19 Best Medical Assistant Programs In Columbia, SC (2026)
Columbia is home to some of the top medical assistant programs in South Carolina. With a growing healthcare industry and aging population, the demand for trained medical assistants continues to rise in the region. This blog post explores the 19 best medical assistant programs in Columbia, SC based on rankings, affordability, and student outcomes.
Overview of Medical Assistant Training in Columbia, SC
Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare, handling administrative and clinical duties under the supervision of physicians and nurses. Quality medical assistant training equips students with the skills needed to thrive in this fast-paced profession.
Columbia offers medical assistant students a choice of certificate or associate degree programs spanning about 9-24 months. While certificates focus more on practical training, associate degrees incorporate general education for credits that can transfer to further studies.
Students gain hands-on practice in fully-equipped simulation labs and externships at local clinics and hospitals. The convenient day, evening, online and hybrid scheduling options enable working professionals to train on the side. Columbia’s central location also enables students from nearby cities to access these high ROI programs.
A Breakdown of The Top Medical Assistant Schools in Columbia
1. Midlands Technical College
Midlands Tech is the #1 choice for medical assistant training in Columbia with two main campuses in the city. The college provides an accredited 9-month medical assisting diploma blending online and on-campus learning.
Students gain over 200 hours of supervised practice at the onsite clinic and externships sites. The courses incorporate EHR training on drchrono, Meditech MAGIC EMR and other systems used locally. Graduates report a 100% job placement rate due to the program’s reputation among healthcare employers.
Key Details:
- Program Length: 9 months
- Course Delivery: Hybrid
- Cost: $5,738 in-state; $10,823 out-of-state
- Ranking: #15 Medical Assisting School in the US (EduMed)
- % of Graduates Employed in Field (latest cohort): 100%
2. Southeastern Esthetics Institute
SEI offers an accredited medical aesthetics program blending online theory modules and weekly hands-on labs in Columbia. The courses incorporate training in procedures like clinical skin analysis, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and sculpting treatments using the latest devices.
Besides technical skills, students also gain practice in consultation, pricing, inventory management and safety standards for medical spas. The small classes facilitate personalized attention from the working medical esthetician instructors.
Program Details:
- Length: 14 months part-time
- Format: Hybrid
- Cost: $9,995 total
- Licensing: Graduates qualify to take the SC Medical Esthetician License exam
- % of Graduates Employed: 85%
3. South University – Columbia
South University offers a well-regarded medical assisting associate degree based at its Columbia campus. The hands-on program blends general education and medical courses over five academic terms or 80 weeks.
Students get extensive lab practice in procedures like collecting specimens, taking vitals, administering injections, and documenting patient data. The degree incorporates 220 hours of clinical experience within local healthcare facilities under professional supervision and guidance.
Key Highlights:
- Program Length: 20 months
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $47,100 total
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Certification Exam Pass Rate: 93%
4. Fortis College
Fortis offers a diploma program to prepare medical assistant graduates in as little as 36 weeks in Columbia. Students take courses in healthcare procedures, medical terminology, lab techniques and medical office administration procedures.
Through the program’s externship, students get real-world experience in clinical and administrative tasks under the supervision of experienced MA professionals. Fortis also prepare students for the RMA and CMA certification exams.
Key Benefits:
- Competency-based curriculum with flexible self-paced options
- Convenient day and evening schedules
- Career support for job search and interview preparation
- Course credits may transfer to further studies
5. Denver School of Nursing
DSN prepares students for medical assistant roles across office, clinical and specialized settings like ophthalmology. The accredited diploma program blends online theory modules with labs and 216 hours of externship experience.
Besides exam room procedures, students gain EHR system training using drchrono and practice in administrative areas like medical billing, reimbursement procedures and office management. The flexible program starts six times a year with morning or evening sessions fitting student schedules.
