Best Medical Assistant Programs in Laurel, Mississippi (2025)

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Mississippi Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

Mississippi
Mississippi Median Pay $34,800 $16.73 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $44,200 $21.25 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Medical Assistant Programs in Laurel, Mississippi

Across the Laurel area, medical assistants keep clinics moving—performing EKGs and basic phlebotomy, coordinating referrals and prior authorizations, and prepping exam rooms and sterilizing instruments. Programs here pair skills labs with real‑clinic externships across local hospital outpatient departments, specialty clinics and multi‑specialty groups so you’re job‑ready on day one.

This page helps you line up accelerated or flexible options in Laurel, map out externships across Laurel clinics and regional health systems, and prepare for credentials like CMA, RMA, or CCMA — and understand demand across the Magnolia State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Laurel, Mississippi:

Medical Assistant Training near Laurel

#1

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS 27.4 miles away

Located in Hattiesburg, MS University of Southern Mississippi is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Computer Support Specialist, Construction Manager, and Criminal Justice.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

East Central Community College

Decatur, MS 51.3 miles away

Located in Decatur, MS East Central Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Meridian Community College

Meridian, MS 52.4 miles away

Located in Meridian, MS Meridian Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology. The campus serves roughly 2,025 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $3,932
  • Out-of-state tuition: $5,992
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Perkinston, MS 63.1 miles away

Located in Perkinston, MS Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 6,231 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $3,950
  • Out-of-state tuition: $7,250
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Pearl River Community College

Poplarville, MS 63.3 miles away

Located in Poplarville, MS Pearl River Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 4,725 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $3,650
  • Out-of-state tuition: $5,650
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Certification & Exams in Mississippi

  1. Complete an accredited medical assistant certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical externship hours and build confidence with front- and back-office skills.
  3. Sit for credentials like AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA based on employer preferences.

Tips for Choosing a Medical Assistant Program

  • Confirm the school is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited if you plan to earn the CMA credential.
  • Ask about lab simulations, EHR training, and how externship placements are coordinated.
  • Compare day, evening, and accelerated schedules that fit your work and family commitments.
  • Review certification exam pass rates, job placement support, and employer partnerships.

Mississippi Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Medical Assistants (31-9092)
Data Year: 2024 • Mississippi

Median Pay (2024) $34,800 $16.73 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$35,620 per year $17.12 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $28,080

$13.50 per hour

25th Percentile $30,560

$14.69 per hour

75th Percentile $37,960

$18.25 per hour

90th Percentile $44,600

$21.44 per hour

Mississippi vs U.S.

Median Wage -21.3%
$34,800

$16.73 per hour

Mean Wage -20.3%
$35,620

$17.12 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 3,700

Employment: 3,700 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
3.19
Employment RSE
6.3%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
3,700 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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