Medical assistants are a vital part of clinical patient care. Because medical assistants are trained to perform so many different tasks, they are in demand in the workforce. Whether you want to work in a doctor’s office or a large hospital system, becoming a certified medical assistant shows you are knowledgeable and ready to be a valued member of a healthcare team. Medical assistants assist the physician during exams, interview and educate patients, measure and record vital signs and administer injections. Upon successful completion of the training, you will be eligible to sit for the National Healthcare Association certification exam.

FastForward programs: Courses offered under these programs are designed to be completed on a short-term basis (weeks or months as opposed to one-two years of study). These courses are tied to industry credentials. Students in FastForward programs also benefit from significant cost reductions. Subject to the availability of funds, Virginia students pay only one-third of the normal cost of training. Many students also qualify for financial assistance (FANTIC) to help cover the remaining cost.