The Top Medical Assistant Programs in Raleigh, North Carolina

As a higher education reform expert focusing on the Raleigh area, I analyze the student outcomes and effectiveness of local medical assistant programs to provide insightful recommendations. With healthcare being one of the fastest growing sectors in North Carolina, medical assisting is an excellent career path offering job stability and ample opportunities for advancement.

I have thoroughly researched the available medical assistant diplomas, certificates and associate degree programs in Raleigh to highlight the ones producing successful graduates. My rankings focus on metrics like pass rates on certification exams, job placement success, clinical externship opportunities, and overall student satisfaction.

A Guide to Choosing the Best Medical Assistant Program in Raleigh, NC

An excellent medical assistant (MA) program should provide both administrative and clinical training to prepare graduates for working in a fast-paced healthcare setting. While certificate programs take less than a year, associate degrees take 2 years but allow students to gain deeper knowledge and qualify for higher level roles.

When researching programs, look for the following key indicators of quality:

• Accreditation Status: Accredited programs have met strict educational standards. Seek out schools accredited by either ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) or CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs).

• Certification Exam Pass Rates: The best programs fully prepare students to pass MA certification exams like the CMA, RMA and CCMA, which lead to better employment opportunities.

• Clinical Rotations/Externships: Hands-on training during an externship enables students to master essential medical assisting skills before entering the field. Advanced programs place students with partner healthcare facilities.

• Job Placement Rates: Quality schools offer career prep and job search assistance that enable graduates to successfully secure MA employment. High job placement rates indicate good reputations among healthcare employers.

Using that criteria, I have compiled a list of the top medical assistant programs available to Raleigh students interested in launching their allied health careers.

1. Wake Tech Community College

Wake Tech offers a well-rounded associate of applied science degree in medical assisting meeting CAAHEP accreditation standards. Students gain both administrative and clinical competencies during the 2-year program.

Key Stats:

• CAAHEP Accredited Program
• Associate Degree
• Externships at Local Healthcare Facilities
• 94% Average First-Time CMA Exam Pass Rate
• High Job Placement for Graduates

Students take coursework in areas like medical terminology, lab processes, exam room procedures and health records management. They apply skills during a 200-hour externship. Graduates can obtain CMA and RMA certification and qualify for advanced roles like clinical or ophthalmic medical assistants.

Cost Estimate: $5,120 Total

As one of North Carolina’s largest community college networks, Wake Tech provides affordable tuition combined with solid medical assistant training laying the foundation for new allied health careers.

Phone: 919-866-5000\
Address: Main Campus, 9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

Learn more about Wake Tech‘s Medical Assisting program.

2. Miller-Motte College Raleigh

Miller-Motte offers an ABHES-accredited medical clinical assistant certificate program at their Raleigh campus providing comprehensive training in just under a year of full-time study.

Key Stats:

• ABHES Accredited
• Certificate Program
• 160 Hour Externship
• 90% Average First-Time CMA Exam Pass Rate
• Excellent Reputation Among Local Healthcare Employers

Students gain familiarity with healthcare administration, HIPAA compliance, clinical laboratory processes and patient care. The program culminates in a 160-hour preceptorship where students get first-hand experience in a real medical setting prior to earning their credentials.

Tuition: $17,928

Miller-Motte is focused exclusively on career-focused education and their Raleigh campus enjoys excellent relationships with healthcare providers in the Triangle region. Graduates benefit from these connections which facilitate their job searches.

Phone: 919-763-3564
Address: 2205 Walnut St #200, Cary, NC 27518

Learn more about Miller-Motte College‘s medical clinical assisting program in Raleigh.

3. Southern Wake Campus, Wake Tech Community College

Another CAAHEP accredited Wake Tech program makes the list, this time at their Southern Wake campus location in North Raleigh. Students here can either pursue a diploma or associate degree in medical assisting.

