South University-Columbia · Columbia, South Carolina

Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at South University-Columbia

Associate degreeHybridCAAHEP-accreditedCMA (AAMA) eligible

What Should You Know About Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at South University-Columbia?

Associate of Science in Medical Assisting is a medical assisting associate degree at South University-Columbia in Columbia, South Carolina, offered hybrid. It requires 92 quarter credits. Externship: 160-hour practicum at a local medical practice in the final quarter (AHS2098). Cost: about $43,700 (estimated). It is CAAHEP-accredited, so graduates are eligible for the CMA (AAMA) exam.

Cost
$43,700estimated: $475/credit × 92
Credits
92
Externship
160 hours
  • Phlebotomy
  • EKG
Prepares for
  • CMAAAMA
  • RMAAMT
  • CCMANHA
  • NCMANCCT

How Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Works

Credential
Associate degree
Format
Hybrid
Hours or credits
92 quarter credits
Externship
160-hour practicum at a local medical practice in the final quarter (AHS2098)
Also covers
phlebotomy; EKG

Admission and Certification at South University-Columbia

Admission requirements
General university admission; background check and drug screen at least three weeks before the first practicum placement; program technical standards
Certification
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) by the AAMA Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) by AMT Clinical Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) by the NHA Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) by NCCT Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) by the AMCA
Outcomes the school publishes
Average credentialing exam pass rate of 89% for 2020-2024 at the Columbia campusReported for 2020-2024.

What South University-Columbia's Medical Assisting Associate Degree Costs

Tuition (school's wording)
$475 per quarter credit hour (Associate of Science in Medical Assisting, 92 quarter credits); textbooks and technology fees are additional2026-27 catalog. Source: southuniversity.edu, reviewed October 12, 2026.
Estimated cost
$43,700Estimated: $475/credit × 92, before fees. An estimate, not the school's own total.

Work out what the South University-Columbia associate degree costs you after aid

From southuniversity.edu, reviewed October 12, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.

How Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Compares

  • Its estimated cost of $43,700 is above the median of $12,661 across 137 priced associate degree programs on this site (133rd lowest).
  • Its 160-hour externship compares with a median of 160 hours among associate degree programs that state hours.
  • It is one of 55 CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited associate degree programs on this site.

Is Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at South University-Columbia Accredited?

Accredited by CAAHEP on the recommendation of MAERB (CAAHEP directory, October 12, 2026), so graduates meet the standard education route for the CMA (AAMA) exam.

Besides core clinical and front-office skills, the program's course list covers phlebotomy and EKG.

How the CMA, RMA, CCMA and NCMA exams differ

Similar Medical Assistant Associate Degrees Nearby

Associate degree programs at local campuses: the same city first, then by how many state borders away, then closest in cost.

Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at South University-Columbia: Common Questions

How Much Does Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at South University-Columbia Cost?

$475 per quarter credit hour (Associate of Science in Medical Assisting, 92 quarter credits); textbooks and technology fees are additional (2026-27 catalog). That works out to about $43,700 for the program, an estimate before fees.

How Long Is Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at South University-Columbia?

92 quarter credits, according to the school's program page.

Is Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at South University-Columbia Accredited?

Accredited by CAAHEP on the recommendation of MAERB (CAAHEP directory, October 12, 2026), so graduates meet the standard education route for the CMA (AAMA) exam.

Which Certification Exams Does Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Prepare You For?

The program's page names the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA) and NCMA (NCCT). Because it is accredited, graduates meet the AAMA's standard route to the CMA (AAMA).

Can You Take Associate of Science in Medical Assisting at South University-Columbia Online?

Partly. It is hybrid: coursework online, with labs and the externship in person.

What Do You Need to Apply to Associate of Science in Medical Assisting?

General university admission; background check and drug screen at least three weeks before the first practicum placement; program technical standards.

Compare Programs Like This One

Sources

  1. southuniversity.edu: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting program page, reviewed October 12, 2026
  2. CAAHEP, accredited medical assisting programs, captured October 12, 2026

Every program on this site was checked on the school's own website in October 2026. Accreditation comes only from the CAAHEP and ABHES directories (captured October 12, 2026), never from a school's own wording, and school size from U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) completions. Sponsored listings are labeled as ads and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs