibility during the interview or through the employer's HR portal.
Weighing the Return on Investment
For a Knoxville student, the strongest value is usually a TCAT or online certificate in the $1,300 to $5,000 range. Because medical assistants work in full-time, hourly healthcare roles, many graduates can offset a low four-figure training cost within their first months of employment. An associate degree costs more, but it can make sense if you want to build credits toward a nursing or allied health pathway later.
According to the 2025 CMA (AAMA) Compensation and Benefits Report, full-time certified medical assistants earn about $2,484 more per year than their non-certified peers. That premium can recoup the cost of many Knoxville-area training programs within the first year or two on the job.
Knoxville Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook
Knoxville-area medical assistants earn a median of about $38,880 a year, just below Tennessee's statewide median of $39,570 and well below the national median of $45,690. The Knoxville metro employs about 2,640 medical assistants, and national projected job growth is 12% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. BLS does not publish Knoxville-specific wage percentiles, so the bar below uses Tennessee statewide figures as the closest published benchmark, with the 25th and 75th percentile points shown as midpoint estimates.
Accreditation Status for Knoxville Medical Assistant Programs
Choosing an accredited program matters because CAAHEP or ABHES programmatic accreditation is the standard pathway to CMA (AAMA) exam eligibility. Some Knoxville area programs hold institutional accreditation only, which may still allow graduates to pursue the CCMA credential, but it is important to verify current status directly with the school before enrolling.
| Program / Institution | Accreditation Status | Accrediting Agency |
|---|---|---|
| South College - Knoxville Medical Assisting Program | Accredited | Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) |
| Ross Medical Education Center - Knoxville Medical Assistant Diploma | Accredited | Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) |
| Pellissippi State Community College Medical Assisting Program | Accredited medical assistant program (specific programmatic accreditor not named) | Not specified in available source |
| Knoxville Medical Assistant School | Accredited medical assistant program (specific programmatic accreditor not named) | Not specified in available source |
| Roane State Community College | Institutionally accredited; programmatic accreditation for medical assisting not specified in available source | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; CAAHEP listed for allied health programs but specific medical assistant program not detailed |
Admission Requirements and Clinical Externships at Knoxville MA Programs
Admission steps and clinical training expectations vary by program, so it helps to compare them side by side. The table below summarizes the published prerequisites, externship hours, and what to confirm about application deadlines for three options available to Knoxville-area students.
| Program | Admission Requirements | Externship Hours | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assisting, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville | Complete FAFSA; submit online application; provide official sealed high school transcript or equivalent; be 18 by start of class; provide proof of required immunizations; provide current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR card; pass HESI with at least 50 in math and 70 in reading; hold current CNA or other allied health certification. | Externship days are 8-hour days; total hours vary by facility. | Not published |
| Medical Assistant Training Program, Knoxville Medical Assistant School | High school diploma or GED equivalent; complete admissions application; interview with an advisor; financial aid consultation for those who qualify; no prior healthcare experience required. | 160+ hours of hands-on practice in a local healthcare facility. | Not published |
| Diploma in Medical Assisting / Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services, Herzing University (Tennessee residents) | High school diploma or GED equivalent; demonstrate readiness for college-level courses via prior ACT/SAT scores, prior college credit, or additional entrance testing; drug testing, immunizations, health checks, and background check required for clinical or internship settings. | 180 hours over an eight-week period in the final term, typically 25 to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday during daytime hours. | Not published |
The CMA (AAMA) exam first-time pass rate for graduates of accredited programs was 69 percent from July 2024 through April 2025. Accredited programs must maintain at least a 70 percent five-year average pass rate. For detailed certification data and employer hiring trends, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Association of Medical Assistants, and ABHES directly.
Top Medical Assistant Programs Serving Knoxville Students
Below are the top medical assistant programs serving Knoxville students, ranked by accreditation, delivery format, and fit for local learners. South College's Knoxville campus is the primary ranked option within the area, offering certificate and associate pathways with hybrid and on-campus formats. For Knoxville students, the clearest value signal is the combination of a CAAHEP-accredited certificate option, hybrid coursework, and an average net price below the published tuition after typical financial aid.
South College
#1Knoxville, TN · $18,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Knoxville students wanting hybrid campus labs
South College serves Knoxville students from its local campus locations, with in-state tuition and fees around $18,535 per year and an average net price of about $17,858 after aid. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 42%, and federal data do not publish a separate program-level completion count for medical assisting. Students can choose among certificate and associate degree tracks, including phlebotomy-focused options; the certificate is CAAHEP-accredited, while the associate pathway is not specifically listed as CAAHEP or ABHES accredited in available data.
- Hybrid delivery with on-campus labs and online coursework
- Requires a 180-hour clinical practicum
- Covers medical lab procedures, pharmacology, insurance coding, and office routines
- Requires general college admission plus program admission in first clinical course
- CPR, first aid, and drug screening may be required
- Financial aid and scholarships available for qualifying students
- On-ground concentration focused on specimen collection and processing
- Includes a 180-hour practicum with hands-on campus lab training
- Prepares for national phlebotomy technician certification eligibility
- Requires immunizations, CPR certification, and physical exam
- Background checks and drug screening may be required
- Builds on the core medical assisting associate degree
- CAAHEP-accredited certificate program with online or hybrid coursework
- Includes 180 clinical hours and hands-on lab training
- Prepares graduates for the AAMA Certification Exam
- IV prep course available through MAHEC partnership
- Can serve as a pathway to the associate degree in 9 to 12 months
- Military benefits accepted; financial aid and scholarships available
- Phlebotomy-focused certificate with campus lab training
- Online classes cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- Prepares for the national phlebotomy technician certification exam
- Includes 180 clinical hours
- Pathway to the Medical Assisting associate degree
- Campus locations include Knoxville
Did you know nearly 20,000 medical assistants are currently working across Tennessee, earning a median annual salary of about $38,150? Nationally, demand for medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than average, meaning Knoxville graduates are entering a field with strong job security and steady room for advancement.
How to Choose the Right Knoxville MA Program for You
A short certificate may put you in a Knoxville clinic within months, while a medical assistant associate's degree takes more time and tuition but adds general education credits that may transfer later. The right program is the one that matches your budget, schedule, and long-term plans, not the one with the most familiar name.
Start With Accreditation and Certification
Confirm accreditation directly with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Graduating from an accredited program is the cleanest route to CMA (AAMA) or RMA eligibility, which many Knoxville employers expect. Ask the program to confirm its current status and which exam its graduates qualify for. Do not rely on a brochure alone.
Compare Total Cost, Not Just Tuition
Request a full cost sheet before enrolling. Compare:
- Tuition and fees: credit hour charges, technology fees, lab fees
- Supplies and screenings: scrubs, books, background checks, drug screens, immunizations, CPR card
- Certification costs: exam application and study materials
Online medical assistant programs and hybrid options may save on commuting, but they can include proctoring or technology fees. A lower sticker price can become more expensive if these costs are not included.
Match Format and Timeline to Your Life
If you need income quickly, a full-time certificate program with a short externship may be the fastest path. If you are working or caregiving, a part-time or hybrid option can spread the load, though it extends the timeline. An associate degree may make sense if you think you may later pursue nursing, healthcare management, or another allied health role. Before choosing, ask whether credits actually transfer to your target school.
Ask About Externships and Employer Connections
Clinical externships often turn into job interviews or references. Ask where recent students completed externships, whether local clinics and health systems hire from the program, and how the school supports placement. Attend an information session or schedule a short call with admissions. Strong answers about employer relationships matter as much as the curriculum.
