West Virginia's Top Medical Assistant Programs: Online & Campus
Do you want to positively impact others with a new and dynamic career? West Virginia’s online medical assistant programs can be the key to doing so. Discover your perfect school now.
One of the most promising entry-level roles you can pursue in allied healthcare today is as a medical assistant. Medical assistant positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are projected to increase 15% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the national average.
Online medical assistant programs offer a flexible and convenient way for students to enter this thriving field. Online medical assistant programs use a variety of distance learning tools to manage and deliver academic coursework. Online learning makes the process even more convenient through asynchronous programs where students can finish their coursework when and where it’s most convenient.
You may have your doubts, questions, and uncertainties as you stand at this crossroads. Which program is the best fit for you? What resources are available to support your education and career goals? What makes one program stand out from the rest? This guide has you covered by helping you navigate the diverse landscape of online medical assistant programs in West Virginia. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to choose the online medical assistant program in West Virginia that aligns best with your career goals. Keep reading to learn how you can start your journey to becoming a medical assistant and playing a crucial role in patient care.
School Spotlights: Inside Medical Assistant Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia offers several online medical assistant programs that are both affordable and flexible to fit your needs. While there are more programs out there, the three featured below can be used as benchmarks for affordability, accreditation, and overall value.
West Virginia Junior College
West Virginia Junior College’s online Clinical Medical Assistant program combines flexible online learning for medical classes with hands-on training in essential medical skills like phlebotomy, EKGs, injections, and lab techniques. Led by in-person instructors, students learn to handle a wide range of clinical, lab, and administrative tasks, including taking patient vital signs, assisting with physical exams, performing vision tests, collecting lab specimens, conducting glucose testing, and more. Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the program also includes a required externship that provides valuable real-world experience. Depending on enrollment status, students can typically complete this associate degree program in two years or less for $29,298.
West Virginia University at Parkersburg, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), offers an online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program designed to equip students with essential healthcare skills. The curriculum covers medical terminology, medical law and ethics, HIPAA regulations, scheduling systems, lab testing, administering injections, and drawing blood to prepare graduates for work in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals. The program also provides opportunities for CPR certification and unpaid clinical experience. Students are prepared to take the CCMA exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). With 540 course hours, this self-paced program takes 12 months and costs around $2,800. Open enrollment is available year-round.
Martinsburg College’s Medical Assisting Certificate Program prepares students to work as medical assistants alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in outpatient settings, hospitals, and clinics. The program provides training in essential skills such as preparing and administering medications and immunizations, conducting exams, and performing lab procedures. The fully online program consists of 20 semester credit hours, and Martinsburg College itself is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). To enroll, applicants must complete an admissions interview and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Tuition is $308 per credit hour for a program cost of $6,160.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in West Virginia
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $43,350 | $56,480 |
| West Virginia | $28,060 | $34,660 | $42,820 |
| Beckley, WV | $24,550 | $31,420 | $36,350 |
| Charleston, WV | $28,910 | $34,460 | $39,820 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV | $28,880 | $35,450 | $43,640 |
| Morgantown, WV | $29,710 | $35,950 | $42,590 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $28,120 | $33,140 | $39,010 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV | $26,420 | $34,040 | $40,090 |
| Wheeling, WV | $29,450 | $35,320 | $40,050 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 132,600 | 18.4% | 104,400 |
| West Virginia | 1,080 | 32% | 560 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Medical assistants in the U.S. earned a median annual wage of $43,350 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. The top 10% of medical assistants earned more than $56,000 annually, while the lowest 10% made less than $34,000. Medical assistant wages can vary significantly based on location, experience, and the type of healthcare setting.
Medical assistants in West Virginia earned a median annual wage of $34,660, which is lower than the national median. This reflects the state’s generally lower cost of living, though it also suggests that salaries for medical assistants in West Virginia are not as competitive as in other states.
