The cheapest medical assistant certificate in Tennessee is no bargain if it leaves you ineligible for the CMA (AAMA) credential most employers request. The state already employs roughly 19,940 MAs at a $38,150 median wage, and hiring keeps rising, so Are Medical Assistants In Demand? has a clear Tennessee answer as health systems and primary care groups shift services to outpatient settings.
Strong programs balance tuition, CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation, and honest support for landing medical assistant jobs, and the ranked list ahead is built around that triad. That balance matters more than a low sticker price, because Tennessee employers routinely filter for certification readiness before the first interview.
Best Medical Assistant Programs in Tennessee (2026)
These Tennessee medical assistant programs stand out for affordability, hands-on training, and clear paths to certification. The list below highlights where each school shines, whether you need a fast certificate, an associate degree, or a hybrid option. Use it as a practical starting point for comparing programs across the state.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville
#1Huntsville, TN · $16,000/yr
Best for: Rural students wanting hands-on clinical training
This TCAT campus offers a fast, affordable pathway into medical assisting with a six-month certificate that blends classroom, lab, and clinical training. The program prepares students for four national certification exams, including CCMA, and covers nursing assistant, phlebotomy, and EKG skills. Recent cohorts have already completed CNA requirements, making it a dependable local pipeline into healthcare support roles.
- Four concentration options across nursing, phlebotomy, EKG, and medical assisting
- 648 clock hours of classroom, lab, and clinical training
- Prepares for CCMA, CNA, CPT, and CET certification exams
- $2,347 total program tuition; textbook and supplies estimated at $2,295
- Full-time day classes with clinical experiences included
- Instructors: Sue Sims and Megan Cox
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson
#2Jackson, TN · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Best for: West Tennessee learners needing campus flexibility
TCAT Jackson's 12-month Patient Care Technology/Medical Assisting program combines nurse aide, phlebotomy, EKG, and medical assisting training with hands-on clinical practice. Students can attend daytime classes at the Jackson, Lexington, or Brownsville campuses, and the school has an articulation agreement with Jackson State Community College that credits this program toward an A.A.S. in Health Sciences. At just over $4,300 in tuition, it offers an affordable on-ramp to multiple healthcare certifications.
- 12-month full-time daytime program totaling 1,296 clock hours
- Prepares for CNA, PCT, and medical assistant certifications
- $4,335 total program tuition; textbook and supplies about $1,752
- Entrance exam required: HESI or ACT
- Campus locations in Jackson, Lexington, and Brownsville
- Articulation agreement with Jackson State Community College for A.A.S. in Health Sciences
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski
#3Pulaski, TN · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Multi-credential seekers needing a concise pathway
TCAT Pulaski's six-month Allied Health and Medical Assisting certificate is a compact, low-cost route to multiple entry-level healthcare credentials. The program covers phlebotomy, EKG, nursing assistance, and clinical medical assisting across 648 clock hours of classroom, lab, and clinical work. Daytime classes on the Pulaski campus keep the schedule structured for local students.
- Six-month certificate with 648 clock hours
- Prepares for CNA, CPT, CET, and CCMA certification exams
- $2,347 total program tuition
- Daytime classes and clinical experience included
- Covers nursing assistant, phlebotomy, EKG, and medical assisting skills
Southern Adventist University
#4Collegedale, TN · $20,000 – $25,000/yr
Southern Adventist University offers a fully online, on-demand Clinical Medical Assistant certificate that can be completed in about six months. The program teaches both clinical and administrative tasks, from vital signs and lab specimen collection to front-office duties, using interactive 3D animations and game-based learning. Tuition is $4,000 and includes exam fees, study materials, and a personal advisor.
- 100% online with on-demand access
- Six-month completion timeline
- $4,000 total program tuition, payment plan available
- Prepares for NHA CCMA certification exam
- Includes exam fees, Kinn's textbooks, and personal advisor support
- Covers clinical and administrative skills with 3D animations
Columbia State Community College
#5Columbia, TN · ~$5,000/yr (est.)
Columbia State's CCMA program pairs 140 hours of classroom and lab instruction with a 160-hour clinical externship at a local healthcare provider. The certificate meets requirements for the National Healthcareer Association CCMA exam, and the college has expanded access with spring and fall cohorts and grant funding that has reduced costs for some students. This program is a strong pick for learners who want structured on-campus training plus real patient-care experience.
