Michigan employs 23,620 medical assistants at a $36,740 median — 17% below the national average. The state's community colleges offer certificate programs for under $8,000, making the math work even with lower pay. Five CAAHEP-accredited programs span from Benton Harbor to Cadillac, producing steady graduates for a market that absorbs them quickly.
Salary and employment data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Michigan
Michigan · Training Path
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Michigan
Michigan's community college system makes medical assistant training accessible across the state, with programs ranging from $3,500 at Macomb to $13,500 at Baker College.
- 1
Medical Assistant Certificate Program
education9 months · $12,000-$18,000
Complete a postsecondary certificate program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, including classroom instruction and a mandatory supervised clinical externship in an ambulatory healthcare setting.
- 2
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam
training licensing1 month · $125
Pass the CMA (AAMA) national certification exam. Certification is highly preferred by employers and demonstrates competency in clinical and administrative medical assisting skills.
- 3
Medical Assistant - Entry Level
career2 years ·
Work as a certified medical assistant in ambulatory healthcare settings, performing both clinical duties (vital signs, patient preparation, assisting with exams) and administrative tasks (scheduling, medical records, billing).
Accredited Programs · Michigan
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in Michigan
Accreditation matters because Michigan's licensing board typically only recognizes graduates from programs vetted by a national body. The programs below hold active accreditation and are in good standing as of the last verification date.
5 of ~undefined accredited programs in Michigan
| Institution | Credential | Length | Estimated Cost | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker College Cadillac | Certificate | 1 yr | $13,500 | CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) |
| Macomb Community College Clinton Township | Certificate | 1 yr | $3,500–$6,000 | CAAHEP |
| Schoolcraft College Livonia | Certificate | 1 yr | $4,038–$7,574 | CAAHEP |
| Henry Ford College Dearborn | Certificate | 1 yr | $5,644–$7,816 | CAAHEP |
| Lake Michigan College Benton Harbor | Certificate | 1 yr | $4,000–$7,000 | CAAHEP |
Loading programs...
Last verified 2026-04-05. Program details — including tuition, duration, and accreditation — verified against each institution's official website.
Michigan · Licensing Authority
Licensing and Certification in Michigan
Michigan regulates this career through the credentials below. The “issuing body” is the organization that awards and renews the credential — some are national associations, others are Michigan's own licensing authority.
| Credential | Issuing Body | Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) (AAMA) | American Association of Medical Assistants | certification | voluntary |
| RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) (AMT (American Medical Technologists)) | American Medical Technologists | certification | alternative |
Michigan · BLS OEWS 2024
Medical Assistant Salary in Michigan
With certificate programs averaging $7,500 in Michigan, here's what the job market pays in return.
10th
$36,754
25th
$38,834
Median
$36,740
75th
$45,178
90th
$47,278
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 23,620 employed in Michigan
HealthJob Analysis · Michigan
Is It Worth It? ROI in Michigan
Year 2
Break-even
$867k
20-year net
$15k
Education cost
20-year net earnings = cumulative income minus education cost and the years you weren't earning.
Assumes Michigan median salary of $36,740, 2% annual wage growth, no loan interest. Does not account for cost of living.
HealthJob Analysis · Michigan
AI & Automation for Medical Assistants in Michigan
In Michigan, health systems like Beaumont and Henry Ford use AI documentation tools for physicians, but medical assistant roles remain hands-on with patient vital signs and clinical preparation work.
Tasks that are changing
- AI handles major parts
- AI augments
- AI assists
- Human-only
Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
Schedule appointments for patients.
Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
Physical measurements require manual tools; no deployed AI or robots handle vitals broadly across multiple sites.
Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
Manual physical task; no deployed robots at multiple sites for room prep or cleaning.
Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
Requires physical guidance; no broad AI or robot deployment for escorting patients.
AI products in use today
- DAX Copilot — Nuance/Microsoftsource
- Abridge — Abridge
- Envoy Visitors — Envoy
- Smith.ai — Smith.ai
- Ringg AI Voice Agent — Ringg
Michigan · Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do medical assistants make in Michigan?
- Medical assistants in Michigan earn a median salary of $36,740 per year, which is 17% below the national average. The lowest-paid 10% earn around $36,754, while the highest-paid 10% make up to $47,278. Michigan's lower cost of living helps offset the salary difference compared to higher-paying states.
- Do I need a license to work as a medical assistant in Michigan?
- No license is required to work as a medical assistant in Michigan. The state does not regulate medical assistants, so you can work with just a certificate from an accredited program. However, many employers prefer candidates with CMA or RMA certification, which can increase your starting salary by $3,000-$5,000.
- How long does medical assistant training take in Michigan?
- Medical assistant programs in Michigan typically take 12 months to complete. All five CAAHEP-accredited programs in the state follow this timeline, from Macomb Community College to Baker College. You can start working immediately after graduation, though some graduates choose to take certification exams first.
- What is the cheapest medical assistant program in Michigan?
- Macomb Community College offers the most affordable medical assistant program at approximately $3,500-$6,000 for in-district students. Other community colleges like Schoolcraft ($4,038-$7,574) and Lake Michigan College ($4,000-$7,000) also offer competitive rates. Private institutions like Baker College cost around $13,500.
- Are medical assistant jobs growing in Michigan?
- Medical assistant employment is growing nationwide at 14.8%, much faster than average. Michigan currently employs 23,620 medical assistants across hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. The state's aging population and expansion of outpatient care create steady demand for new graduates.
Sources & Data
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- •O*NET OnLine
- •AAMA
- •AMT
- •HealthJob AI Impact Analysis
- •BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Medical Assistants
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS State Data — Michigan
Data last refreshed: April 2026