Clinical Medical Assistant

This program prepares students to assist physicians in a medical office, health center or hospital. Topics include preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, infection control, diagnostic testing, the proper use and administration of medications, taking and documenting vital signs, professional workplace behavior, ethics and the legal aspects of health care. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Note: Students may register for an optional externship experience in a local physician’s office upon successful completion; additional fees apply. 

Recommendation: Prospective students without healthcare experience are encouraged to follow the career pathway for medical assisting, which begins with Phlebotomy Technician, continues to EKG technician and finishes with Clinical Medical Assistant. These programs result in stackable credentials that are designed to build upon the knowledge and skills of one another.

Contact Hours: 180

Admissions Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age on the first day of class.
• Meet minimum essential functions and standards for program
• Attend a coaching appointment and/or information session prior to enrollment.
• Complete all funding assistance paperwork (if applicable) prior to enrollment.
• Documentation of high school diploma, GED or equivalent, or college degree. Note: If high school diploma or college degree are earned outside of the United States, the diploma or degree must be formally evaluated (and translated if needed) by an approved agency prior to program admission. Allow a minimum of three weeks for evaluation/translation process. Prospective students will be responsible for cost.
• English Language Learners (ELL/ESL): If English is not the first language, prospective students must complete a CASAS assessment with acceptable score prior to program admission. CASAS assessments can be scheduled by emailing at tjace@pvcc.edu or calling 961-434-5461. Include your first and last name, program of interest, and program start date in your email. Assessment should be completed at least one week prior to program start date. CASAS assessment is also recommended, but not required, for prospective students who feel their reading comprehension needs improvement.

Employment Outlook for Clinical Medical Assistants

Graduates who have achieved certification upon completion of this program have found employment in hospitals, physician's offices, outpatient clinics and surgery centers. Top employers of clinical medical assistants in our community who visit our program to meet students, partner on clinical rotations, and employ our graduates include:

• UVA Health
• Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital

In Central Virginia, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2030. - Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE), 2022

Earning Potential for Clinical Medical Assistants

The median wage for medical assistants in our region is $34,511 per year (full-time salaried with benefits). - Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE), 2022

Due to increased demand, some local employers are hiring trainees in partnership with PVCC at a salary range of $38,210-$59,218 (January, 2023)

Take the Next Steps

Complete the Workforce Services Student Questionnaire.

Meet with a coach and/or attend a FastForward Funding Session.

Check the schedule page to see when this FastForward program is next offered.