Medical assistant salary in Louisiana reached a median wage of $35,870 in 2024, with the New Orleans metro area reaching $37,770, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The state does not require a license or certification to work in the role, but employers across Louisiana's expanding healthcare sector routinely favor candidates who hold credentials like the CMA or CCMA.
Program costs range from under $3,000 for some online medical assistant certificate programs to over $25,000 at campus-based schools, and most accredited tracks can be completed in less than a year. That flexibility makes timing and budget the two biggest variables for anyone weighing their options.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Louisiana
Louisiana does not require a state license to work as a medical assistant, so the real tradeoff is between getting hired quickly without formal training and investing in a program and certification that can lead to better pay and more job offers.
The Standard Training Path
Most Louisiana medical assistants follow a predictable sequence. First, earn a high school diploma or GED. Then complete an accredited medical assistant program, which typically takes 9 to 24 months depending on whether you attend full time or part time. Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These accreditors are recognized by certifying bodies and can streamline your eligibility for the CMA or RMA exams. Accredited programs include classroom instruction in medical terminology, anatomy, clinical procedures, and administrative tasks, plus a supervised medical assistant externship in a clinic or physician's office. After finishing the program and externship, you sit for a national medical assistant certification exam.
Certification Options Louisiana Employers Accept
Louisiana has no single mandated certification, but employers commonly recognize these medical assistant certifications. Job postings in Louisiana often list CMA or CCMA among preferred credentials, though RMA and NCMA are also accepted.
- CMA (AAMA): Certified Medical Assistant through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
- RMA (AMT): Registered Medical Assistant through American Medical Technologists.
- CCMA (NHA): Certified Clinical Medical Assistant through the National Healthcareer Association.
- NCMA (NCCT): National Certified Medical Assistant through the National Center for Competency Testing.
If you complete an accredited program, you generally meet the eligibility rules for all four exams. Some exams also offer work experience pathways for uncertified medical assistants.
The On-the-Job Training Alternative
Some clinics and private practices in Louisiana do hire uncertified medical assistants and train them on the job, especially in smaller towns or when hiring is urgent. On-the-job training often covers front-office tasks first, with clinical skills added gradually under a licensed supervisor. This route can get you earning sooner and avoids tuition costs. However, certified medical assistants generally have an edge in hiring, earn higher starting wages, and qualify for more clinical responsibilities. If you choose on-the-job training, plan to earn a certification later to stay competitive.
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in Louisiana
Choosing an accredited medical assistant program helps ensure quality training and eligibility for national certification exams. In Louisiana, programmatic accreditation for medical assisting typically comes from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The table below lists programs across the state with their accreditation type, typical length, and delivery format where available.
| Program Name | City | Accreditation | Length | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant Program | Bossier City | CAAHEP | 45 required program course hours plus general education for degree credit hours | Residential, on-campus |
| Medical Assistant Training Program | New Orleans | ABHES | 24 weeks | Accelerated, in-person |
| Medical Assistant - Certificate | New Orleans | ABHES | N/A | Residential, on-campus |
| Medical Assisting - Diploma | Baton Rouge | ABHES | N/A | Residential, on-campus |
| Clinical Medical Assistant - Certificate | New Orleans | ABHES | N/A | Residential |
| Medical Assistant, CTS | Monroe | Not CAAHEP/ABHES | 34 total credit hours | On-campus (residential) |
| Medical Assistant Training Program | Shreveport | Not CAAHEP/ABHES | N/A | In-person, Saturdays 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Medical Assistant I | New Orleans | Not CAAHEP/ABHES | N/A | High school course choice, secondary-level offering |
| Medical/Clinical Assistant I | Schriever | Not CAAHEP/ABHES | N/A | Course Choice listed by Louisiana Department of Education |
Online Vs. On-Campus Medical Assistant Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana residents can choose from fully online, on-campus, and hybrid medical assistant programs. Fully online options such as Herzing University and US Career Institute deliver didactic coursework online but still require in-person clinical labs and an externship. Hybrid programs like those at Unitech Training Academy and Mandeville Medical Assistant School blend online classes with scheduled hands-on practice.
