Medical Assistant Programs Online in Virginia: Review Top Schools
Online medical assistant programs offer a flexible and affordable way to start your higher education and launch an in-demand career. Learn how these programs work, how much they cost, how to get in, and which schools stand out in the sate of Virginia.
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Virginia
Becoming a medical assistant in Virginia is often a fast and accessible process, with many programs completed in a year or less. Most options are offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with required in-person clinical training.
Before enrolling, keep these key points in mind:
- Program length: Many hybrid/online medical assistant programs can be finished in 12 months or less.
- Admission requirements: A high school diploma or GED is typically all that’s needed; prior healthcare experience is not required.
- Accreditation: Choose a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES to ensure industry-recognized training and eligibility for certification.
To help you compare your options, the three Virginia medical assistant programs highlighted below illustrate what to look for in curriculum quality, hands-on experience, and overall cost.
Medical Assisting Diploma – East Coast Polytechnic Institute
The Medical Assisting Diploma from East Coast Polytechnic Institute (ECPI) is a hybrid program that 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. While most courses are in person, there are a handful of online course options available.
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: 11 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: clinical medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, and EKG technician. The program also prepares you to sit for nationally recognized medical assistant certification exams through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Coursework is entirely online and asynchronous, so you can learn whenever it’s convenient. The program incorporates essential hands-on training as well as in-person clinical experiences led by seasoned healthcare professionals.
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 an 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) is a hybrid program with online coursework and hands-on learning. While all classwork is available online, the school also requires in-person labs and externships to help you gain experience. Note that WVJC is located in West Virginia.
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 also be prepared for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician exams from the NHA.
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: Coursework develops 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. 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.
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 take 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.
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.
Below, 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.
Expert Insight
Sometimes employers offer a starting salary for a non-certified medical assistant, and then increase the salary once the employee is certified. The first job I worked in as a medical assistant offered this option, as well as on-the-job training. It is a helpful option that may or may not be offered by all employers. However, you can research job openings in your area and reach out if you prefer to start working right away. There are also some employers, from my experience, that pay for their employees to become certified.
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.
Expert Insight
When applying for a medical assistant job, you find the role of a medical assistant can differ. In my experience, the dermatology job I first had focused only on clinical duties. Whereas my job in OBGYN focused on both clinical and administrative tasks. If you prefer only clinical or a combination of both clinical and administrative, make sure to make check the duties you are expected to do in the potential job role. Typically, the duties required is listed by employers in the job listing, if not make sure you reach out to find out more about the job.
Can a medical assistant provide personal care in Virginia?
No. 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 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
- Handling insurance.
Home health aides and personal care assistants are more likely to work in nursing homes, home healthcare, and long-term care facilities.
Expert Insight
Before enrolling into a medical assistant program I do advise you to research the role of a medical assistant thoroughly. I found the role of a nursing aide did not line up with what I wanted to do. I found that the medical assistant role was a better fit as it involved clinical and often administrative work. You may find the role of a nursing aid is a better fit for you, which is why doing some research beforehand is beneficial. You want to make sure and work towards landing your dream job.
Certification for Medical Assistants in Virginia
While there are no formal licensing requirements for medical assistants in Virginia, employers do have requirements. Many want to know that you graduated from an accredited school, so look for info about CAAHEP or the ABHES as 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.
Salary & Career Growth for Medical Assistants in Virginia
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Virginia | $35,040 | $42,310 | $48,510 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $31,740 | $38,400 | $43,630 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $34,620 | $39,660 | $47,570 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $36,030 | $38,130 | $46,060 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $32,520 | $37,700 | $43,970 |
| Richmond, VA | $35,040 | $39,550 | $45,860 |
| Roanoke, VA | $33,530 | $37,010 | $45,510 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA | $34,750 | $39,660 | $46,820 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $33,510 | $38,920 | $45,510 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $35,940 | $40,730 | $46,360 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, 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.
