West Virginia's Top Medical Assistant Programs: Online & Campus

Inside the Programs: How They Work

West Virginia’s online medical assistant programs make it flexible and affordable to start your career, whether you prefer self-paced (asynchronous) learning or live, scheduled (synchronous) classes. While you can take classes online, keep in mind that some programs require in-person internships or clinical experience. Below, you’ll find three excellent schools as a starting point.

FAQs for West Virginia Medical Assistant Students

Getting close to a decision but still have some lingering questions? Check out this list of typical questions and the answers you need to choose your program and start your career as a medical assistant in West Virginia.

How much does a medical assistant program cost?

The cost of online medical assistant programs in West Virginia varies, depending on the school and level of degree. For example, West Virginia Junior College’s online Associate Degree in Clinical Medical Assisting costs $13,470, while Martinsburg College’s certificate program is $6,162.

Additionally, most online medical assistant programs involve at least one in-person component, usually a hands-on externship or clinical placement, which may increase costs due to travel and commuting expenses.

How long does it take to become a certified medical assistant in WV?

Online certificates can be completed in one year or less, and some programs require only a few months of study. You’ll also find accelerated online medical assistant programs that take as little as six weeks. However, most require an externship that adds time to earn the certificate, and some don’t have the accreditation necessary to qualify you for medical assisting certification exams.

Are there medical assistant programs available entirely online?

Yes, medical assistant programs are available entirely online. Keep in mind that while most of the required coursework and training (e.g., medical terminology, medical law and ethics, HIPAA regulations, and scheduling systems) is completely online, many programs also include hands-on clinical training in phlebotomy, injections, and lab work. These practical skills are typically completed through externships or clinical experiences in healthcare settings near you.

How do I know if a course is accredited?

You’ll find accreditation information on the school’s website or by contacting the school directly. Look for accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the ABHES, which will qualify you to sit for The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) exam. Other medical assistant certifications include those from the American Medication Certification Association (AMCA) and the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) program.

At a minimum, confirm that a school is accredited by one of the four national regional accrediting bodies. Federal financial aid is available only to accredited schools, which is important if cost is a major factor in your decision.

What are a medical assistant’s roles and responsibilities?

Medical assistants are limited to certain clinical and administrative tasks based on their training and scope of practice:

• Clinical tasks include measuring and recording vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting physicians during examinations, administering injections, drawing blood, performing basic lab tests, and administering medications under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
• Administrative tasks include scheduling, patient record management, billing, and insurance claims.

Medical assistants can’t diagnose medical conditions, interpret test results, perform surgical procedures, or prescribe medications.

Medical Assistant Certification in West Virginia

Medical assistants don’t have to be certified in West Virginia; however, many employers prefer candidates who have earned their credentials from the AAMA, AMCA, and NCMA. Once you’ve passed the exams and become certified, you’ll need to keep up your certification by retaking exams or completing continuing education credits according to your certifying authority’s guidelines.

Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in West Virginia