- 140 hours of classroom and lab instruction
- 160-hour clinical externship at a local healthcare provider
- Prepares for NHA CCMA national exam
- High school diploma or GED required
- Covers phlebotomy, pharmacology, vital signs, and healthcare ethics
Volunteer State Community College
#6Gallatin, TN · $8,000/yr
Volunteer State's ten-month CCMA certificate combines patient care, phlebotomy, and EKG training, with each course including 60 classroom/lab hours and 80 clinical hours. The program costs $2,745 and covers study guides and supplies, preparing students for NHA certification. Admission requires a background check, drug screening, and math assessment, so it is best for students ready to clear those steps.
- Ten-month certificate program
- $2,745 total program tuition, including study guides and supplies
- 60 classroom/lab hours and 80 clinical hours per course
- Prepares for National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification
- Requires background check, drug screening, and medical insurance
Concorde Career College-Memphis
#7Memphis, TN · $25,000/yr
Concorde's Memphis campus offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting that can be completed in as few as eight months. The program covers venipuncture, EKG, medical billing, and front-office administration, with flexible scheduling at the Memphis campus. While specific tuition is not published, Concorde emphasizes career-focused training and offers admissions guidance for students at various life stages.
- Associate degree program
- Can be completed in as few as 8 months
- Covers venipuncture, EKG, medical billing, and office administration
- Flexible class schedules available
- Hands-on training in vital signs and lab procedures
- Admissions guidance available for career changers
Cleveland State Community College
#8Cleveland, TN · $5,000 – $18,000/yr
Cleveland State offers a CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting program with both an Associate of Applied Science (63 credit hours) and a certificate option (39 credit hours). The program prepares students for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, and recent outcomes include a 90.28% five-year retention average and a 75.44% five-year job placement average. Financial aid includes FAFSA, TN Promise, and scholarships.
- A.A.S. degree requires 63 credit hours
- Certificate option requires 39 credit hours
- Prepares for Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam
- CAAHEP accredited since 1998
- Five-year retention average: 90.28%
- Five-year job placement average: 75.44%
Remington College-Nashville Campus
#9Nashville, TN · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
Remington College's Nashville campus offers a 24-month Medical Assisting Associate Degree that includes CCMA and CPR certification costs in tuition. The curriculum covers anatomy, pharmacology, medical billing, and clinical procedures, with an externship providing real-world experience. It is a campus-based option for students who want a longer, more in-depth associate pathway.
- 24-month associate degree program
- CCMA and CPR certification costs included in tuition
- Clinical and administrative training in anatomy, pharmacology, and billing
- Externship for real-world healthcare experience
- Campus-based in Nashville
South College
#10Knoxville, TN · $18,000/yr (net price)
South College offers multiple medical assisting pathways in Knoxville, including an Associate of Science, a certificate, and phlebotomy technician concentrations. The CAAHEP-accredited certificate prepares students for the AAMA certification exam and includes 180 clinical hours, while associate programs include pharmacology, insurance coding, and a 180-hour practicum. Military benefits and financial aid are available.
- Hybrid program with on-campus labs and online components
- 180-hour practicum in a medical facility
- Covers medical lab, clinical procedures, pharmacology, and insurance coding
- Tuition varies by credit load; financial aid available
- Admission requires health guidelines and CPR certification
- Phlebotomy technician concentration
- Prepares for national phlebotomy technician certification exam
- Includes 180-hour practicum and hands-on campus lab training
- Health and safety guidelines, immunizations required
- Scholarships available
- CAAHEP accredited program
- Includes 180 clinical hours
- Prepares for AAMA Certification Exam
- Online or hybrid modality with small class sizes
- Pathway to associate degree in 9 to 12 months
- Military benefits accepted
- Focus on specimen collection and processing
- Prepares for national phlebotomy technician certification exam
- Online anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology courses
- Multiple campus locations available
Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga
#11Chattanooga, TN · $24,000/yr (net price)
Miller-Motte College offers a fully online Associate's degree in Medical Assisting through its Chattanooga campus. The program can be completed in as few as four to six months and covers clinical and administrative skills, interpersonal communications, and critical thinking. Career services and financial aid options are available, and approved clinical assistant credits may transfer in.
- Fully online delivery through Chattanooga campus
- Associate's degree program
- 4 to 6 month completion timeline
- Clinical and administrative medical assistant training
- Career services support and credit transfer options
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
#12Chattanooga, TN · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
UTC offers a hybrid Clinical Medical Assistant certificate that combines online coursework with in-person labs and can be completed in 18 weeks. Tuition of $3,245 includes all materials and the NHA CCMA certification exam fee, and an optional clinical externship is available. With small class sizes of about 20 and no prerequisites, it suits career changers and pre-health students needing patient care hours.
