Medical Assistant in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL

Median Salary
$34,980
Alabama (2024)
National Median
$44,200
All states
Time to Complete
9-24 months for education; exam and application times vary by certifying body.
From start to licensed

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Alabama

In Alabama, Medical Assistants are not licensed by the state. While there is no state licensing body, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners oversees the practice of physicians under whom Medical Assistants work. Employers in Alabama typically require Medical Assistants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited medical assisting program, and obtain national certification (such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA) to demonstrate competency. Medical assistants practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician, as outlined in the state's Medical Practice Act.

Medical Assistant Requirements in Alabama

DetailAlabama
Licensing BodyNo state licensing body for Medical Assistants
State License Required No
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers for national certification.
Exam National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard. Each certification has its own exam. ($120)
NotesMedical assistants in Alabama are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician, as defined by the state's Medical Practice Act. Employers typically require graduation from an accredited program and national certification. Minimum age is generally 18, and a background check and CPR certification are often required by employers.

Source: No state licensing body for Medical Assistants

Medical Assistant Salary in Alabama

The median medical assistant salary in Alabama is $34,980 per year, which is 20.9% below the national median of $44,200.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$28,280
25th$30,940
50th (median)$34,980
75th$36,990
90th (experienced)$43,530

Alabama employs approximately 12,760 medical assistants.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+12.5%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
112.3
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
811
Nationwide

AI Impact on Medical Assistants

Low AI Exposure (Score: 0.15/1.00)

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

Is Becoming a Medical Assistant in Alabama Worth It?

Factors to consider: Alabama's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a medical assistant in Alabama?
In Alabama, becoming a medical assistant requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers for national certification.), and pass the National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard. Each certification has its own exam..
Can I work as a medical assistant in Alabama without a license?
medical assistants in Alabama are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical assistants in Alabama are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician, as defined by the state's Medical Practice Act. Employers typically require graduation from an accredited program and national certification. Minimum age is generally 18, and a background check and CPR certification are often required by employers.
How much do medical assistants make in Alabama?
medical assistants in Alabama earn a median of $34,980 annually. That's 21% below the national median of $44,200. New medical assistants start around $28,280; seasoned professionals can reach $43,530.
How much does it cost to become a medical assistant in Alabama?
Between exam fee ($120), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How quickly can I become a medical assistant in Alabama?
In Alabama, becoming a medical assistant generally takes 9-24 months for education; exam and application times vary by certifying body., accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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