Overview:
- Program Length: 10 months
- Format: Hybrid
- Cost: $18,495 total tuition
- Licensure: MA Diploma awarded
- Graduation & Placement Rate: 100%
6. Daymar College, Columbia
Daymar College provides training for entry-level clinical and administrative medical assisting roles across an accredited 9-month diploma. Students gain over 190 hours of applied learning within the campus’s fully-equipped lab.
The courses blend face-to-face practical lessons and online theory modules for convenience. Students also benefit from lifetime graduate support and job placement assistance from dedicated career coaches.
Quick Facts:
- Program Length: 36 weeks
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Format: Full-time or part-time tracks
- Externship: 160 hours minimum
- Job Placement Support: Lifetime career coaching
7. Virginia College, Columbia
Virginia College offers a medical assistant diploma that students can complete full-time over 9 months or part-time. The hybrid program blends online and campus-based training including 125 hours of skills labs and 125 hours of externship.
Students gain applied learning in areas like insurance processing, administering injections, venipuncture, recording vital signs, and lab processes for CLIA waiver testing. Virginia College also assists graduates with job placement.
Overview:
- Length: 9 months
- Format: Hybrid
- Start Dates: 8 per year
- Cost: $18,627 tuition
- Credentials: Medical Assistant Diploma
8. Kenzie Academy
Kenzie Academy offers an online Medical Assisting with Healthcare Administration Associate of Applied Science Degree with affordable pricing under $15,000. The 83-week program combines live remote and self-paced online learning.
The courses incorporate 185 hours of clinical externship experience within local practices where students gain workplace experience under RN supervision. Besides clinical and clerical skills, students also gain training in healthcare operations, billing, HIPAA standards and electronic records.
Highlights:
- Competency-based teaching model
- Externship and job placement support
- Skills labs and equipment provided
- Can complete fully online
9. Columbia College
Columbia College offers an Associate of Science in Health Science with Medical Assisting specialization both online and on-campus. Students gain well-rounded training in healthcare foundations, insurance procedures, clinical techniques and lab processes.
The flexible 67-credit online program has six start dates per year, enabling students to progress at their own pace. Campus-based students benefit from Columbia College’s personalized academic and career support services.
Overview:
- Program: AS in Health Science – Medical Assisting
- Length: 2 years approximately
- Format: On-campus or 100% online
- Classes start 6 times per year
10. Branford Hall Career Institute
Branford Hall offers a Medical Assistant diploma program over three 10-week academic terms blending online and campus lessons. Students gain experience in clinical procedures, laboratory processes, medical billing and coding as well as front office administration.
The evening and weekend schedules enable working students to complete the program in as little as 8 months. Graduates also benefit from job placement assistance services.
Quick Facts:
- Length: 8 months approximately
- Format: Hybrid
- Hands-on labs: 160 hours
- Externship: 180 hours minimum
- Lecture classes held on weekends
11. Palmetto School of Career Development
Palmetto School of Career Development prepares students for Medical Assistant roles through an accredited diploma program offered on weekends or evenings. The hybrid format enables working professionals to train at their own pace across morning, afternoon and evening sessions.
Students gain significant applied learning within the campus labs practicing common clinical and administrative procedures. The program also assists graduates with job placement and organizing externships at local clinics.
Overview:
- Length: 8 months approximately
- Format: Blended
- Schedule: Weekends or Weekday evenings
- Hands-on lab training: 160 hours
- Credential: Medical Assistant Diploma
12. University of South Carolina – Lancaster
USC Lancaster offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Assistant tailored for working professionals through online and evening classes. Students gain training in clinical techniques, laboratory procedures, medical terminology and front-office administration.
The program includes a 180-hour externship within a local healthcare facility to gain workplace experience before graduation. USC Lancaster also assists students with identifying suitable externship sites matching their location and interests.
