Pennsylvania is one of the largest states in the country and has a population of over 12 million people. The healthcare industry in Pennsylvania has show steady growth over the last five years, making it a great area in which to enter the field. Pennsylvania has many excellent medical assisting programs available, most of which are accredited. Students can earn everything from a certificate to a degree in medical assisting and may be able to find financial assistance through such programs as the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship program as well as the Pennsylvania State Grants.
Employment Environment in Pennsylvania
The United State Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Pennsylvania as being one of the highest for employment of medical assistants. The state also ranks in the upper-middle range for medical assistant salaries, with the average being $28,240 a year. Even though there are ample employment opportunities for medical assistants, there is still competition for the best job openings. To give yourself an advantage in the employment market, it is a good idea to become a Certified Medical Assistant by taking the examination offered by the American Association of medical Assistants.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Pennsylvania
As with most states in the country, Pennsylvania is expected to experience tremendous growth in the healthcare industry in coming years. This growth will lead to an increased need for qualified medical assistants across the state. In short, if you are thinking of becoming a medical assistant, this is a prime time to start working on your education and training.
List of Medical Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania
Institute of Medical Careers
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: At the Institute of Medical Careers, students can earn a diploma in medical assisting in just over a year and at a very affordable rate. This training program includes all of the administrative and clinical knowledge and skills needed to work in all areas of a physician’s office or other healthcare environment and includes hands-on experience through an externship assignment. Since this program is ABHES accredited, students who graduate from the Institute of Medical Careers are qualified to sit for the AAMA’s certification examination.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: 16 months
- Tuition: $10,500
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: All students at the Institute of Medical Careers can get free tutoring when they need it.
South Hills School of Business and Technology
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: South Hills School of Business and Technology has campuses in State College, Altoona, and Lewiston for student convenience. The Associate of Specialized Business degree in Medical Assisting teaches students the skills needed to work in direct patient care as well as the front office of a healthcare facility. Students who graduate from this program benefit from the school’s career services and job placement and are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination offered through the AAMA.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: Associate in Specialized Business
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $35,971
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: South Hills School of Business and Technology has been serving Pennsylvania students for over 40 years.
Fortis Institute
- Program Link: Medical assisting program
- Description: At its campuses in Erie, Scranton, and Forty Fort, Fortis Institute offers students the opportunity to earn a diploma in medical assisting in under a year during days or evenings. Fortis boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, equipment, and facilities and provides full student support to ensure that all students have the greatest chance of educational and career success. Students who get medical assistant training at Fortis are qualified to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: 30 weeks (day); 50 weeks (evening)
- Tuition: $16,500
- Clinical Experience:
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
- Fun Fact: Fortis students can complete medical assistant training during the day or evening in less than one year.
Berks Technical Institute
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Located in Wyomissing, Berks Technical Institute offers an associate’s degree program in medical assisting that student can complete in two years or less during day or evening classes. The program provides clinical and administrative training as well as real-world experience through an externship in a healthcare facility. Students who choose Berks Technical Institute receive exceptional student support and are qualified to become Certified Medical Assistants by taking the AAMA’s certification examination.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Specialized Business degree
- Average Program Length: 21 months (day); 24 months (evening)
- Tuition: $32,240
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 89%
- Fun Fact: Students at Berks Technical Institute can get medical assistant training during day or evening courses.
Community College of Philadelphia
- Program Link: Medical Office Assistant Proficiency Certificate
- Description: Community College of Philadelphia has been in business since 1965 and has provided educational services to over 500,000 students. It is currently the largest public higher education institution in the city and offers a certificate in administrative medical assisting that can be completed in less than one year at an affordable price. Since this program is for administrative assisting only, there is no externship required to graduate. Students who chose CCP have access to full student services including job placement and career counseling. In addition, students can take the certification examination to become Certified Medical Administrative Assistants.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: less than one year
- Tuition: $2,664
- Clinical Experience: none
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Community College of Philadelphia offers numerous scholarship opportunities to students.