If a career as a medical assistant (MA) in Virginia strongly appeals to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for MA’s has been steadily on the increase over the last decade and is projected to grow by a further 29% over the coming years. In fact it is predicted that an additional 183,900 jobs will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
This is much faster than average when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
How to become a Medical Assistant in Virginia;
- Find an accredited medical assisting program
- Fulfill certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a MA make in Virginia
- Salary and employment data by metro area
- Explore related careers in Virginia
If you wish to pursue a career as a MA in Virginia you will need to first complete a high school diploma. In order to become fully certified (CMA) you will also need to have graduated from an accredited program.
Certification is not essential but it is generally preferred by employers.
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in Virginia
| College | Metro Area | Find Out More |
|---|---|---|
| American National University-Charlottesville - Charlottesville, VA | Charlottesville | Request Information |
| American National University-Danville - Danville, VA | Danville | Request Information |
| American National University-Harrisonburg - Harrisonburg, VA | Harrisonburg | Request Information |
| American National University-Lynchburg - Lynchburg, VA | Lynchburg | Request Information |
| American National University-Martinsville - Martinsville, VA | Martinsville | Request Information |
| American National University-Salem - Salem, VA | Salem | Request Information |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Richmond - Richmond, VA | Richmond | Request Information |
| Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach, VA | Virginia Beach | Request Information |
| Miller-Motte Technical College - Lynchburg, VA | Lynchburg | Request Information |
Listed above are the top accredited MA programs in Virginia.
Accreditation may be granted either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Medical Assistant Certification Virginia
Medical assistant certification (CMA) is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited MA programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Certification is not essential in Virginia but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary in Virginia
| Average Salary | $33,690 |
| Hourly Wage | $16.20 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $46,250 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $24,250 |
| #'s Employed | 13,630 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 13,630 people employed as MAs in Virginia with an average salary of $33,690.
This equates to $16.20 per hour and is 2.6% above the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in Virginia have an annual income of $46,250 whilst the bottom 10% earned $24,250.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in Virginia
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $28,870 | $13.88 | 160 |
| Charlottesville | $32,460 | $15.60 | 470 |
| Harrisonburg | $30,060 | $14.45 | 200 |
| Lynchburg | $28,530 | $13.72 | 350 |
| Richmond | $32,250 | $15.50 | 2,300 |
| Roanoke | $32,070 | $15.42 | 460 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro | $30,390 | $14.61 | 130 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News | $31,740 | $15.26 | 2,880 |
| Winchester | $31,370 | $15.08 | 300 |
Related Healthcare Careers in Virginia
Medical assistants in Virginia earn 20.7% more than nursing assistants there and 2.1% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $33,690 | 13,630 |
| Nursing Assistant | $27,920 | 39,010 |
| EMT | $34,400 | 5,880 |
| Home Health Aide | $22,980 | 10790 |
| Surgical Tech | $51,450 | 2,410 |
| Dental Assistant | $42,850 | 8,020 |
| Physician Assistant | $99,400 | 2,600 |