Best Medical Assistant Schools in West Virginia

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want to work in healthcare fast, becoming a medical assistant is one of the quickest career paths in West Virginia. You can train in under two years and start helping patients right away. The job doesn't require a medical license, but most employers prefer graduates from accredited programs.

Here's what you need to know to choose the right school and get started.

What a Medical Assistant Does

Medical assistants (MAs) work in clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices. They handle both patient care and office tasks. Your day might include:

  • Taking vital signs
  • Preparing patients for exams
  • Assisting with minor procedures
  • Updating medical records
  • Handling billing and scheduling appointments

This mix of duties makes the role a good fit if you like variety and enjoy working with people.

Why Accreditation Matters

Choosing an accredited program is critical. Employers and certification boards look for graduates from programs approved by agencies like:

  • CAAHEP - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • ABHES - Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

Without this accreditation, you may not be eligible to sit for major certification exams.

Note: In West Virginia, certification is not required by state law. But most employers look for nationally certified candidates such as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

Best Accredited Medical Assistant Schools in West Virginia

The list below includes schools with recognized medical assistant programs in West Virginia. Contact each school for program start dates, tuition, and admission requirements.

1. West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) - Morgantown, Charleston, Bridgeport

Program type: Diploma or Associate Degree
WVJC offers hands-on lab training, externships, and flexible schedules. The program covers both clinical and administrative skills. They also provide career placement assistance.

2. Mountwest Community & Technical College - Huntington

Program type: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Mountwest's program includes anatomy, medical terminology, and clinical procedures. Accredited by CAAHEP, it qualifies graduates for national certification exams.

3. New River Community and Technical College - Beckley, Lewisburg, Princeton, Summersville

Program type: Certificate
This program focuses on entry-level skills for outpatient settings. Courses include phlebotomy and EKG, plus supervised clinical practice.

4. Ross Medical Education Center - Charleston

Program type: Certificate
Ross offers accelerated medical assistant training that can be completed in under a year. Includes externship placement in local clinics.

5. Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College - Moorefield

Program type: Certificate
Small class sizes and community-based training. Prepares students for the RMA or CMA exam.

Typical Program Length

Credential Type Average Length
Certificate/Diploma 9-12 months
Associate Degree (AAS) 18-24 months

Program length can vary depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in West Virginia

  1. Choose an accredited program - Check CAAHEP or ABHES listings.
  2. Apply and enroll - Meet the school's admission requirements.
  3. Complete coursework and lab hours - Learn patient care and office skills.
  4. Finish your externship - Get supervised experience in a healthcare setting.
  5. Earn national certification - Take the CMA, RMA, or similar exam.
  6. Apply for jobs - Look for openings in clinics, hospitals, and specialty offices.

Certification Options

Two of the most recognized MA certifications are:

While certification is voluntary in West Virginia, it improves your employment prospects.

What to Look for When Choosing a School

Before you decide, compare these factors:

  • Accreditation status - CAAHEP or ABHES approval
  • Program length - How quickly you want to finish
  • Externship opportunities - Access to clinical placements
  • Class sizes - Smaller classes often mean more hands-on instruction
  • Financial aid options - Federal aid, scholarships, or payment plans

Ask about job placement rates and whether the school helps with resume preparation.

Working as a Medical Assistant in West Virginia

Most medical assistants here work in:

  • Family practice clinics
  • Urgent care centers
  • Specialty practices such as cardiology or pediatrics
  • Outpatient hospital departments

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 1, employment for medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than average.

Summary and Next Steps

If you want to get into healthcare without spending years in school, medical assisting is a smart move. The training is short, the skills are in demand, and you can work almost anywhere in the state.

Here's what you should do next:

  1. Review the accredited medical assistant schools listed above.
  2. Contact at least two programs to compare costs, start dates, and schedules.
  3. Start your application so you can begin training within the next enrollment period.

With the right training, you could be working in a West Virginia healthcare facility in less than two years.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Medical Assistants, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm ↩

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