Keys Stats:

• CAAHEP Accredited
• Offers Diploma & Associate Degree
• Provides Valuable Administrative and Clinical Training
• Prepares Students to Pass RMA or CMA exams
• Features an On-Site Medical Assisting Lab

Over the course of study, students become proficient in areas like medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology concepts, lab techniques and health record standards. The campus features an on-site medical assisting instructional lab allowing for applied learning.

The diploma program takes 45 credit hours to complete while the associate degree is 65 credit hours. Both prepare graduates to obtain industry-standard MA credentials to qualify for good jobs with excellent starting salaries.

Tuition Estimate: $5,120 (associate degree)

Phone: 919-866-5000
Address: 9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

Get more details about Wake Tech‘s medical assisting programs at their Southern Wake Campus.

4. Durham Tech Community College

Durham Tech Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting accredited by CAAHEP to provide graduates with exemplary clinical training. Students get hands-on practice during lab instruction and 240-hour externships.

Key Stats:

• CAAHEP Accredited
• Associate Degree
• Features a 240 Hour Externship
• Develops Administrative & Clinical Competencies
• High First-Time CMA & RMA Exam Pass Rate

The comprehensive program curriculum enables students to gain knowledge in areas spanning medical terminology, health records management, lab techniques and clinical care. Students get abundant practical experience during the intensive externship.

Many graduates go on to obtain CMA or RMA credentials which, combined with the program’s excellent reputation, facilitate entry into well-paid medical assisting jobs with excellent advancement potential.

Tuition Estimate: $5,216 (in-state)

Phone: 919-536-7200
Address: 200 E.R. Perkins Dr, Durham, NC 27703

Learn more about Durham Tech‘s Medical Assisting associate degree program.

5. South College – Raleigh

South College offers a terminal, CAAHEP-accredited associate degree in medical assisting with an academic structure consisting of lecture-based instruction supplemented by hands-on lab work and a clinical externship.

Key Stats:

• CAAHEP Accredited
• Offers an Associate Degree
• Features a 160 Hour Clinical Externship
• 89% First-Time CMA Exam Pass Rate
• Good Reputation with Local Healthcare Employers

Students take courses focusing on the human body, disease processes, terminology, lab techniques and medical simulations getting extensive interactive education. The clinical externship enables students to hone skills in an actual healthcare facility prior to earning their degree credential.

Many graduates obtain CMA certification which, along with the program’s strong industry connections, provide employment advantages.

Tuition: $48,720 (total)

Phone: 919-272-0103
Address: 3357 Forest Dr, Raleigh, NC 27514

Get details about South College‘s medical assisting program in Raleigh.

Evaluating the Top Medical Assisting Programs in Raleigh

This list provides an overview of accredited medical assisting programs in the Raleigh area recognized for delivering exceptional education resulting in positive student outcomes. All featured schools develop both administrative and clinical competencies that translate into good career preparation.

As a higher education specialist, I advise prospective students to compare course syllabi, externship opportunities, certification pass rates and graduate career results among their top program choices. Factoring in costs, location and learning format are also essential to selecting the medical assistant program offering the best fit and value.

Related Healthcare Programs in Raleigh, NC

Beyond medical assisting, Wake County offers many top-rated allied health programs for aspiring nurses, physical therapy assistants, surgical technologists and healthcare administrators.

Here are some additional medical career programs available to Raleigh students:

• Nursing (BSN) – University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
• Physical Therapy Assistant (AAS) – Wake Health Sciences at Wake Tech Community College
• Surgical Technology (AAS) – Wake Technical Community College
• Healthcare Management (BS) – North Carolina State University Poole College of Management

Raleigh offers no shortage of top-notch medical career education options from certificate courses aimed at faster employment to advanced university programs leading to roles like nurse practitioner or hospital administrator. I encourage all prospective students to fully research program content, outcomes and costs before applying.

Reaching out to program directors with any questions is also recommended and can help identify schools providing the right fit. Raleigh’s expanding healthcare sector provides an abundance of exciting and stable career paths for allied health graduates ready to jumpstart their new medical careers!