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In the fast-paced world of healthcare, medical assistants serve as a vital backbone, and this is no different in South Carolina. Their unique blend of clinical and administrative duties caters to the smooth functioning of various healthcare settings. If you’re contemplating a career that’s rewarding, dynamic and impactful, then aiming to become a medical assistant in South Carolina could be your calling.
From understanding their pivotal role to exploring education pathways, certification options, top schools, salary prospects and job outlook, this guide presents a comprehensive roadmap to kickstart your journey in this promising field.
Snapshot of being a medical assistant in SC
In the healthcare field of South Carolina, medical assistants perform a pivotal role as they assist physicians and contribute to the efficient functioning of medical facilities. As unlicensed assistive professionals, they undertake a variety of clinical and administrative tasks while under the supervision of a physician. They operate within a regulated scope of practice, and an anticipated growth in the demand for their skills is on the horizon. Here is a breakdown of what medical assistants in South Carolina may do:
| Clinical tasks | Administrative tasks |
|---|---|
| Preparing equipment | Scheduling appointments |
| Assisting physicians | Answering phones |
| Monitoring patients | Managing patient records in EHR systems |
| Perform patient histories review | Performing front-desk duties |
| Exam room preparation | Use medical billing and coding software to manage and submit insurance claims |
Additionally, medical assistants in South Carolina may be able to perform tasks such as drawing blood and administering medications provided they have the appropriate certification and physician supervision.
Education pathways for medical assistants in South Carolina
Several education and training pathways are available for aspiring medical assistants in South Carolina. These include certificate and diploma programs or associate degree programs, all designed to prepare them for a rewarding career in this field. While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement to enter the field, many employers prefer candidates with formal training and certification. A typical certificate or diploma program takes 9-12 months to complete, whereas an associate degree program usually requires around two years of study.
A range of courses, including medical terminology, human anatomy, pharmacology, physiology and medical business records, are covered in these programs. They also provide training in clerical procedures, laboratory techniques, clinical practices and medical assisting financial management. Accreditation, which verifies that the education meets national standards and qualifies graduates for the certification exam preferred by many South Carolina employers, is of utmost importance.
Certificate and diploma programs
Certificate and diploma programs in South Carolina generally require nine to 12 months for completion, providing a fast track to entering the medical assisting field.
The curriculum of a typical program includes courses such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Introduction to medical assisting
- Medical terminology
- Medical office procedures
- Pharmacology
- Medical billing and coding
This foundational knowledge equips students with the skills and knowledge required to start their careers in medical assisting swiftly.
Associate degree programs
For those seeking a more comprehensive education in South Carolina, associate degree programs may be an ideal choice. These programs typically take approximately 24 months to complete, offering a more extensive curriculum and may lead to higher earning potential.
In an associate degree program for medical assistants, students will learn about a diverse array of subjects, such as:
- Psychology principles
- Medical law and ethics
- Clerical and clinical procedures
- General studies including communication, math and science
The advantages of obtaining an associate degree, which is a significant milestone in one’s educational level, include a more extensive education and may present enhanced job opportunities. A professional degree can further enhance graduates’ competitiveness in the job market.
Certification options for SC medical assistants
In South Carolina, while there are no specific certification or licensing requirements for medical assistants, many employers prefer candidates with certifications such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). These credentials not only validate the skills and knowledge of the medical assistants but may present opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential.
In SC, graduates of medical assistant programs can choose to sit for either the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam to obtain their credentials. The availability of these options provides flexibility for medical assistant graduates pursuing certification. Becoming a CMA requires completion of an accredited program, relevant coursework and successfully passing the certification exam.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Many employers in the healthcare field recognize the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To obtain this certification, individuals must:
- Complete a medical assisting program accredited by either the CAAHEP or the ABHES
- Finish an externship or clinical training
- Pass the CMA exam
- Potentially undergo a background check
The process of applying for the CMA certification involves completing an accredited medical assistant training program, acquiring relevant work experience, submitting the certification application, scheduling and passing the CMA exam and subsequently maintaining the certification. The CMA examination encompasses 200 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care and medical procedures. The CMA certification must be renewed every five years, which entails participating in continuing education or undergoing reexamination.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Another recognized certification in the field of medical assisting is the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential. It’s awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and has similar requirements to the CMA, with some additional eligibility pathways. To obtain the RMA status, individuals must either successfully complete an accredited medical assisting program or possess a minimum of five years of employment experience as a medical assistant.
The RMA and CMA certifications are both widely acknowledged for medical assistants in South Carolina. The key disparities are attributed to the certifying organizations—RMA is conferred by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), whereas CMA is granted by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). However, the CMA certification holds slightly superior recognition within the field.
Medical assistant schools in South Carolina
Several schools for aspiring medical assistants are present in South Carolina. Trident Technical College and Miller-Motte Technical College are located in North Charleston and Charleston and Conway respectively, offering accredited programs designed to equip students for certification exams and careers in medical assisting.
Trident Technical College offers both a diploma program and an associate degree program, with a strong focus on hands-on training and real-world experience, to meet the training requirements for students to pursue.
