Medical Assistant in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require state licensure for Medical Assistants. While not state-mandated, national certification (such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA) is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. To become certified, individuals typically need to complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a national certification exam. Medical assistants in Tennessee practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician or other authorized healthcare provider.
Medical Assistant Requirements in Tennessee
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Tennessee does not have a state licensing body for Medical Assistants. |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers. |
| Exam | National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard. |
| Notes | Medical assistants in Tennessee are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician or other authorized healthcare provider. The delegating physician is responsible for ensuring the MA is competent. While not state-mandated, national certification is strongly preferred by employers and may be required for certain clinical duties. Minimum age is 18 years old, and a high school diploma or GED is required for most programs. A background check may also be required by employers. |
Source: Tennessee does not have a state licensing body for Medical Assistants.
Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee
The median medical assistant salary in Tennessee is $38,150 per year, which is 13.7% below the national median of $44,200.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $32,180 |
| 25th | $35,920 |
| 50th (median) | $38,150 |
| 75th | $44,140 |
| 90th (experienced) | $48,080 |
Tennessee employs approximately 19,940 medical assistants.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
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 Tennessee Worth It?
Factors to consider: Tennessee's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.