Best Medical Assistant Programs in Columbia, South Carolina (2025)

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

South Carolina Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

South Carolina
South Carolina Median Pay $38,820 $18.66 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $44,200 $21.25 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Medical Assistant Programs in Columbia, South Carolina

Across the Columbia area, medical assistants keep clinics moving—managing scheduling and front‑desk support, prepping exam rooms and sterilizing instruments, and coordinating referrals and prior authorizations. Most schools pair simulation labs with coordinated externships across local pediatrics and women’s health practices, hospital outpatient departments so you’re job‑ready on day one.

Use the resources here to find classroom and hybrid programs around Columbia, build externship experience across neighborhood clinics in Columbia, and get ready for AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA — and explore opportunities across the Palmetto State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Columbia, South Carolina:

Medical Assistant Training near Columbia

#1

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC 7.6 miles away

Located in Columbia, SC South University-Columbia is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Technology, and Medical Assistant.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Southeastern College-Columbia

Columbia, SC 7.9 miles away

Located in Columbia, SC Southeastern College-Columbia is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Beauty Cosmetology, Cosmetologist, and Information Technology Systems.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Fortis College-Columbia

Columbia, SC 10.2 miles away

Located in Columbia, SC Fortis College-Columbia is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, HVAC Technician, and HVAC Technician.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, SC 13.6 miles away

Located in West Columbia, SC Midlands Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Machining Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Central Carolina Technical College

Sumter, SC 31.4 miles away

Located in Sumter, SC Central Carolina Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Machining Technology. The campus serves roughly 2,388 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,715
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,016
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Certification & Exams in South 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.

South Carolina Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

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

Median Pay (2024) $38,820 $18.66 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$40,070 per year $19.27 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $31,240

$15.02 per hour

25th Percentile $35,990

$17.31 per hour

75th Percentile $44,570

$21.43 per hour

90th Percentile $47,120

$22.66 per hour

South Carolina vs U.S.

Median Wage -12.2%
$38,820

$18.66 per hour

Mean Wage -10.4%
$40,070

$19.27 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 11,750

Employment: 11,750 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
5.17
Employment RSE
3.8%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
11,750 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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