Miller-Motte Technical College, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive medical assisting program that combines classroom instruction with practical experience, preparing graduates for both clinical and administrative roles.
Trident Technical College
Trident Technical College offers a medical assistant diploma program consisting of 52 credits, typically completed in slightly over a year. The curriculum offers a diverse range of courses, covering topics such as:
- Medical ethics
- Patient preparation
- Administrative skills
- Clinical skills
- Medical billing and insurance
Students should gain the necessary skills for both administrative and clinical settings.
In addition to classroom instruction, the college facilitates practical training for its medical assistant students through collaborations with local participating medical facilities. After finishing the course, students will be able to sit for the medical assistant certification exam. This certification will allow them to pursue a career in the healthcare industry.
Medical assistant salary in South Carolina
The medical assisting field in South Carolina may offer competitive salaries, with higher earnings typically associated with higher levels of education and certification says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The salaries of medical assistants are influenced by the location, with some regions offering higher pay than others, and the cost of living in different metropolitan areas.
In addition to promising salaries, the job growth projections for medical assistants in South Carolina, supported by labor statistics, paint a favorable picture, indicating a likely increase in demand for these professionals in the future.
South Carolina medical assistant salaries
Experience and education may play a role in the salaries of medical assistants. Typically, an accumulation of years of experience as a medical assistant in South Carolina correlates with higher hourly wages and annual salaries.
Medical Assistants
10%$30,110
25%$34,550
50%$37,420Median
75%$41,910
90%$46,810
Median Hourly Wage$18
Job growth13.9%
Total Employment9,530
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $39,930 | $35,260 | $47,500 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | $38,250 | $31,370 | $47,510 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $37,620 | $31,730 | $44,790 |
| Columbia, SC | $36,940 | $30,660 | $44,980 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | $36,920 | $26,450 | $47,960 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | $36,750 | $25,520 | $46,000 |
| Sumter, SC | $35,720 | $27,710 | $44,290 |
| Florence, SC | $34,980 | $28,430 | $43,540 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Job growth projections
The job outlook for medical assistants in South Carolina is promising, with a projected job growth of through 2032 says the BLS. This growth is influenced by various trends in the healthcare industry, including the expansion of the life sciences industry and the growing home care providers industry.
Regions such as Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin and Augusta-Richmond County are experiencing a higher demand for medical assistants in South Carolina, says the BLS. These trends may make medical assisting an attractive career choice for many.
Practical experience and externships
While theoretical knowledge forms a crucial element of any educational program, hands-on experience holds equal importance in fields like medical assisting. Practical experience and externships offer real-world career exposure and enable students to implement their theoretical knowledge in a practical environment.
Practical experience and externships offer real-world career exposure and enable students to implement their theoretical knowledge in a practical environment.
These externships typically involve students acquiring practical experience in a healthcare environment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The duration of the externship may vary, typically lasting from a few weeks to a few months. During this period, students are required to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their medical assistant program to real-world scenarios. Some of the responsibilities they may undertake include:
- Taking patient histories
- Assisting with examinations
- Administering medications
- Performing basic laboratory tests
- Working alongside medical professionals in real-world medical offices
Externship opportunities are commonly provided in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, physician offices and long-term care facilities.
Resources
Embarking on a career as a medical assistant is merely the start of a lifelong learning journey. In South Carolina, there are several resources available to help medical assistants further their careers. Professional organizations such as the South Carolina Society of Medical Assistants (SCSMA) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offer career resources, job boards, networking opportunities, guidance on securing positions and details on licensure requirements.
In addition, there are numerous continuing education opportunities accessible for medical assistants. These include:
- Programs and workshops provided by the SCSMA
- Continuing education programs offered by community colleges and vocational schools
- A range of online courses and webinars
- Resources available from organizations like the AAMA and National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Summing it up
Becoming a medical assistant in South Carolina involves understanding the role and responsibilities of the profession, choosing the right educational pathway, obtaining certification and gaining practical experience. With competitive salaries, a positive job outlook and multiple resources available for continuous learning and growth, a career in medical assisting offers a rewarding and fulfilling path in the healthcare field. To get started, all you need to do is click Find Schools for a selection of education programs online or near you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How do I become a medical assistant in SC?
To become a Medical Assistant in South Carolina, you’ll need to attend an accredited medical assistant program and pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA). The CMA consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering general and administrative subjects.
What is the fastest you can become a medical assistant?
Becoming a medical assistant in as little as six weeks is possible if you choose an accelerated certification program. Otherwise, plan to spend one to two years on a degree program.
What do medical assistants get paid in South Carolina?
The median salary for medical assistants in South Carolina is between $27,950 and $44,630 per year says the BLS. How far your salary goes will depend upon where you live and the cost of living. RentCafe says South Carolina is 6% lower than the national average, with cities such as Hilton Head Island above the national average and cities such as Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Greenville all costing below the national average.
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Published: December 20, 2023
Written and reported by:
All Allied Health Schools Staff