Best Online and Campus Medical Assistant Programs in Virginia
Launch your career as a medical assistant in Virginia. Explore online and campus programs to find the right fit to kickstart a career in this rewarding field
A successful medical assistant is compassionate and efficient and has a keen interest in increasing their medical knowledge. If this sounds like you, this might be the right career path for you. Medical assistants work alongside physicians in healthcare environments to help ensure patient care runs smoothly. They’re well-versed in both administrative and clinical tasks, making this an ideal role for someone who never wants to be bored at work.
Becoming a medical assistant in Virginia doesn’t take long, either, with programs typically lasting a year or less and providing the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the field. Many medical assistant programs are online while others remain fully on campus, allowing you to find the format that best suits your learning lifestyle and making this an attractive option for those looking to break into healthcare.
This guide explores both online and campus medical assistant programs in Virginia, providing insights into curriculum, accreditation, and career paths.
Highlights of Popular Medical Assistant Programs in VA
Whether you prefer a traditional, in-person classroom setting or the flexibility of online learning, Virginia offers a variety of medical assistant programs to suit your needs. To help you find the right school, the following three medical assistant programs in Virginia tell you what to look for in terms of curriculum, in-person experience, and cost.
East Coast Polytechnic Institute
The Medical Assistant Diploma through East Coast Polytechnic Institute (ECPI) is a 12-month program that prepares students for a variety of entry-level medical assistant, phlebotomist, and EKG technician positions. This hybrid program blends classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and a five-week externship placement at a local healthcare facility. Most courses are completed in person, but ECPI offers a handful of online course options for added flexibility and convenience.
ECPI’s comprehensive curriculum teaches you to take medical histories, check vital signs, prepare patients for exams, assist with surgical procedures, collect specimens, perform lab tests, process payments, prepare billing statements, and schedule appointments. The program is also a great starting point for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Assisting. The program costs $7,848 per semester, and classes can be taken at ECPI’s Charlotte or Newport News locations.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University’s Certified Medical Assistant program offers three in-demand healthcare certifications in just five months. The program prepares you for a career as a medical assistant, EKG technician, and phlebotomy technician. While primarily online, the program incorporates essential hands-on training through in-person clinical experiences led by seasoned healthcare professionals to ensure you’re ready to succeed.
Unlike traditional medical assisting programs, ODU’s curriculum equips graduates with core medical assisting skills and prepares them for national certifications as a Phlebotomy Technician and EKG Technician, further bolstering their resume and job prospects. The program also prepares you to sit for nationally recognized medical assistant certification exams through the National Healthcareer Association. The program costs $4,999 and takes five months to complete.
West Virginia Junior College
The online Clinical Medical Assistant program at West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) provides flexibility and hands-on learning ideal for working adults and anyone seeking a schedule-friendly approach to education. While the coursework is online, WVJC prioritizes practical experience through interactive medical labs and externships. Graduates are qualified for medical assisting, phlebotomy, lab assisting, EKG monitoring, unit clerk, CLIA waived testing, and lab testing. This 18-month online program prepares you for certification exams like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician from the National Healthcareer Association.
With a small online atmosphere and WVJC’s “WE CARE” education experience, you’ll benefit from a supportive learning environment that makes your success a priority. WVJC also offers career support to help you launch your healthcare career.
How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Virginia?
The salary of medical assistants varies widely across the nation, but medical assistants in Virginia can expect salaries on par with the national average. The mean annual wage for medical assistants in the U.S. is $43,350, while Virginia comes in slightly lower at $42,010. The difference between the 10th and 90th percentile in Virginia is smaller, though, suggesting a slightly closer salary range within the state. Looking at specific locations, Staunton-Waynesboro and Richmond offer the highest salary potential for medical assistants with mean annual wages exceeding $46,000. Roanoke and Lynchburg have the lowest salary potentially, falling under $44,000.
When evaluating salary data, be sure to take the cost of living into consideration. For example, because they’re more popular areas, Charlottesville and Virginia Beach may have a higher cost of living compared to other parts of Virginia. This means that even though your salary is higher, it might not stretch as far.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $43,350 | $56,480 |
| Virginia | $34,460 | $42,010 | $49,920 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $30,830 | $36,880 | $43,790 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $35,660 | $40,620 | $46,080 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $35,960 | $38,440 | $44,120 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $31,680 | $37,900 | $43,760 |
| Richmond, VA | $33,260 | $40,740 | $46,350 |
| Roanoke, VA | $32,870 | $37,760 | $43,580 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | $30,820 | $40,880 | $47,150 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA | $34,630 | $39,970 | $45,310 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $33,580 | $39,650 | $44,410 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Future Job Market for Virginia Medical Assistants
For medical assistants in Virginia, the job growth rate outpaces the national average by almost 6%, indicating a strong demand for medical assistants in the state. Plus, with over 2,230 new jobs projected, Virginia offers ample opportunities for those entering the field. One of the driving factors for this growth is likely due to the increased need for senior care in addition to more individuals taking control of their health through preventative measures. Overall, if you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Virginia, you have ample opportunities.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 132,600 | 18.4% | 104,400 |
| Virginia | 2,230 | 24% | 1,430 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
Virginia Medical Assistant Programs: What Students Often Ask
Now that you’ve explored program options and considered salary potential, you might have some questions about becoming a medical assistant in Virginia. Whether you’re curious about the specific duties you can perform or the earning potential, this section provides valuable insights into the most frequently asked questions about medical assisting in Virginia to help guide your decision-making process.
