Medical Assistant Programs In West Virginia
Medical assisting is an excellent career choice in the already booming healthcare industry. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but to be truly competitive for medical assistant jobs, you should choose a training program and become a certified medical assistant (CMA). Certification is voluntary in most states, including West Virginia, but highly preferred by healthcare employers. Certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and that a certain level of experience and knowledge has been gained.
Official certification is achieved by completing an accredited training program and then passing a certification exam. Training programs are available at many vocational and junior or community colleges as well as online. They usually require about nine months to a year of classes. For more specialized and advanced training, you could pursue an associate degree in medical assisting from a community college. For certification purposes, it is important that your training come from an officially accredited program. Accreditation is awarded by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). There are currently four such programs in the state, and you can check CAAHEP’s website for an up-to-date list of accredited programs state-wide. Online distance learning, when accompanied by an internship, is also a valid option toward earning the proper training. Once you have completed your training, you are eligible to register for the certification exam, which is given by the certifying board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Completion or near completion of training from an accredited school is a prerequisite for registration. When you pass, you will be a CMA. You can also opt for becoming a registered medical assistant (RMA) through the American Medical Technologists association (AMT), demonstrating to employers your commitment to the profession and your career.
Training in these programs will cover many skills on both the administrative side of medical assisting as well as the clinical side. You will learn the skills needed to be a well rounded medical assistant who can easily switch from the clerical to clinical tasks. Taking vital signs, drawing blood, recording medical histories, administering medications, assisting physicians, and preparing patients for procedures are just some things that they might do on the job. They are also responsible for making appointments, managing records, and communicating with insurance companies. Their role is vital to help clinics, doctors, specialists, and hospitals run smoothly.
The outlook for this occupation in West Virginia is excellent. It is listed as the fifth fastest growing occupation, according to West Virginia’s Labor Market Information. There were 2,680 medical assistants in West Virginia in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and it is projected to be close to 3,000 by 2016. The mean annual salary in 2008 was $22,070 and the mean hourly wage was $10.12. Good benefits and job security in a stable and growing industry are hallmarks of this profession and make it an excellent career choice or stepping stone in your healthcare career. Get started now by finding the best medical assistant training program for you.
(Sources: AAMA, Workforce West Virginia, West Virginia State Society of American Medical Technologists - WVSSAMT)
Medical Assistant Training Programs in West Virginia
Everest College
Graduates of the Medical Assistant program are prepared to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant Examination (CMA) administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Everest College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Programs Offered: Diploma | Medical Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Admin Asst, Medical Insurance Billing/Coding
Please Select a Campus to Learn More:Cross Lanes
West Virginia Junior College
The Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare students for entry level opportunities in health care settings including physician offices and clinics.
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's | Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Information Technology, Medical Administration, Medical Secretarial, Office Technology, Medical Coding Specialist
Please Select a Campus to Learn More:Bridgeport, Charleston, Morgantown
Medical Assistant Programs Offered Online in West Virginia
Kaplan University - Online
The Kaplan University Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree program will prepare you online to become a professional medical assistant. It will also qualify you to seek national certification and licensing. The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board (CRB) of the American Association of Medial Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant exam, given by the American Association of Medical Assistants; or the Registered Medical Assistant exam, offered by the American Medical Technologists.* Recognized in all states.
Programs Offered: Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, and Pharmacy Technician
Herzing University Online
The Diploma and Associate's in Medical Assisting programs offered by Herzing University Online are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which means graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam administered by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's | Medical Assisting, Health Care, Health Information Management, Medical Billing & Insurance Coding, Medical Office Administration
Keiser University - E-Campus Online
At Keiser University, students are trained to care for patients and learn to perform tasks such as the preparation of exam rooms, taking vital signs, assistance with minor surgical procedures, giving injections, lab operations, X-Rays and much more. MA's are also trained to perform administrative tasks that deal with insurance companies, patient billing, records, appointments, and supply ordering. Students receive hands on clinical training at a health care facility in their community. The program at Keiser University is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which means graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant Exam administered by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).
Programs Offered: AA in Medical Assisting
San Joaquin Valley College
The online Clinical Medical Assisting program at SJVC offers training that combines classroom instruction with laboratory experience to create an ideal opportunity for students not only to to learn, but to understand how to put to use what they have learned in a clinical setting. Upon completion of the certificate or Associate's programs, students are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant Exam.
Programs Offered: Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate (Online) or Clinical Medical Assisting Associate's Degree (Online)
