How to Become a Medical Assistant in Virginia

Medical assistants are responsible for a wide range of duties in a medical facility. These include greeting patients, recording or monitoring their vital signs, keeping track of their medical records, and scheduling their hospital visits. Additionally, you may expect to work directly with physicians as they diagnose and examine patients.[Leer en español]

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Responsibilities of Medical Assistants

Medical assistants typically complete both administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office.

The following are examples of administrative duties that you may be responsible for as a medical assistant:

  • Answering the phone
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Filing patient medical records
  • Insurance billing and coding
  • Completing insurance forms

The following are examples of clinical duties that you may be responsible for as a medical assistant:

  • Assisting with examinations
  • Taking patients’ vital signs
  • Administering injections or medications
  • Drawing blood
  • Preparing and handling laboratory specimens
  • Educating patients about their health conditions

Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Virginia

Medical assistants living in Virginia are not required by law to earn certification or complete post-secondary training before practicing. You may be able to find employment with just a high school diploma or GED; however, in many cases, employers will prefer to hire candidates who have credentials within the medical field. For this reason, completing a training program or choosing to earn certification are great ways to ensure your advancement within the industry.

Medical Assisting Training and Educational Programs in Virginia

Enrolling in a post-secondary education program for medical assistants is a great idea, especially if it is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These are two of the most respected medical assistant schools in Virginia when it comes to ensuring that students receive access to high-quality training in the medical field.

American National University-Salem

American National University-Salem offers an associate’s degree program in medical assisting. Students will participate in hands-on clinical laboratory classes as part of this program, which takes two years to complete.

Stratford University

Stratford University is located in the city of Woodbridge, Virginia, and allows students to complete an Associate of Applied Science in medical assisting. This degree can be earned in two years or less.

Bryan & Stratton College-Richmond

Bryan & Stratton College-Richmond is located in the city of North Chesterfield. Students can complete an associate’s degree program in medical assisting, which will require about two years of study to complete.

Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Virginia

In Virginia, medical assistants can choose to earn certification to help set themselves apart from the competition. These available certifications include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). All four exams are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Each exam has its own set of requirements. Successful completion of an ABHES- or CAAHEP-accredited medical assistant training program is a typical requirement to sit for any of these exams. Those who have not completed these training programs may be able to substitute experience within the medical field for educational requirements.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

The CMA exam is offered by the Certification Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To qualify to take this exam, you must have completed an accredited training program or worked in the field for five years. The CMA credential is good for 60 months and can be renewed through continuing education or re-examination.

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

The RMA credential is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To qualify to take this exam, you must have completed an accredited training program or worked in the field for five years. The RMA credential is good for 60 months and can be renewed through continuing education or re-examination.

National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

The NCMA credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To qualify to take this exam, you must have completed an accredited training program or worked in the field for five years. The NCMA credential is good for 24 months and can be renewed through continuing education or re-examination.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

The CCMA credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To qualify to take this exam, you must have completed an accredited training program or worked in the field for five years. The CCMA credential is good for 24 months and can be renewed through continuing education or re-examination.

There are many benefits to becoming certified as a medical assistant in Virginia. Those with certification often find it easier to obtain employment, earn higher wages, and advance in their careers. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and the high standards of the medical field.

Medical assistants who are certified often find that they can obtain employment more easily than those who are not. Certification can also lead to higher wages and career advancement. Those with certification demonstrate a commitment to professional development and the high standards of the medical field.

Licensed Medical Assistant (LMA)

The LMA credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To qualify to take this exam, you must have completed an accredited training program or worked in the field for five years. The LMA credential is good for 24 months and can be renewed through continuing education or re-examination.

There are many benefits to becoming licensed as a medical assistant in Virginia. Those with licensing often find it easier to obtain employment, earn higher wages, and advance in their careers. Licensing also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and the high standards of the medical field.

Medical assistants who are licensed often find that they can obtain employment more easily than those who are not. Licensing can also lead to higher wages and career advancement. Those with licensing demonstrate a commitment to professional development and the high standards of the medical field.

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

The CBCS credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To qualify to take this exam, you must have completed an accredited training program or worked in the field for five years. The CBCS credential is good for 24 months and can be renewed through continuing education or re-examination.

There are many benefits to becoming certified as a billing and coding specialist in Virginia. Those with certification often find it easier to obtain employment, earn higher wages, and advance in their careers. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and the high standards of the medical field.

Billing and coding specialists who are certified often find that they can obtain employment more easily than those who are not. Certification can also lead to higher wages and career advancement. Those with certification demonstrate a commitment to professional development and the high standards of the medical field.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in Virginia

Medical assistants in Virginia have a promising career outlook, with competitive wages and a projected growth rate that aligns with the national average. As of 2022, medical assistants in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $37,500, slightly below the national average but still offering a competitive wage for the profession.

National vs. Virginia Salaries for Medical Assistants

Location Average Salary Low (10%) High (90%)
United States $38,270 $30,390 $51,710
Virginia $37,500 $30,280 $50,850

Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Virginia

Region Low (10%) Median High (90%)
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA $29,630 $35,060 $37,920
Charlottesville, VA $30,450 $37,790 $44,390
Harrisonburg, VA $30,140 $36,390 $45,900

Medical Assistant Trends in Virginia

The employment trends for medical assistants in Virginia indicate a strong and positive growth outlook. In 2020, Virginia employed 14,480 medical assistants. This number is projected to increase to 17,480 by 2030, marking a 21% growth over the decade. Annually, Virginia is expected to have 2,150 job openings for medical assistants from 2020 to 2030, which includes openings due to growth and replacements for vacated positions.

Employment Trends

Employment Trends for Medical Assistants in Virginia
Year 2020 Employment 2030 Projected Employment Projected Growth Annual Openings
2020-2030 14,480 17,480 21% 2,150

Sources of data:

  1. Arizona Data: The employment figures and projections for Arizona are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central specializes in state-level employment projections, providing detailed insights into various occupations.
  2. United States Data: The national employment statistics and projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly their 2022-2032 employment projections.

 

Working as a Medical Assistant in Virginia

Virginia cities like Falls Church, Arlington, and Greenway are where some of the highest-paid medical assistants in this state can be found working.

You can expect to find employment in hospitals, clinics, private practices, or other medical facilities. If you enjoy working in the medical field and interacting with people, a career as a medical assistant may be the perfect choice for you.

Popular Medical Assistant Schools in Virginia

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FAQs

How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Virginia?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Virginia made an average of $37,070 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $29,460 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $48,170.

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