CertOutlook

Medical Assistant in Tennessee

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

Median annual salary
$38,150
trending_down -13.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering
19,940

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Surging
+12.5%

10-yr job growth

schedule
9-24 months for accredited programs; some certifications may have alternative pathways.

Time to complete

route 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.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $32,180
25th percentile $35,920
50th (median) $38,150
75th percentile $44,140
90th (experienced) $48,080

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

checklist Tennessee requirements

Licensing bodyTennessee does not have a state licensing body for Medical Assistants.
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers.
ExamNational certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard.
NotesMedical 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.

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
Wondering if a medical assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a medical assistant in Tennessee? expand_more
Tennessee requires medical assistants to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers.), and pass the National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard..
Do I need a license to work as a medical assistant in Tennessee? expand_more
medical assistants in Tennessee are not required to hold a state license. Note: 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.
What is the average medical assistant salary in Tennessee? expand_more
The median medical assistant salary in Tennessee is $38,150 per year. This trails the $44,200 national median by 14%. New medical assistants start around $32,180; seasoned professionals can reach $48,080.
How quickly can I become a medical assistant in Tennessee? expand_more
Expect to spend 9-24 months for accredited programs; some certifications may have alternative pathways. from start to finish in Tennessee — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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