| Feature | Fully online | On-campus | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical course delivery | Didactic classes are completed online. Herzing University offers a 100 percent online didactic track, and US Career Institute has an online medical assistant certificate program. | Classroom and lab sessions meet in person. Unitech Training Academy offers classroom learning with hands-on labs at its six Louisiana campuses, and Mandeville Medical Assistant School holds Saturday classes. | Online coursework is paired with in-person practice. Examples include Herzing University, Unitech Training Academy, Mandeville Medical Assistant School, and LaSalle Tech's Medical Assistant-Hybrid Online program. |
| Hands-on training | Even fully online programs require some in-person clinical skills work. Herzing University includes hands-on clinical labs and an externship in addition to online didactic classes. | Hands-on labs are built into the schedule. Mandeville Medical Assistant School provides weekly hands-on skills practice in an actual medical office. | Scheduled on-campus or on-site labs supplement online learning. Students practice skills in person while completing lectures online. |
| Externship requirements | A local clinical externship is required. Online students typically complete 180 hours over eight weeks at a medical clinic or doctor's office during the final term, with Louisiana clinical sites available. | Supervised or preceptor-based clinical externships are included. LaSalle Tech places students in appropriate sites for a 200-hour externship; South Louisiana Community College and Louisiana Delta Community College also include clinical externships. | Externship requirements are similar to on-campus programs. Many hybrid programs coordinate externships near the student's location, often during the final portion of the program. |
| Flexibility | Highest flexibility for didactic coursework, but students must still arrange in-person clinical labs and an externship at approved Louisiana sites. | Fixed class and lab schedules require regular travel to campus. Mandeville's Saturday classes can help working students, but flexibility is limited compared with online options. | A middle ground: online lectures offer scheduling flexibility, while periodic in-person labs or Saturday skills sessions require some campus visits. |
| Cost considerations | Program cost data is not published uniformly. Online didactic portions may reduce commuting and parking costs, but clinical and externship requirements can add travel or uniform expenses. | Tuition and fees vary by school. On-campus programs may include lab fees or equipment costs, and students should account for regular travel to campus. | Hybrid programs may combine lower commuting costs for online portions with occasional travel for labs. Students should compare total program costs, including lab fees and externship-related expenses. |
| Best suited for | Self-motivated learners who need maximum scheduling flexibility and can complete local clinical hours at an approved Louisiana facility. | Students who prefer structured, face-to-face instruction and immediate hands-on practice with peers and instructors. | Learners who want online convenience but still value scheduled in-person skills practice and campus resources. |
Louisiana by City
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How Much Does Medical Assistant School Cost in Louisiana?
Medical assistant school costs in Louisiana vary widely, from low-cost online certificates to comprehensive campus programs. The table below lists reported tuition, fees, and total costs for several programs. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans may reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
| Program | Tuition | Fees | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unitech Medical Assistant Program, Louisiana campuses (including New Orleans) | $15,495 | $150 | $30,088 |
| Delta College Medical Assistant Program, Louisiana | $14,950 | $100 | $15,050 |
| Advance Nursing Training, LLC CMA Program, New Orleans | Not separately reported | Included in total cost | $6,400 |
| EHired Medical Assistant Training, Louisiana | $0 | $1,500 | Not reported |
| U.S. Career Institute Online Medical Assistant Certificate, Louisiana | $1,439 | $29 | Not reported |
| Louisiana medical assistant program, total cost $16,858 | Not separately reported | Includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, exam fee, background check, and laptop | $16,858 |
| Louisiana medical assistant program, total cost $14,450 | Not separately reported | Includes tuition, registration fee, books, and supplies | $14,450 |
| Louisiana medical assistant program, total cost $10,295 | Not separately reported | Includes tuition, registration fee, lab fee, badge, texts, national exam, phlebotomy exam, C.N.A. state certification, CPR, and EKG certification | $10,295 |
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Louisiana Medical Assistant Students
Paying for medical assistant training in Louisiana is most manageable when you combine federal aid, local scholarships, and a school payment plan in the right order.
