Medical Assistant in South Carolina

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$38,820
trending_down -12.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering
11,750

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Surging
+12.5%

10-yr job growth

schedule
9-24 months for accredited programs; pathways exist for experienced individuals.

Time to complete

route How to become a medical assistant in South Carolina

To become a Medical Assistant in South Carolina, while no state license is required, obtaining national certification is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. Aspiring Medical Assistants should complete an accredited medical assisting education program and then pass a national certification exam such as the CMA, RMA, or CCMA. Certified Medical Assistants in South Carolina operate under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, who is responsible for ensuring their competency.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,240
25th percentile $35,990
50th (median) $38,820
75th percentile $44,570
90th (experienced) $47,120

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Carolina. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing bodySouth Carolina does not license Medical Assistants
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent; completion of a medical assisting education program accredited by CAAHEP, ABHES, a program approved by the SC Department of Education, a US military medical assisting program, a US Department of Labor-approved Registered Apprenticeship, or a training program delivered by a healthcare employer that aligns to a nationally accredited certification exam.
ExamNational certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA, NCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard and required for the 'Certified Medical Assistant' designation.
NotesMedical assistants in South Carolina are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. The delegating practitioner is responsible for ensuring the MA is competent. To be recognized as a 'Certified Medical Assistant' (CMA) and perform an expanded scope of duties, individuals must hold a current national certification from a Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Nursing approved certifying body accredited by the NCCA. CMAs must wear an identifying badge. There are no specific minimum age requirements mentioned for medical assistants.

Source: South Carolina does not license Medical Assistants

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+12.5%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
112,300
Nationwide per year
Total employment
811,000
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure 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.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.5%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a medical assistant in South Carolina? expand_more
In South Carolina, becoming a medical assistant requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a medical assisting education program accredited by CAAHEP, ABHES, a program approved by the SC Department of Education, a US military medical assisting program, a US Department of Labor-approved Registered Apprenticeship, or a training program delivered by a healthcare employer that aligns to a nationally accredited certification exam.), and pass the National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA, NCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard and required for the 'Certified Medical Assistant' designation..
Can I work as a medical assistant in South Carolina without a license? expand_more
medical assistants in South Carolina are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical assistants in South Carolina are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. The delegating practitioner is responsible for ensuring the MA is competent. To be recognized as a 'Certified Medical Assistant' (CMA) and perform an expanded scope of duties, individuals must hold a current national certification from a Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Nursing approved certifying body accredited by the NCCA. CMAs must wear an identifying badge. There are no specific minimum age requirements mentioned for medical assistants.
What is the average medical assistant salary in South Carolina? expand_more
medical assistants in South Carolina earn a median of $38,820 annually. — 12% under the $44,200 national average. New medical assistants start around $31,240; seasoned professionals can reach $47,120.
How quickly can I become a medical assistant in South Carolina? expand_more
The typical timeline in South Carolina is 9-24 months for accredited programs; pathways exist for experienced individuals.. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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