How to become a Medical Assistant in West Virginia
If you wish to pursue a career as a medical assistant in West Virginia (WV) 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 medical assistant school in WV.
Certification is not essential but it is generally preferred by employers.
- Accredited medical assistant schools and programs in WV
- WV certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a medical assistant make in WV?
- Salary and employment data by metro area
- Explore related careers in West Virginia
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in West Virginia
| College | Metro Area | Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington Junior College | Huntington | Associates Degree | CAAHEP |
| Mountwest Community and Technical College | Huntington | Associates Degree | CAAHEP |
| Ross College | Morgantown | Diploma | ABHES |
| Ross Medical Education Center | Charleston | Diploma | ABHES |
| West Virginia Northern Community College | Wheeling | Associates Degree | CAAHEP |
Listed above are the top accredited medical assistant schools and programs in West 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).
You might also be interested in checking out the following resources;
Medical Assistant Certification West 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 West Virginia but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary WV
| Average Salary | $27,270 |
| Hourly Wage | $13.11 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $35,360 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $20,650 |
| #'s Employed | 3,280 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 3,280 people employed as medical assistants in West Virginia with an average salary of $27,270.
This equates to $13.11 per hour and is 17% below the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in West Virginia have an annual income of $35,360 whilst the bottom 10% earned $20,650.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in West Virginia
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley | $27,960 | $13.44 | 240 |
| Charleston | $29,350 | $14.11 | 630 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $28,530 | $13.72 | 610 |
| Morgantown | $28,270 | $13.59 | 530 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $25,760 | $12.39 | 260 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $28,050 | $13.48 | 250 |
| Wheeling | $27,420 | $13.18 | 310 |
Related Healthcare Careers in West Virginia
Medical assistants in West Virginia earn 4.9% more than nursing assistants there and 3.7% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $27,270 | 3,280 |
| Nursing Assistant | $25,990 | 7,900 |
| EMT | $28,320 | 2,160 |
| Home Health Aide | $22,300 | 3560 |
| Surgical Tech | $37,520 | 950 |
| Dental Assistant | $29,860 | 1,230 |
| Physician Assistant | $99,350 | 660 |