Start with federal aid
If your program is offered by a school that participates in federal student aid, submit the FAFSA to see whether you qualify for Pell Grants, federal student loans, or work-study. These funds can reduce out-of-pocket costs for tuition, books, and living expenses. South Louisiana Community College advises financial aid recipients to meet with an advisor before starting, because previously awarded aid can be exhausted and students may have less remaining eligibility than expected.1
Check state and local funding carefully
Louisiana's M.J. Foster Promise Program has supported healthcare training in the past, but the most recent state bulletin excludes medical and clinical assistant programs from funding for the 2025-2026 cycle.2 Do not build a budget around that grant this year. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act support may still be available through local workforce boards, but coverage varies by parish and program, so ask your local office directly. The OGHS Foundation Scholarship is a local option for St. Landry Parish residents or OGHS employees, with South Louisiana Community College among the eligible institutions. The scholarship names medical office assistant and related healthcare fields, so medical assistant applicants should confirm eligibility with the review committee. At Delgado Community College, Louisiana Healthcare Connections Scholarships target Certified Medical Assistant students and accept applications year-round.
Ask schools about payment plans and scholarships
School-level aid is uneven. Unitech Training Academy lists detailed costs and directs students to financial aid staff, but does not name specific scholarships.4 Woodland Healthcare Training quotes a $5,000 medical assistant program with a $500 application deposit, so ask for a written payment schedule and refund terms.3 SOWELA's short-term training lists a $3,999 program cost but publishes no aid details.5
Confirm before enrolling
Contact each financial aid office to verify current costs, federal aid eligibility, local scholarships, and how outside grants such as WIOA interact with your package. A short conversation can prevent paying full price or using up remaining aid too early.
Medical Assistant Externships and Clinical Training in Louisiana
Around 4,600 potential externship sites across Louisiana give students exploring how to become a medical assistant a broad range of clinical settings to choose from when it is time to put classroom skills into practice.1 Here is what to expect from this hands-on phase of your training.
How Externships Are Structured
Most Louisiana medical assistant schools schedule the externship toward the end of your coursework, once you have built a solid foundation in clinical and administrative skills. Typical requirements range from about 80 to 100 hours, completed over four to eight weeks.21 Externships are generally unpaid and cost students nothing beyond their regular tuition.1 Some programs, like the New Orleans Medical Assistant School, blend hands-on practice into the didactic phase as well, with roughly 4.5 hours per week of clinical work in a real medical office starting after week eight.2
Longer employer-linked pathways also exist. Baton Rouge Community College's Medical Assistant Fellowship, offered in partnership with Propel America, spans about 40 weeks and weaves externship experience into coursework and lab time.3
Where You Will Train
Externship placements in Louisiana typically happen in ambulatory and outpatient settings, including:
- Physician offices: Family medicine, pediatrics, and specialty practices
- Urgent care centers: Locations affiliated with Ochsner, LCMC Urgent Care, MedExpress, and others
- Hospital outpatient clinics: Sites within Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, Willis-Knighton, and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
- Federally qualified health centers: Organizations such as CrescentCare and Daughters of Charity
Some programs arrange placements for you, while others ask students to identify sites with support from academic advisors.1 Programs like Ayers Career College list named partners such as Ochsner LSU, Willis Knighton, Wee Care Pediatrics, and Boyd Family Medicine.
From Externship to Job Offer
Clinical training is more than a graduation requirement. It is your audition. Supervisors observe your professionalism, clinical competence, and communication skills every day. Many healthcare employers in Louisiana use externships as a direct hiring pipeline, extending job offers to students who perform well. Ochsner Health, for example, runs a six-month medical assistant pathway that can lead to a CCMA credential and employment. Treat your externship like an extended interview, and you may finish the program with a position already lined up.
Baton Rouge leads Louisiana metro areas for medical assistant employment with 2,300 jobs. Its median annual wage of $35,830 is above the statewide average for medical assistants, according to BLS 2024 data.
Medical Assistant Certification in Louisiana: CMA, RMA, CCMA, and NCMA
Louisiana employers often favor the CMA (AAMA) and CCMA (NHA) credentials, both of which appear as industry-based credentials in state Jump Start materials. Each certification has its own eligibility, exam cost, and renewal schedule. Reported first-time pass rates for Louisiana programs range from 71% at Fortis Baton Rouge to 100% at SOWELA and South Louisiana Community College.