While West Virginia’s median earnings are lower than national earnings, its job outlook for medical assistants is promising. Employment in the field is projected to grow by 18.4% nationally through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. West Virginia’s demand for medical assistants is even higher with a projected growth of 32% through 2032. This growth indicates increasing demand for medical assistants, particularly as healthcare systems expand and more outpatient facilities open across the country.
Answers to Your Questions
How much does a medical assistant program cost?
Online medical assistant programs in West Virginia cost less compared to other medical degree programs like nursing. Online medical assistant programs are also more affordable because many schools offer special rates for distance learning and online coursework. Certification programs versus associate programs also vary the cost. For example, West Virginia Junior College’s online Associate Degree in Clinical Medical Assisting costs $29,298 while West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s online CCMA program costs approximately $2,800. Additionally, most online medical assisting programs involve at least one in-person component, usually a hands-on externship or clinical placement, that may increase costs because of travel and commuting expenses.
How long does it take to become a certified medical assistant in WV?
Online medical assistant programs in West Virginia are generally the fastest way to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to move directly into the workforce upon graduation. Certificates can be completed in one year or less, and some programs require only a few months of study. There are also accelerated online medical assistant programs that take as little as six weeks to complete. However, most usually require an externship that adds some time to earn the certificate. Certificates can also be earned through community colleges, and accredited programs allow students to sit for a variety of medical assisting certification exams.
Are there medical assistant programs available entirely online?
Yes, there are medical assistant programs available entirely online. These programs provide flexibility for students who need to balance education with work or other responsibilities. While most of the required coursework and training (e.g., medical terminology, medical law and ethics, HIPAA regulations, and scheduling systems) is completely online, some programs also include hands-on clinical training components like phlebotomy, injections, and lab work. These practical skills are typically completed through externships or clinical experiences in healthcare settings near the student’s location.
Online medical assistance programs, such as those offered by West Virginia Junior College, West Virginia University at Parkersburg, and Martinsburg College, combine online coursework with in-person clinical requirements. These programs allow students to gain real-world experience while maintaining the flexibility of remote learning. After completing the required coursework and hands-on training, students are typically eligible to sit for certification exams like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
How do I know if a course is accredited?
When learning more about a school, look for information on accreditation on the school’s website. If the accreditation is not stated there, look at one of the two agencies. If it’s still difficult to find information about accreditation, contact the school directly to get a solid answer. Schools themselves must be accredited since federal financial aid is available only to accredited schools, allowing you better access to enroll if cost is a major factor. Medical assistant programs themselves are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers certification to graduates of CAAHEP and ABHES programs. Other medical assistant certifications include those from the American Medication Certification Association (AMCA) and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA).
Medical Assistant Scope of Practice in WV
Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare settings, but their responsibilities are limited to certain tasks based on their training and scope of practice. They are allowed to perform both clinical and administrative duties, which vary by state and the healthcare facility they work in. Common clinical tasks include measuring and recording vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting physicians during examinations, administering injections, drawing blood (phlebotomy), performing basic lab tests, and administering medications under the supervision of a healthcare provider. On the administrative side, medical assistants handle scheduling, patient record management, billing, and insurance claims.
Medical assistants are not licensed healthcare professionals, which does limit their abilities. They can’t diagnose medical conditions, interpret test results, perform surgical procedures, or prescribe medications. Tasks that require more specialized knowledge and skills, such as advanced wound care or anesthesia administration, are also beyond their authority. Medical assistants must work under the direct supervision of licensed healthcare professionals, such as physicians or nurses.
This defined scope of practice for medical assistants determines what kind of courses and training they receive. Online medical assistant programs in WV focus heavily on foundational skills, such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and medical law and ethics. Hands-on training includes administering injections, drawing blood, performing basic lab procedures, and ensuring compliance with safety and infection control protocols. Students also learn administrative skills, such as patient scheduling, record management, and insurance billing, since medical assistants often handle front-office tasks in addition to clinical duties.
