Medical Assistant Programs Online in Virginia: Review Top Schools
Medical assistants work alongside physicians in healthcare environments to help ensure patient care runs smoothly. This guide explores online medical assistant programs in Virginia, providing insights into curriculum, accreditation, career paths, and standout programs. If you’re looking for the flexibility of online learning, a challenging curriculum, and good job security, keep reading because a career as a medical assistant might be the right path for you.
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Virginia
Becoming a medical assistant in Virginia is a fairly quick process, with many programs lasting a year or less while still providing the necessary skills and knowledge for you to thrive in the field. You’ll find a variety of medical assistant programs available fully online or in a hybrid format, allowing you to choose courses that best suit your learning style and lifestyle.
Getting into a medical assistant program doesn’t require any previous experience. With just a high school diploma or GED, you can apply to the program of your choice and get started. Look for a program that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). That accreditation provides the guarantee that your program will cover the skills you need to succeed in the medical assistant field. To help you find the right school, the following three medical assistant programs demonstrate what to look for in terms of curriculum, in-person experience, and cost.
Medical Assistant Diploma – East Coast Polytechnic Institute
The Medical Assistant Diploma through East Coast Polytechnic Institute (ECPI) prepares students for a variety of entry-level medical assistant, phlebotomist, and electrocardiogram (EKG) technician positions. This hybrid program blends classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and a five-week externship at a local healthcare facility. Students complete 28 credits of core medical curriculum, 12 credits of arts and sciences, and six credits of self-integration (career development) classes for a well-rounded program. While most courses are completed in person, ECPI offers a handful of online course options for added flexibility and convenience. The program is a great starting point for an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting.
It’s important to note that this program is not accredited by the ABHES or the CAAHEP, so you will be ineligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). However, you can still qualify for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,848
Admissions Requirements:
- Personal admissions interview
- High school transcript or GED test scores
- Admissions assessment tests
Curriculum: 46 credits, including
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Principles of Pharmacology
- Medical Ethics
- Phlebotomy and Laboratory Procedures
- Patient Intake and Infection Control
- Medical Office Procedures
- Introduction to Psychology
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Certified Medical Assistant Program – Old Dominion University
The Old Dominion University (ODU) Certified Medical Assistant program offers three in-demand healthcare certifications in one five-month program. Unlike traditional medical assisting programs, ODU’s curriculum equips graduates with core medical assisting, phlebotomy, and EKG skills, further bolstering your resume and job prospects. The program also prepares you to sit for nationally recognized medical assistant certification exams through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Because the program is primarily online, you can make your own schedule and complete your studies whenever it’s convenient. The program incorporates essential hands-on training as well as in-person clinical experiences led by seasoned healthcare professionals. The class qualifies for credits if a student enrolls in an ODU undergraduate degree program.
Duration: Five months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $4,999
Admissions Requirements:
- Age 18 (students may also apply if they’re 17 and are high school seniors or graduates)
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Orientation
- Copies of any current professional licenses
- Letter of recommendation
- Immunization records
Curriculum: The coursework focuses on developing the clinical skills of administering injections, assisting providers with exams, taking vital signs, and performing laboratory procedures. There is also a significant emphasis on administrative knowledge like working in the electronic health records, answering phone calls, and checking in patients.
Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate Program – West Virginia Junior College
The online Clinical Medical Assistant program at West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) provides flexibility and hands-on learning that’s ideal for working adults and anyone seeking a schedule-friendly approach to education. Note that WFJC is located in West Virginia. While coursework is online, WVJC requires interactive medical labs and externships. Graduates are qualified for medical assisting, phlebotomy, lab assisting, EKG monitoring, unit clerk, administering tests in compliance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment, and lab testing. You’ll be prepared for certification exams such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician from the NHA. WVJC also offers career support to help you launch your healthcare career.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,399 per semester
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete Online Application
- Meet the Admissions Team to complete the financial aid application
Curriculum: The coursework will develop your medical knowledge in anatomy and physiology as well as clinical skills such as phlebotomy, EKGs, injections, and other lab skills. If you pursue the associate’s degree offered by WVJC, then the curriculum would include courses on medical office management, medical insurance processing, electronic health records, and computer software usage.
FAQ Guide for Virginia Medical Assistant Students
No matter how much research you’ve done, you probably still have questions about medical assistant programs in Virginia. From licensure and certification to admissions, scholarships, and affordability, you’ll find answers to some of your top questions here.
How can I be a medical assistant in Virginia?
Virginia doesn’t require licensure or have any specific education requirements, so if you want to become a medical assistant in Virginia you can. Even though the job market is full of opportunities, you’ll still need to complete a medical assistant program to get the baseline knowledge to be successful. Besides a diploma or degree from an accredited program, employers often prefer candidates with certification as well. Completing a program and passing a national exam such as the CCMA will help you stand out in the job market. Get a rundown of the essential skills for medical assistants to see if you’re on track.
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 you can also find accelerated programs that can be completed in just a matter of weeks or months. For example, ODU offers a five-month program that provides training in medical assisting, phlebotomy, and EKGs. If you’re looking for a more traditional college experience, ECPI’s programs last 12 months and include arts and sciences classes and self-integration classes that cover career skills. With a little research, you’ll be able to find the program that’s the best fit for your schedule and individual needs.
How much do certified medical assistants make in Virginia?
Your salary depends on factors such as 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. Scroll down to get a detailed look at salaries across the state, from large metro areas such as Richmond to smaller cities such as Roanoke or more rural areas such as Staunton. Remember to factor in the cost of living in that area, along with the salary, to get a good idea of the standard of living you can maintain as a medical assistant in Virginia.
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, and prepare medications. 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. Depending on your interests, your career as a medical assistant can go in a variety of directions.
Can a medical assistant provide personal care in Virginia?
In Virginia, medical assistants should not provide personal care services such as bathing or dressing. These tasks are typically reserved for home health aides or personal care assistants. Medical assistants primarily work in clinics and doctors’ offices, providing both clinical and administrative support. This might include preparing patients for examinations, taking medical histories, explaining treatment and procedures, assisting during physical exams, collecting lab specimens, and handling insurance. Home health aides and personal care assistants are more likely to work in nursing homes, home healthcare, and long-term care facilities.
Certifications and Professional Development in Virginia
While the state of Virginia doesn’t have formal state licensing requirements for medical assistants, employers do have requirements. Many want to know that you graduated from an accredited school, so watch for info about CAAHEP or the ABHES and you evaluate potential medical assistant programs. Beyond that, look at the types of jobs you’re most interested in and see which certifications potential employers prefer.
Medical assistants have a variety of certification exams to choose from, including Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), CCMA, and others. Once you’ve obtained your certification, you’ll need to keep it current. Current CMA certifications need to be renewed every two years for $185. You’ll also need to complete 10 continuing education units. Current RMA certifications need to be renewed every three years, but the $75 fee is paid annually.
Compensation & Career Growth for Medical Assistants in Virginia
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $33,580 | $38,690 | $44,410 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $34,630 | $38,830 | $45,310 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | $30,820 | $42,470 | $47,150 |
| Roanoke, VA | $32,870 | $36,430 | $43,580 |
| Richmond, VA | $33,260 | $39,610 | $46,350 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $31,680 | $37,400 | $43,760 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $35,960 | $36,520 | $44,120 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $35,660 | $39,500 | $46,080 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $30,830 | $36,500 | $43,790 |
| Virginia | $34,460 | $40,240 | $49,920 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 15,370 | 18,490 | 3,120 | 20.30% | 2,470 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