- 18-week hybrid program
- $3,245 total program tuition, all materials and exam fee included
- Prepares for NHA CCMA certification exam
- Optional clinical externship
- Small class size of about 20 students
- No prerequisites or prior experience required
- Two start dates per year
How We Ranked the Top Medical Assistant Schools in Tennessee
Public community colleges and private career schools both train medical assistants in Tennessee, yet they differ sharply in cost, program length, and support services. Our ranking methodology weighs these differences so you can compare options on equal footing.
Data Sources and Transparency
Every school on our list draws from the latest available U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and institutional reporting. We cross-reference program-level data for accredited medical assistant programs where published, including completion counts, net price after financial aid, and graduate earnings when available. If a metric is not yet reported for a specific program, we note that gap rather than estimate.
Factors We Weighted
Our evaluation considers five core areas:
- Net price: What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, not sticker tuition
- Graduation rate: The share of students who complete within the expected timeframe
- Medical Assistant Salary: Reported wages one to two years after completion, where data exists
- Program type: Whether a school offers certificates, diplomas, or Medical Assistant Associate's Degree programs
- Annual completions: Volume of graduates, which signals both demand and program stability
Why This Approach
Rather than relying on reputation or marketing claims, we prioritize measurable outcomes that affect your wallet and career trajectory. A program with low tuition but poor completion rates may cost more in the long run than a pricier school where students actually finish and find work.
Tennessee Medical Assistant Credentialing at a Glance
Medical Assistant Pay in Tennessee: Statewide Snapshot
Tennessee employed roughly 19,940 medical assistants, according to the latest BLS occupational wage data. The annual median wage for medical assistants in the state is $38,150, with the middle half earning between $35,920 and $44,140.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total employment | 19,940 |
| Annual median wage | $38,150 |
| Annual mean wage | $40,070 |
| Hourly mean wage | $19.26 |
| 25th percentile annual wage | $35,920 |
| 75th percentile annual wage | $44,140 |
Tennessee by City
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Accreditation and Certification: What Matters for Tennessee MAs
Accreditation from CAAHEP or ABHES is the gateway to sitting for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam through the AAMA. Without it, graduates cannot pursue the most widely recognized credential in the field. Tennessee has roughly eight accredited medical assistant programs, so verifying a school's status before enrolling is essential.
Accreditation Status for Top Tennessee Programs
Among the schools featured in medicalassistantonline.org's Tennessee rankings, CAAHEP accreditation covers:
- Cleveland State Community College: Continuing accreditation
- Volunteer State Community College: Continuing accreditation
- South College (Knoxville): Continuing accreditation
- Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (multiple campuses): CAAHEP accredited
ABHES accreditation applies to:
- Miller-Motte College (Chattanooga): Currently accredited
- Fortis Institute (Nashville): Currently accredited
One program to verify carefully is National College (Nashville), which had ABHES accreditation through February 2021. Prospective students should confirm its current status directly with the school or ABHES before applying.
Why Accreditation Matters for Certification
Graduating from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program makes you eligible to take the CMA (AAMA) exam, the most recognized medical assistant certification. Non-accredited programs may limit your options, potentially disqualifying you from the CMA entirely and restricting pathways to the RMA credential as well. Employers increasingly screen for accredited training, so this detail affects both certification eligibility and job prospects.
Certification Exam Pass Rates: A Transparency Gap
No Tennessee medical assistant program publicly discloses CMA or RMA exam pass rates in accessible sources. Nationally, CMA pass rates typically fall between 65% and 75%, with recent figures around 69%.1 If pass rate data matters to your decision, request it directly from the program. Schools that track and share these numbers tend to be more confident in their outcomes, and that willingness to be transparent often signals program quality.
What You Need to Apply: Tennessee Medical Assistant Program Requirements
Admission requirements across Tennessee MA programs share a common foundation, but the details vary enough that checking each school's checklist before you apply is worth the effort.
The Basics Every Program Expects
A high school diploma or GED is required at every accredited program in the state, and most expect applicants to be at least 18 years old. No prior healthcare experience is needed, and How to Become a Medical Assistant is one of the more accessible entry points into the field. A minimum GPA is generally not used as an admissions cutoff, though some schools (such as Remington College Nashville and Chattanooga College) require a 2.0 cumulative GPA before you can start the medical assistant externship.1
Entrance Exams and Interviews
Not every program requires a standardized test. TCAT Harriman's Medical Office Assistant Program asks applicants to pass the HESI exam or present qualifying ACT scores, while American Academy of Healthcare uses a reading and math assessment for advising purposes only, with no passing score attached. Herzing University requires evidence of college readiness through prior credits or test scores, and the admissions process includes a formal interview.