| Certification | Issuing Body | Eligibility | Exam Cost | Recertification | Louisiana Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMA (AAMA) | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) | Graduate of a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES | $125 | Every 60 months; requires 60 CEUs plus recertification fee of $80 members or $160 nonmembers | Listed by Louisiana as a Jump Start industry-based credential |
| RMA (AMT) | American Medical Technologists (AMT) | Not available in gathered results | $150 | Annual renewal fee of $75 | No Louisiana preference found |
| CCMA (NHA) | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | High school diploma or equivalent plus completion of a medical assistant training program or at least 2 years of clinical medical assisting work experience | $155 | Renew every 2 years; renewal fee reported as $99 or $195 in different sources | Listed by Louisiana as an industry-based credential in Jump Start materials |
| NCMA (NCCT) | National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) | Current student or recent graduate of an NCCT-authorized MA program; or qualifying medical assistant work experience; or qualifying U.S. military medical-services training; or allied-health instructor experience | $119 | Annual recertification requires 12 CE contact hours plus an $89 single-credential fee | No Louisiana preference found |
Medical Assistant Salary in Louisiana
In 2024, medical assistants in Louisiana earned a median annual wage of $35,870, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median is lower than the national median for medical assistants, and actual pay varies by experience, certification, and metro area. The table below shows the statewide wage distribution and employment total.
| Salary Metric | Louisiana Medical Assistants |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $35,870 |
| Mean annual wage | $34,900 |
| 25th percentile annual wage | $30,560 |
| 75th percentile annual wage | $37,630 |
| Total employment | 14,030 |
Medical Assistant Salary by Metro Area in Louisiana
Pay for medical assistants varies widely by Louisiana metro. In 2024, median annual wages ranged from about $30,640 in Monroe to $37,770 in New Orleans, with Baton Rouge and Lake Charles also landing near the top. Employment totals are shown where available, and keep in mind that higher pay in places like New Orleans often comes with higher housing and living costs, so a smaller paycheck in a lower cost metro may stretch further.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 2,300 | $35,830 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 1,520 | $37,440 |
| Lafayette, LA | 1,340 | $32,360 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 1,030 | $35,110 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA | 910 | $36,010 |
| Monroe, LA | 600 | $30,640 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | 520 | $32,860 |
| Alexandria, LA | 490 | $31,340 |
| Hammond, LA | 470 | $34,910 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | N/A | $37,770 |
Did you know? Medical assistants in the New Orleans-Metairie metro area have the highest median pay in Louisiana, at $37,770 per year, according to 2024 BLS data.
Finding a Job as a Medical Assistant in Louisiana
Where do medical assistants actually work in Louisiana, and how can you land your first position after completing your training?
Common Work Settings
Medical assistants in Louisiana find employment across a variety of healthcare environments. The most common settings include:
- Physician offices: Private practices and specialty clinics remain the largest employers of MAs statewide.
- Hospitals: Large medical centers hire MAs for outpatient departments, pre-operative areas, and specialty units.
- Outpatient clinics: Community health centers and federally qualified health centers employ MAs throughout urban and rural parishes.
- Urgent care facilities: Walk-in clinics continue expanding across Louisiana, creating steady demand for clinical staff.
- Long-term care facilities: Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers increasingly rely on MAs for resident care support.
Major Employers to Target
Louisiana has several large healthcare systems that regularly hire medical assistants. Ochsner Health, the state's largest nonprofit health system, operates facilities from New Orleans to Shreveport and posts MA openings frequently. LCMC Health manages multiple hospitals in the greater New Orleans area, including University Medical Center and Children's Hospital. Baton Rouge General Medical Center and the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (which includes Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center) are major employers in the capital region. Large private practice groups specializing in cardiology, orthopedics, and family medicine also hire MAs throughout the state.
Making Connections That Lead to Jobs
Your externship experience often becomes your strongest job-hunting asset. Many Louisiana employers hire directly from their extern pools, so treat every clinical rotation as an extended interview. Before your externship ends, ask your supervisor for a letter of recommendation, express genuine interest in any open positions, and use the Medical Assistant Resume Guide to strengthen your application.
Joining the Louisiana Society of Medical Assistants connects you with working professionals who can share job leads and career advice. Membership also demonstrates your commitment to the profession when employers review your application.
Job Search Resources
Start your search with the Medical Assistant Jobs Guide, then focus on hospital career portals. Ochsner, LCMC, and Our Lady of the Lake all maintain dedicated careers pages where you can filter for medical assistant roles by location. Indeed and LinkedIn list openings from smaller practices and clinics that may not advertise elsewhere. The Louisiana Workforce Commission's HiRE portal posts healthcare positions statewide, often including entry-level MA roles at community clinics. Checking these resources weekly, along with the Medical Assistant Resources hub, helps you catch new postings before competition builds.
