Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Pennsylvania schools offer programs in medical assisting at the certificate, diploma and associate degree level. Programs can be found at the state's community, private and technical colleges.
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Updated June 8, 2023

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The medical assisting field in Pennsylvania is poised to grow over 17% through the next decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That translates to just under 4,000 new jobs. The forces driving this trend are an aging population and the increased availability of health care as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Pennsylvania schools offer programs in medical assisting at the certificate, diploma and associate degree level. Programs can be found at the state's community, private and technical colleges. And, while Pennsylvania law does not mandate specific training for medical assistants, many employers prefer to hire Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs)-a designation that can only be obtained by graduates of accredited programs who pass a national credentialing exam. Read on to find out more about certifications, schools, and salary information for medical assistants in Pennsylvania.

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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Top Medical Assisting Schools in Pennsylvania

Methodology

To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria: Accredited at the institutional level Private nonprofit or public school Minimum of 1 bachelor's or master's degree in subject area for 4-year schools Minimum of 1 associate degree or certificate program in subject area for 2-year schools Schools were then scored on factors such as: Cost & Financial Aid Number and variety of program offerings Student-teacher ratios Graduation rates (4-year schools only) Placement and support services offered Academic/Career counseling services Employment services Loan default rates These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or "bang for your buck" of a college or degree program.

The need for trained medical assistants has rapidly increased in recent years, making a degree earned in medical assisting a valuable asset for students looking to begin a career in the medical field. We've looked into some of the best online programs in Pennsylvania, basing our findings on an institution's class sizes, student-teacher ratio, and overall graduation rate. Look below to find the best medical assisting programs in Pennsylvania for 2017.

#1 Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Harrisburg Area Community College

  • Harrisburg, PA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Harrisburg Area Community College offers options at the associate and certificate levels for learners interested in medical assisting. In addition to on-campus programs in Harrisburg, the school delivers online classes students can attend remotely. Online programs typically feature flexible scheduling options, allowing busy learners to complete coursework around other responsibilities.

The medical assistant credit certificate program features coursework covering crucial theories and practical knowledge. After earning their degree or certificate, many individuals enter the workforce and apply their training to entry-level medical assistant positions. Graduates can also choose to transfer to a bachelor's program for continued education and expanded opportunities, often with a reduced course load or fewer prerequisites.

Harrisburg Area Community College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 84

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 17

Number of Certificate Programs: 62

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 13

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,660
Out-of-state
$8,010
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
17,422
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Bucks County Community College

  • Newtown, PA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners pursuing a medical assistant associate or certificate program should consider Bucks County Community College, a public institution in Newtown. Many of the school's programs are available in on-campus and online formats. The flexibility of online programs often appeals to working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.

Enrollees in the medical assistant certificate program gain practical skills in the field. This training is usually sufficient to begin entry-level medical assistant jobs. Graduates can also choose to transfer to a bachelor's program for continued education and expanded opportunities, often with a reduced course load or fewer prerequisites.

Bucks County Community College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 67

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 18

Number of Certificate Programs: 27

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 6

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,920
Out-of-state
$11,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,480
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

  • Media, PA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners can enroll in associate or certificate programs at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology. Although the school's campus is in Media, students can attend classes online from any location with internet access. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate or commute.

The clinical medical assistant certificate program introduces enrollees to the basic ideas and practices used in the field. The program qualifies participants to apply to entry-level positions after graduation. Graduates often pursue bachelor's studies before entering the workforce, which can lead to more job opportunities and higher salary potential.

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 14

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4

Number of Certificate Programs: 3

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,530
Out-of-state
$10,530
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
46%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
374
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Community College of Allegheny County

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Delivering online and on-campus associate and certificate programs, Community College of Allegheny County educates learners based in Pittsburgh and throughout the country. To qualify for medical assistant positions, students can enroll in the medical assistant program. To improve their job prospects and earning potential, graduates can continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.

With remote programs, the school provides opportunities for enrollees in any location to study online. This can also be a great option for students who wish to work in medical assisting but require more flexibility than a traditional in-person program provides. Admissions counselors can help applicants verify that their prospective program meets the education requirements for their field.

Community College of Allegheny County at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 75

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 12

Number of Certificate Programs: 99

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 16

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,960
Out-of-state
$10,440
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
16,031
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries

Lehigh Carbon Community College

  • Schnecksville, PA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Lehigh Carbon Community College provides medical assistant-specific career preparation through associate and certificate programs. Although the school is located in Schnecksville, students in any state can enroll in its online programs. With flexible scheduling options, online learning is an excellent choice for working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.

Learners pursuing a medical assistant certificate examine core concepts in the field. Immediately after graduation, many individuals apply to medical assistant positions. To increase their earning potential, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies after earning their associate degree or certificate.