Health, Safety, and Compliance Screening
This is where checklists get longer. Background checks and drug screens are standard at Herzing, TCAT Harriman, Volunteer State Community College, and Chattanooga College, though some schools require them at enrollment and others before the externship begins. TCAT Harriman also requires a physical exam.
Immunization requirements differ by program. Chattanooga College spells out TB, Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella, with flu and COVID vaccines potentially required by individual clinical sites. TCAT Harriman asks for an immunization record without listing specific vaccines. CPR or BLS certification is required at TCAT Harriman and Chattanooga College, and South College in Knoxville requires CPR and first aid certification as well.
Because clinical site partners sometimes add their own requirements, reaching out to your program's admissions office early gives you time to gather documentation without delaying your start date.
Your Path to CMA Certification in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require medical assistants to hold a state license, but most employers prefer or require national certification. Follow this standard pathway to earn the CMA (AAMA) credential and strengthen your job prospects.
Graduate Earnings and Job Placement for Tennessee MA Programs
Remington College Nashville is one of the few Tennessee medical assistant programs that publicly reports detailed placement figures, and the numbers tell a real story. In the 2022-2023 reporting period, 15 of 23 eligible graduates found in-field employment, a 65% placement rate.1 The following year, that figure dipped to 50% with 14 of 28 graduates placed.1 Those swings highlight how small cohort sizes can shift percentages quickly, but they also underscore the value of asking schools for current data before you enroll.
What Other Programs Report
Middle Tennessee State University lists a 60% job placement rate for its medical assisting graduates, though the school does not specify a reporting period or cohort size. Vanderbilt University Medical Center's MA training program has graduated five cohorts totaling 71 trainees, with a 97% certification pass rate and over 85% trainee retention, though it does not publish a formal placement rate.2 Most other Tennessee programs do not make program-specific employment outcomes publicly available, so you may need to contact admissions offices directly.
Campus vs. Online Outcomes
Comparing placement rates across campus and online formats is difficult in Tennessee because so few programs break out outcomes by delivery method. Programs like Miller-Motte College Chattanooga offer fully online associate degrees, while schools like Volunteer State Community College and TCAT Pulaski are entirely campus-based. Without standardized reporting, the best approach is to ask each program what percentage of recent graduates found healthcare employment within six months of finishing.
Connecting Cost to Earnings
Program-level earnings data one year and ten years after completion are not yet available for most Tennessee MA programs in federal reporting. That said, you can frame your own return on investment by comparing published tuition to statewide median wages. A medical assistant certificate program at TCAT Pulaski runs around $2,347, while a medical assistant associate's degree at Remington College Nashville carries a net price closer to $29,000. When the statewide median MA salary hovers near $36,000 to $40,000, a lower-cost certificate can pay for itself within months, whereas a pricier associate degree may take longer to recoup. Before committing, ask each school for its most recent placement statistics and compare those figures against total program cost to get a clearer picture of your likely return.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12.5 percent employment growth for medical assistants nationwide from 2024 to 2034, plus roughly 112,300 annual openings when workers retire or change fields. That pace is much faster than average for all occupations.
Choosing the Right Tennessee Medical Assistant Program: A Decision Framework
Choosing a Tennessee medical assistant program is less about finding the best name on a list and more about matching a program's schedule, cost, and credential to where you are right now. A program that fits your life beats a prestigious-sounding option that forces you to drop work or borrow more than you need.
Match the credential to your career goal
Start with the end in mind. If you want to sit for CMA (AAMA) certification quickly, a diploma or certificate program is usually the shortest route. If you may later continue into nursing (see From Medical Assistant to RN) or healthcare management, an associate degree gives you transferable credit and broader coursework. Confirm that the credential aligns with the Medical Assistant Certifications you plan to earn, not just the school's title.
Fit schedule and budget realistically
Compare each program's total cost with typical medical assistant debt and first-year earnings in Tennessee. If the price would push your debt past what an entry-level MA usually earns, ask about grants, payment plans, or lower-cost public options. Also confirm whether evening, weekend, or online coursework fits your job or family schedule.
Ask the right questions before enrolling
- Externships: Where are the clinical sites, and will you be placed within a reasonable commute?
- Scheduling: Are externship hours flexible enough for working students?
- Career services: What medical assistant resume, interview, and job-referral support is available after graduation?
Take one concrete next step
Request program information from two or three top schools and compare their total cost, credential type, externship setup, and graduate support side by side. A short list with real numbers will tell you more than another hour of browsing.
