Best Medical Assistant Programs in Hickory, 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 Hickory, North Carolina

Across the Hickory area, medical assistants keep clinics moving—tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups, prepping exam rooms and sterilizing instruments, and coordinating referrals and prior authorizations. Local training blends skills labs with real‑clinic externships across local orthopedics and cardiology offices, primary care and family medicine so you’re job‑ready on day one.

Use the resources here to line up accelerated or flexible options in Hickory, map out externships across Hickory clinics and regional health systems, and prep for certification (CMA/CCMA) — and explore opportunities across the Tar Heel State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Hickory, North Carolina:

Medical Assistant Training near Hickory

#1

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Hudson, NC 11.9 miles away

Located in Hudson, NC Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute 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 2,331 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,537
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,681
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Western Piedmont Community College

Morganton, NC 20.5 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

#3

Mitchell Community College

Statesville, NC 24.2 miles away

Located in Statesville, NC Mitchell Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Beauty Cosmetology, Cosmetologist, and Criminal Justice.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Wilkes Community College

Wilkesboro, NC 28.3 miles away

Located in Wilkesboro, NC Wilkes 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 1,881 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,572
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,716
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Gaston College

Dallas, NC 30.9 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

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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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