How can I be a medical assistant in Virginia?
It’s easy to become a medical assistant in Virginia since the state doesn’t mandate licensure or have any strict education requirements. However, employers often prefer candidates with certification from an accredited program. Completing a program and passing a national exam like the CCMA will help you stand out in the job market.
How long is a medical assistant program in Virginia?
In Virginia, medical assistant program lengths vary depending on the desired level of training and certification. Many programs last about a year, but there are accelerated programs that can be completed in just a matter of weeks or months. How long a program takes you depends on your schedule and individual needs.
How much do certified medical assistants make in Virginia?
Your salary depends on factors like experience, specific certifications, location, and the type of healthcare facility you work in. The average salary for a medical assistant in Virginia is $42,010 with those in the 90th percentile earning close to $50,000. You may be able to increase your salary potential by earning certifications and gaining experience.
What is the scope of practice for a medical assistant in Virginia?
Medical assistants in Virginia have a broad scope of practice that includes both clinical and administrative tasks. On the administrative side, medical assistants schedule appointments, update patient records, manage medical billing and coding, and provide general patient care coordination. On the clinical side, medical assistants take vital signs, assist physicians during exams, prepare medications, and sometimes administer certain injections.
Can a medical assistant provide personal care in Virginia?
In Virginia, medical assistants should not provide personal care services like bathing or dressing. These tasks are typically reserved for home health aides or personal care assistants.
Can medical assistants give injections in Virginia?
Medical assistants in Virginia may be able to administer injections, but they must do so only under a physician’s supervision and after receiving proper training. Check with your employer to see if you’re allowed to give injections and which injections you’re able to give.
10 Helpful Resources for Medical Assistant Students in VA
From understanding what’s expected of you as a medical assistant in Virginia to staying up-to-date on the latest information, it’s important you know where to find the information you need. Ten helpful resources for medical assistant students are highlighted below to ensure you have the tools and information to successfully launch a career in healthcare.
- American Association of Medical Assistants
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers a national network of support and resources for aspiring medical assistants. Membership unlocks valuable tools like career support, practice rights protections, credential verification, and networking and volunteering opportunities. With the AAMA, aspiring medical assistants can gain knowledge, build connections, and navigate their healthcare careers with confidence. - American Medical Association
The American Medical Association features articles on hiring, retaining, and optimizing the work of medical assistants. As an aspiring medical assistant, use the American Medical Association to gain a deeper understanding of the medical assistant field and learn how to improve your skills. - American Registry of Medical Assistants
The American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to elevating the status and professionalism of medical assistants. ARMA provides resources and recognition to help maximize your success as a student in a medical assistant program and when you enter the field to help ensure you’re delivering the highest level of patient care. - National Healthcareer Association
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a non-profit organization that offers certification programs for medical assistants, including the CCMA credential. Medical assistant students can visit the NHA to schedule certification exams, learn more about certification, and renew certifications. The NHA also has a job board to help you launch your medical assisting career. - Virginia Community Healthcare Association
The Virginia Community Healthcare Association aims to advocate, educate, and elevate healthcare within the state to make it more affordable and accessible for all. The Virginia Community Healthcare Association provides access to the latest information as well as volunteer and employment opportunities to help you launch your career. - UVAHealth Cloud Moore Health Sciences Library
As a medical assistant student, you’ll need to do research. By leveraging the UVAHealth Cloud Moore Health Sciences Library, you’ll be equipped with the latest research and scientific articles to ensure you’re up to date on the healthcare information you need to deliver exceptional patient care. The library can also serve as an excellent resource during your medical assistant program to help clarify any questions. - Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
The Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics helps make quality healthcare more accessible for underserved communities. The organization is always looking for administrative and clinical volunteers to help run its clinics. As a medical assistant, experience is imperative and these free clinics could help you further hone your skills. - Virginia Department of Education
The Virginia Department of Education offers information and guidance on scholarships and financial aid programs available to students in the state, including those pursuing medical assisting careers. - Virginia Health Care Foundation
The Virginia Health Care Foundation aims to make a difference in the lives of Virginians by helping ensure underserved communities have access to medical, dental, and mental health care. The foundation also provides workshops, annual reports, jobs, grants, and scholarship opportunities that could help aspiring medical assistants kickstart their careers. - Virginia Society of Medical Assistants
The Virginia Society of Medical Assistants empowers medical assistants to enhance their knowledge, skills, and professionalism. The society also protects medical assistants’ rights to practice. Aspiring medical assistants can visit the society’s website to find career opportunities and information about critical topics in the field.