Lehigh Carbon Community College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 60

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 11

Number of Certificate Programs: 25

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 8

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,360
Out-of-state
$9,540
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
56%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,843
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Certification & Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania

1 How is medical assisting defined in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, medical assistants are unlicensed personnel working in a health care setting. Pennsylvania does treat certified medical assistants (CMA) and registered medical assistants (RMA) differently than uncertified medical assistants. The essential difference comes down to what tasks and duties practitioners are able to delegate to medical assistants. For example, only "credentialed medical assistants", meaning CMAs or RMAs, can enter a medical order into the electronic medical records for meaningful use.

2 Is certification required?

Certification is not required for medical assistants in Pennsylvania. However, the Pennsylvania medical code states that in order for physicians to delegate clinical and administrative tasks, they must have "knowledge that the delegatee has education, training, experience and continued competency to safely perform the medical service being delegated." One way to ensure and, for legal purposes, be able to prove a medical assistant can be given specific tasks in through nationally recognized certification.

3 What MA certification is available?

The most commonly recognized and accepted certification is the CMA. CMA candidates must be recent graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). And, they must pass a national credentialing exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Below is a list of nationally recognized credentials.

  • Certified Medical Assistant
  • Registered Medical Assistant
  • Registered Medical Assistant
  • Medical Assistant (NCMA)
  • Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)
  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
  • Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

4 Is formal education and/or training required?

It is not required, but often preferred. And, again, in order to become a CMA, you must be a graduate of an accredited program.

5 Are there additional requirements?

Many employers in Pennsylvania will require a background check, immunizations and a physical including a drug screening.

6 What tasks are within the scope of medical assistants in Pennsylvania?

According to Pennsylvania law, physicians may delegate administrative and clinical tasks "consistent with the standards of acceptable medical practice" to medical assistants provided that certain conditions are met. Doctors must know that medical assistants have training and experience to handle such tasks, and the tasks must fall within the physician's own scope of practice. An example of clinical tasks medical assistants can perform include:

  • Measuring vital signs
  • Administering medications
  • Authorizing drug refills (though initial prescriptions must come from licensed practitioners)
  • Removing sutures or changing wound dressings

Salaries for Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania

The table below compares annual and hourly wages for medical assistants in Pennsylvania with the nation as a whole.

 Annual Wage
25th percentile
Annual Wage
Median
Annual Wage
75th percentile
Hourly Wage
Median
Pennsylvania$24,930$28,820$34,430$13.86
National$25,500$29,960$36,070$14.41

Source: BLS, 2014

Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Salaries by City and Area

Salaries in Pennsylvania can vary as much as $2 per hour across the state. In general, nonmetropolitan areas have lower hourly wages than cities and metropolitan centers such as Lebanon or Philadelphia. However, wages in the cities of Altoona and Erie are actually lower than those found in Eastern nonmetropolitan areas.

     
AreaAnnual Wage
25th percentile
Annual Wage
Median
Annual Wage
75th percentile
Hourly Wage
Median
Altoona, PA$22,520$26,150$30,190$12.57
Lebanon, PA$26,940$31,830$36,840$15.30
Philadelphia, PA (Metropolitan Division)$27,480$32,630$37,410$15.69
Pittsburgh, PA$24,030$27,750$32,370$13.34
Reading, PA$25,870$28,540$32,100$13.72

Source: BLS, 2014

Pennsylvania Medical Assisting Employments Trends

The medical assistant field is in Pennsylvania poised for considerable growth through the next decade-nearly 4,000 jobs will be added.

Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022

 Average Annual
Openings
Current
Employment
Projected
Employment 2022
Jobs
Added
Growth
Rate
Pennsylvania82022,49026,3903,90017.4%
National26,990560,800723,700162,90029%

*Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022

Pennsylvania Medical Assisting Schools Spotlight

Your medical assistant education can really set the tone for the success of your career. By attending a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, you are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, a credential that is often required by Pennsylvania employers. Here are a few accredited schools to help kick off your search for the right school.

Butler Country Community College

School Type:

Community college

Accreditation:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Middle States Commission On Higher Education

School highlights:

Butler's associate degree in medical assisting program is designed to build upon the certificate of achievement program

Both programs include an externship providing valuable, supervised hands-on practice

Certificate program can be completed in 18 months

Associate degree graduates are eligible to sit for the CMA exam

Programs offered:

Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting

Applied Associate of Science, Medical Assisting

Butler County Community College

Delaware County Community

School Type:

Community college

Accreditation:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Middle States Commission On Higher Education

School highlights:

All students participate in a supervised clinical externship in a local health care facility

All students are required to sit for the CMA exam

Programs offered:

Medical Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency

Medical Assistant, Associate in Applied Science

Delaware County Community College

Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Resources

American Association of Medical Assistants

The AAMA provides continuing education, advocacy, and credentialing for medical assistants-specifically the certified medical assistant (CMA) exam.

Pennsylvania Medical Society

This organization is an education, advocacy, and professional organization for physicians and their site contains useful information on the scope of practice for medical assistants in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Society of Medical Associates

This is the state chapter for the American Association of Medical Assistants and has local chapters in Allegheny, Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Erie, Lancaster, Lehigh, and York Counties, as well as the Tri-County area.

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