Medical Office/Administrative Assisting Programs in Virginia
An Administrative Medical Assistant is trained for administrative duties in a doctor’s office or other healthcare setting. This career places you on the front lines in various healthcare institutions as you greet the patients, prepare their charts and confirm their health insurance. Some Virginia Medical Assistants also work with patients in the clinical setting, which means they will need courses like Medical Terminology, EKG, Phlebotomy and Medical Terminology.
If you are interested in learning more about this career and how you can get started, contact the medical assisting schools listed below for program details.
Virginia Medical Admin Assistant Programs
There are a wide range of degrees for medical assistants in VA. You may enroll as a Medical Assistant in a diploma/certificate program, which typically requires 48 credit hours, or you may choose to get your associate degree, which takes 24 months. Virginia colleges may also offer online medical assisting programs. Some colleges also offer a bachelor degree in Health Sciences Management, which takes about four years to complete.
The Virginia Society of Medical Assistants lists several medical assistant schools available in Virginia. Be sure to check requirements and accreditation at multiple schools before choosing where you want to attend. This gives you a chance to compare the classes offered, the hours and the specific requirements of each college, to find the one that will be right for you.
A 48 credit hour Medical Assistant certificate program can usually be completed in less than one year. It is designed for you to work under the direction of a physician in a clinical setting as an administrative medical assistant, with the majority of training coming ‘on the job’.
The associate degree for the Medical Office Administrator prepares you to work closely with doctors by organizing and monitoring activities in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum pertains to your success in the workforce, and this program is often available online.
Some of the required courses may include:
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Medical Transcription
- Accounting
- Business
- Office Automation
- Customer Service
You will also complete an externship in a physician’s office or clinic under the supervision of a physician, nurse or health services professional as part of your course requirements. This program takes about 88 weeks to complete.
Virginia does not require a medical administrative assistant to be licensed, but a good education and a CMA certificate are usually required by employers.
To be eligible for the CMA exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistance, you must be currently enrolled in an CAAHEP accredited Medical Assistant program. You can also be a recent graduate of an accredited medical assistant program within the past 12 months or be a medical assistant seeking recertification. Members of the AAMA or a student/graduate of an accredited program pay a fee of $125.
If you need help with tuition, visit that the financial aid office to complete a FAFSA application, which is a federal grant program based on your income. There are also federal loans available at low interest rates. Virginia has a Tuition Assistance Grant Program for Virginia residents who are enrolled full-time as students, and the award for undergraduates is $3100 annually.
Career Outlook for Medical Admin Assistants In Virginia
An Administrative Medical Assistant in Virginia working as a medical secretary earned an annual income of $33,530 in May 2014. The salary ranges up to $47,300, but your salary always depends on your education, being certified as a CMA and your experience. The number of jobs is expected to increase substantially in the next few years.
If you are interested in working in the medical field with both office duties and patients, this may be an ideal career for you. Submit your request for information to the schools on our website that have the medical assisting programs in VA that you are interested in to learn more.