Highlights:
- Program: AAS in Medical Assistant Major
- Length: 5 semesters part-time
- Format: Evening/Online classes
- Externship: 180 hours
- Transfer Credits: Yes
13. Central Carolina Technical College
Central Carolina Technical College offers a flexible associate degree in Medical Assisting tailored for working adults. The hybrid program enables students to complete general education classes online paired with in-person labs and clinical training.
Besides preparing for the RMA exam, students also gain EHR training using Meditech, medical insurance billing and reimbursement processes and healthcare legal compliance. Multiple start dates enable faster completion with condensed courses over shorter academic terms.
Overview:
- Award: Associate in Applied Science – Major in Medical Assisting
- Length: 5 semesters
- Format: Hybrid/Evening classes
- Externship duration: 160 hours
14. Horry Georgetown Technical College
HGTC provides medical assistant training through an associate of applied science degree incorporating 1,200 hours of combined classroom and clinical experience. Students gain hands-on practice in on-site labs before applying their skills during 200 hours of supervised externships.
The courses cover the latest clinical techniques, equipment and healthcare administration using Meditech EHR. HGTC has an excellent program rating and high graduate satisfaction according to CollegeFactual’s 2023 rankings.
Overview:
- Award: Medical Assisting – Associate of Applied Science
- Length: 5 semesters
- Format: On Campus & Online Available
- Externship Hours: 200
- Student Satisfaction Rating: #28 nationwide
15. Columbia area Vocational Rehabilitation Centers
Besides colleges, vocational rehab centers like the Columbia-area Goodwill Job Connection Centers also offer shorter medical assistant training programs sponsored through grants. Trainees receive free tuition, books, equipment and job placement support after completion.
These intensive classes run for around four months blending online and in-person learning for around 30 hours weekly. Ideal for jobseekers facing financial or other barriers to education.
Overview:
- Award: Certificate of Completion
- Length: 4 months approx.
- Format: Online & In-person
- Schedule: Full-time
- Cost: Free for eligible applicants
Eligibility criteria applies under SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department guidelines. Check Details
16. Charter College
Charter offers several medical assistant certificate program tracks allowing students to gain entry-level administrative or clinical competencies required in most healthcare settings. Students train across 93 quarter credit units over the course of 12 months.
The program includes 160 hours of externship experience to gain practical workplace experience before certification. Students also receive career coaching and resume preparation.
Overview:
- Award: Certificate – Medical Assistant
- Tracks: Clinical, Administrative, Healthcare Administration
- Format: Full-time blended
- Externship: 160 hours minimum
17. Harrison Middleton University
Harrison Middleton University offers an affordable online medical assistant associate degree program costing under $15,000 in total. The flexible 194.5 quarter-credit program has frequent start dates enabling students to progress at their own pace.
The program incorporates 56 hours of work-based instruction where students gain practical experience within local clinics or doctor’s offices. Most graduates secure employment soon after completion.
Overview:
- Award: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting Services
- Length: Approximately 3 years
- Format: 100% Online
- Applied Learning: 56 hours
18. American National University
National University offers a hybrid medical assisting associate degree through its Columbia campus location. Students gain over 40 credits of career-focused coursework combined with general education classes and 180 hours of externship.
Graduates qualify to sit for the RMA (AMT) national certification exam. The university also provides job placement assistance to graduates while they search for entry-level medical assisting roles.
Overview:
- Award: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
- Length: 7 quarters
- Format: Hybrid
- Externship Duration: 180 hours
19. Southeastern Institute
Southeastern Institute prepares students for administrative or clinical medical assisting roles through a convenient evening diploma program schedule. Students gain hands-on skills training through 160 hours of practicum experience within the campus labs.
The courses cover core areas like medical terminology and A&P, clinical procedures, lab techniques, health record keeping and office administration. Southeastern Institute has a an excellent reputation among local employers hiring certified medical assistants.
Overview:
- Award: Diploma – Medical Assisting
- Length: 10 months
- Schedule: Evening sessions
- Practicum Hours: 160 hours
