$38K median salary • Top employers hiring now
Alabama's healthcare industry employs over 260,000 workers, representing 9.4% of the state's workforce. The sector generates $32 billion annually and continues growing as the population ages. Birmingham anchors the state's medical economy with UAB Medicine—a top-20 academic medical center—while regional systems serve growing metros like Huntsville and Mobile. Rural health remains a priority with 72 critical access hospitals serving underserved communities.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Alabama employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the AL healthcare job market:
Alabama's healthcare industry employs over 260,000 workers, representing 9.4% of the state's workforce. The sector generates $32 billion annually and continues growing as the population ages. Birmingham anchors the state's medical economy with UAB Medicine—a top-20 academic medical center—while regional systems serve growing metros like Huntsville and Mobile. Rural health remains a priority with 72 critical access hospitals serving underserved communities.
AL salary ranges by experience level:
Location significantly impacts CMA wages—Birmingham pays 15-20% above rural areas. UAB and academic centers offer premium compensation plus state benefits. Specialty clinics (cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics) often pay above general practice. Bilingual Spanish skills add $1,500-$2,500. Phlebotomy and EKG certifications command additional premiums. Cost of living at 88.3% of national average means salaries stretch further.
Alabama's healthcare landscape offers diverse CMA opportunities from academic powerhouses to community clinics. These top 10 employers actively recruit CMAs:
95 hires/yr
Birmingham, Huntsville, statewide clinics
Alabama's premier academic medical center with extensive outpatient clinics. CMAs work alongside physicians in 100+ specialty practices. State employee benefits including pension and tuition assistance.
70 hires/yr
Huntsville, Madison, Decatur
North Alabama's largest health system with growing clinic network. CMAs support primary care and specialty practices. Named top workplace in Alabama with clear advancement pathways.
55 hires/yr
Mobile, Baldwin County, Gulf Coast
Forbes #1 employer in Alabama. Gulf Coast's leading health system with extensive physician practices. CMAs valued for clinical versatility across specialties.
45 hires/yr
Montgomery, Prattville, Central Alabama
Montgomery's largest health system with growing ambulatory network. CMAs staff busy primary care and specialty clinics. Faith-based mission with strong community ties.
40 hires/yr
Birmingham, Blount County, St. Clair
Part of Ascension, the nation's largest Catholic health system. CMAs have career mobility across 19 states. Strong tuition assistance for advancement.
35 hires/yr
Birmingham, statewide outreach
Southeast's largest pediatric healthcare system. CMAs specialize in pediatric clinical skills. Nationally ranked in 8 specialties with meaningful work.
Where the jobs are in Alabama:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Metro | 290+ | 40% |
| Huntsville Area | 125+ | 17% |
| Mobile/Baldwin County | 110+ | 15% |
| Montgomery Area | 80+ | 11% |
| Tuscaloosa | 45+ | 6% |
| Dothan/Wiregrass | 40+ | 6% |
“I wanted hands-on patient care, not just paperwork. As a CMA at UAB Cardiology, I take vitals, perform EKGs, and prep patients for procedures every day. The training prepared me for real clinical work. UAB's state benefits and pension make this a career, not just a job.”
Tamara W.
Clinical Medical Assistant
UAB Medicine Cardiology
Started at $32K, now earning $42K in cardiology specialty with state pension.
“Huntsville is booming and healthcare can't keep up with demand. I got hired immediately after certification. Within two years, I'm leading a team of CMAs. The clinical skills—injections, phlebotomy, EKGs—make you valuable everywhere.”
DeShawn M.
CMA Team Lead
Huntsville Hospital Primary Care
Advanced to team lead at $44K. Huntsville's growth means endless opportunity.
Alabama's healthcare industry employs over 260,000 workers, representing 9.4% of the state's workforce. The sector generates $32 billion annually and continues growing as the population ages. Birmingham anchors the state's medical economy with UAB Medicine—a top-20 academic medical center—while regional systems serve growing metros like Huntsville and Mobile. Rural health remains a priority with 72 critical access hospitals serving underserved communities.
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