Medical Assistant Schools in Richmond

Hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities in Richmond are in need of skilled medical assistants that can lighten the workload of RNs and doctors. Studying in Richmond, VA may give you access to a variety of internship and job opportunities, since it’s the fourth-largest city and the capital of Virginia.

To get started in this field, you can check out different medical assistant schools in Richmond, VA. You can learn more about each school’s curriculum, schedule, and financial aid before making your choice. When it comes to medical assistant training, Virginia has lots to offer you.

Schools and Jobs in Richmond

Since Richmond is such a large city, there are several different schools you can choose from. With the variety of schools in this area, you may be able to choose between several different types of Medical Assisting programs: diploma, certificate, or Associate’s degree programs.

The job outlook for Virginia medical assistants is promising. O*Net reports that job openings for MAs are expected to increase by 35% between 2010 and 2020, with the area anticipating hundreds of new jobs per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (2016) Richmond area medical assistants earn an average salary of $30,720 per year.

There are many medical facilities in Richmond that may hire medical assistants. Major employers in Richmond include Concentra, Aegis Therapies, Southside Regional Medical Center, and Envoy Health Care.

Transportation and Resources in Richmond

As a Richmond student, you can enjoy the city’s robust public transit system. The GRTC Transit System offers bus service all over the city, so you can attend school anywhere in the city.

There are several scholarship and grant opportunities in Richmond and throughout Virginia. You can use these financial aid options to help reduce your educational costs. The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority awards a number of grants and scholarships to students at medical assistant schools in VA.

The Virginia Society of Medical Assistants is a statewide organization that can help you get the most out of your education and career. If you join, you can earn continuing education credits, learn about new developments in your field, and network with leaders in your area.

Getting a Medical Assistant Degree

Medical assistant programs in Richmond, VA are designed to prepare you for a variety of important job tasks. You may choose to earn a diploma or certificate, both of which tend to take about one year. An Associate’s degree in medical assisting may offer a more in-depth education.

You can plan on taking many classes that give you a comprehensive understanding of the human body, like Anatomy & Physiology and Pathophysiology. In courses like Pharmacology and Clinical Procedures, you dig into medical assisting techniques and skills. You’ll likely also take courses like Medical Ethics and Professional Development; these courses teach you how to work with other medical professionals and patients.

Practical experience is a core part of this degree, so you can look forward to spending time at local clinics and hospitals to get experience with real patients. Many schools offer internship or externship opportunities. This may allow you to start building professional connections in the community that may lead to a medical assisting job after graduation.

Select those schools that offer medical assistant programs in Richmond and request more information today.

Salary numbers provided are from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.