FREE TRAINING | $0 to start • No loans
2,800+ OPENINGS 9% Job Growth

Medical Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

$38K median salary • Top employers hiring now

Tennessee's healthcare industry employs over 400,000 workers in the unofficial healthcare capital of America. Nashville is home to HCA Healthcare (nation's largest), along with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and numerous other healthcare giants. The state ranks 42nd in health outcomes with significant health challenges. Memphis anchors western TN with St. Jude and Methodist. No state income tax maximizes take-home pay. Healthcare industry diversity is unmatched.

2,800+
Annual Jobs
$38K
Median Salary
9%
Job Growth
$0
To Train
Start Free Training View Top Employers
Medical Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Who This Training Is For

Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Tennessee 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.

Externship Disclaimer

EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.

Tennessee Healthcare Industry

Understanding the TN healthcare job market:

Tennessee's healthcare industry employs over 400,000 workers in the unofficial healthcare capital of America. Nashville is home to HCA Healthcare (nation's largest), along with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and numerous other healthcare giants. The state ranks 42nd in health outcomes with significant health challenges. Memphis anchors western TN with St. Jude and Methodist. No state income tax maximizes take-home pay. Healthcare industry diversity is unmatched.

400,000
Healthcare Workers
165
Hospitals
#42
Health Ranking
90.3%
Cost of Living

Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee

TN salary ranges by experience level:

Salary by Experience

Entry-Level
(0-1 years)
$30,000
Mid-Level
(2-4 years)
$38,000
Experienced
(5+ years)
$46,000

What Affects Your Salary

Nashville pays highest with Vanderbilt academic premiums. No state income tax adds 5-7% to take-home pay. Memphis competitive with St. Jude presence. Cost of living at 90% of average. Knoxville and Chattanooga offer good value. HCA presence creates employment options throughout state.

Top Medical Assistant Employers in Tennessee

Tennessee features America's healthcare capital with unmatched employer diversity:

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

180 hires/yr

Nashville

Top-ranked academic medical center with Vanderbilt prestige. CMAs work alongside nationally renowned physicians. Nashville's academic anchor with exceptional benefits.

HCA Healthcare

250 hires/yr

Nashville (headquarters), statewide

Nation's largest for-profit health system headquartered in Nashville. CMAs have extraordinary mobility across 185 hospitals in 20 states. Corporate headquarters access.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

40 hires/yr

Memphis

World-renowned pediatric cancer research hospital. CMAs work in globally recognized children's facility. Mission-driven work with exceptional reputation.

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

95 hires/yr

Memphis (6 hospitals)

Memphis's faith-based health system with 6 hospitals. Le Bonheur Children's Hospital nationally ranked. CMAs serve diverse Memphis communities.

University of Tennessee Medical Center

65 hires/yr

Knoxville

East Tennessee's academic medical center with UT affiliation. CMAs work in academic environment. Level I trauma center for the region.

Ascension Saint Thomas

85 hires/yr

Nashville, Middle Tennessee (9 hospitals)

Part of Ascension—nation's largest Catholic system. 9 Middle Tennessee hospitals. CMAs enjoy faith-based mission with extensive locations.

TN Job Market by Region

Where the jobs are in Tennessee:

Region Annual Openings % of State
Nashville Metro1,120+40%
Memphis Metro560+20%
Knoxville365+13%
Chattanooga225+8%
Tri-Cities (Johnson City/Kingsport)170+6%
Clarksville85+3%

Success Stories from Tennessee

“Vanderbilt is top-ranked academic medicine in Music City—world-class specialists, cutting-edge research, and Nashville's incredible lifestyle. No state income tax means I keep more. The healthcare industry here is massive—if Vanderbilt doesn't work out, there are a dozen other major employers. Nashville delivers.”

Ashley M.

Clinical Medical Assistant

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Started at $38K at Vanderbilt. Academic prestige in healthcare capital with no income tax.

“St. Jude is sacred ground—families come from everywhere for free childhood cancer treatment. Working here is meaningful beyond words. The mission is real. Memphis has great culture and BBQ. I took a pay cut to come here and I'd do it again. This work matters.”

Marcus T.

CMA - Pediatric Oncology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Mission-driven work at world-renowned children's hospital. Meaning over maximum salary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Nashville called the healthcare capital?
Nashville is headquarters for HCA (nation's largest for-profit system), along with dozens of healthcare companies. More healthcare corporate headquarters than any US city. Vanderbilt provides academic anchor. Unmatched healthcare industry concentration.
Is Nashville's healthcare boom creating more CMA opportunities?
Absolutely. Nashville is America's healthcare capital with HCA Healthcare headquarters, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and dozens of health system corporate offices. This concentration creates 1,400+ annual CMA openings in Metro Nashville alone, with wages 10-15% above state average. The 'it city' growth means new clinics opening regularly. Memphis offers similar opportunities with Methodist Le Bonheur and Baptist Memorial systems.
How prestigious is Vanderbilt?
Top-ranked nationally—Vanderbilt is Tennessee's academic powerhouse. World-class specialists, research leadership, exceptional training. Vanderbilt on your resume opens doors nationally.
What makes St. Jude unique?
St. Jude is world's leading pediatric cancer research hospital where families never receive a bill. Mission-driven work with global impact. Memphis location with dedicated workforce. Unique opportunity for those seeking meaning.
What's the job outlook for CMAs in Tennessee?
Tennessee's CMA market grows at 9% annually with 2,800+ openings. Healthcare capital creates sustained demand. Strong outlook through 2034 across all regions.

Medical Assistant Certification in Nearby States

Kentucky North Carolina Georgia Alabama

Start Your Clinical Healthcare Career in Tennessee

Tennessee's healthcare industry employs over 400,000 workers in the unofficial healthcare capital of America. Nashville is home to HCA Healthcare (nation's largest), along with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and numerous other healthcare giants. The state ranks 42nd in health outcomes with significant health challenges. Memphis anchors western TN with St. Jude and Methodist. No state income tax maximizes take-home pay. Healthcare industry diversity is unmatched.

Enroll Free Today

Free to enroll • Free to learn • No loans required