Virginia is a land of beauty with its gorgeous Atlantic coast and stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. The state is home to nearly 8 million people and hosts a booming tourism industry. Students in Virginia who want to become medical assistants have a variety of excellent schools from which to choose. They may also be able to get tuition assistance from the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program, the Virginia Commonwealth Award, and the Granville P. Meade Scholarship, among others.
Virginia’s Medical Assisting Employment Environment
The state of Virginia ranks in the lower middle range for employment of medical assistants and the upper middle range for medical assistant salaries. The average salary of a medical assistant in Virginia is between $29,920 and $31,770. However, there are currently only around 6,870 to 13.090 medical assistants working in the state. The best positions will have stiff competition, especially in rural areas. As such, it is a very good idea to become certified before seeking employment.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Virginia
Virginia, like most states, is predicted to have a very high rate of growth in the field of medical assisting. This will provide many more job opportunities across the state for medical assistants of all educational levels and experience, especially in metropolitan areas and those with a high volume of tourism.
Medical Assistant Schools in Virginia
ECPI University
- Program Link: Medical Assistant Program
- Description: ECPI has several campuses in Virginia that offer an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting. The school offers flexible scheduling options, hands-on training, and help with financial assistance and career placement. Students who are considering ECPI can learn more by attending one of the scheduled information sessions. These programs feature campus tours, financial aid counseling, demonstrations, and much more.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science
- Average Program Length: 17 months
- Tuition: $25,500
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 63% to 83% (depending upon campus)
- Fun Fact: Students at ECPI are eligible for career services before and after graduation.
Everest College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: Everest College has campuses in Newport News, Chesapeake, Tysons Corner, and Woodbridge for student convenience. Everest offers medical assistant training through day or evening classes. All instructors at Everest have a high level of real-world experience. Everest offers students assistance at all levels of the experience, including interviewing skills and resume prep to help graduates land that dream job.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: less than a year.
- Tuition: $18,750
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 40%
- Fun Fact: There are over 100 campuses in the Everest Education Network.
American National University
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: The medical assisting program at American National University prepares students to work as general medical assistants, working in both clinical and administrative capacities. The program takes around two years to complete and offers a full range of classroom and laboratory instruction as well as hands-on experience through an externship in a real-world medical facility. Students who choose American National can get the training they need during day or evening classes, allowing busy students to choose a schedule that fits their existing obligations.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $30,432
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Fun Fact: ANU offers five term start dates for convenience.
Bryant and Stratton College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Depending on the campus, students who choose Bryant Stratton may be able to choose from day, evening, online, or weekend classes for the ultimate in flexible scheduling. Aside from full clinical and administrative training, Bryant and Stratton offers students full career services, from interview preparation to portfolio development and job placement. Internships involved in the program offer real-world training with flexibility to prepare students for entry-level positions.
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $32,100
- Clinical Experience: Internship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Bryant and Stratton has been offering higher education for over 155 years.
National College
- Program Link: Medical assisting program
- Description: National College offers medical assisting students small class sizes and the flexibility of choosing day or evening classes. In addition to providing full medical assistant training, National offers peer tutoring, career placement, and free refresher courses as long as graduates stay within their field of study.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $30,432
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 81%
- Fun Fact: Students who complete this program are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant examination.