Best Medical Assistant Programs in Forest City, North Carolina (2025)

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

North Carolina Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

North Carolina
North Carolina Median Pay $42,600 $20.48 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $44,200 $21.25 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Medical Assistant Programs in Forest City, North Carolina

Around Forest City and nearby suburbs, medical assistants keep clinics moving—taking vitals and blood pressure, performing EKGs and basic phlebotomy, and prepping exam rooms and sterilizing instruments. Programs here pair simulation labs with coordinated externships across local primary care and family medicine, GI, dermatology, and ENT practices so your first day feels like your next step, not your first.

Use the resources here to find classroom and hybrid programs around Forest City, plan an externship with clinics, hospital affiliates, and private practices around Forest City, and get ready for AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA — and understand demand across the Tar Heel State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Forest City, North Carolina:

Medical Assistant Training near Forest City

#1

Cleveland Community College

Shelby, NC 21.7 miles away

Located in Shelby, NC Cleveland Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Beauty Cosmetology, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The campus serves roughly 1,236 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,602
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,746
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg, SC 25.7 miles away

Located in Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology. The campus serves roughly 5,063 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,046
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,110
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Converse University

Spartanburg, SC 26.3 miles away

Located in Spartanburg, SC Converse University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Art and Design Foundations, Interior Design, and Medical Assistant.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Western Piedmont Community College

Morganton, NC 28.7 miles away

Located in Morganton, NC Western Piedmont Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Beauty Cosmetology, Construction Manager, and Cosmetologist. The campus serves roughly 1,332 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,650
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,794
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Gaston College

Dallas, NC 38.2 miles away

Located in Dallas, NC Gaston College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Certification & Exams in North Carolina

  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.

North Carolina Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

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

Median Pay (2024) $42,600 $20.48 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$42,520 per year $20.44 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $34,920

$16.79 per hour

25th Percentile $37,350

$17.96 per hour

75th Percentile $46,340

$22.28 per hour

90th Percentile $51,720

$24.86 per hour

North Carolina vs U.S.

Median Wage -3.6%
$42,600

$20.48 per hour

Mean Wage -4.9%
$42,520

$20.44 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 23,970

Employment: 23,970 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
4.89
Employment RSE
2.6%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
23,970 jobs

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

Next Steps

Explore Related Topics:

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.

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.