Since there are no state requirements to become a medical assistant, you just need to take a course that will prepare you for a certification such as the CMA or equivalent. See below.
Medical Assisting is a great way to get into the stable healthcare industry, and in PA, the average salary for a certified medical assistant is $42K.
Trade Schools & Online Programs
The best way to get started is with an online certification program through a local trade school:
- Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lester
- Allentown
- Summerdale
- Philadelphia
- Erie, Forty Fort, Scranton
- Erie
- Erie, Pittsburgh
- North Wales, Phoenixville
- Uniontown
- Allentown, Philadelphia
- Allentown, Lewisburg
- Bristol
- Media
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Irwin
- Altoona, Lancaster, York
All-State Career School (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
Flexible schedules, financial aid and career services available.
Blackstone Career Institute (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
4 to 12 month medical office assistant course that preps for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam.
Central Penn College (Rating: 4 out 5)
Community College of Philadelphia (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Medical Assistant Proficiency Certificate is a short-term, 27-credit program that can be completed in as little as two semesters. It prepares students for a variety of tasks in medical settings, such as taking vital signs, assisting physicians, performing electrocardiography, and obtaining blood specimens. Upon completion, students are eligible to take national certification exams for medical assisting and phlebotomy. The credits earned in this program can also be applied toward an associate degree in Health Care Studies, providing further educational opportunities. Graduates of the program are in high demand, with career opportunities in health clinics, physician practices, and other healthcare environments.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
ACCSC & ABHES accredited school with entry level medical assisting program.
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
The 10 month Medical Assistant program at Great Lakes prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in healthcare settings through hands-on training and comprehensive coursework. Over several quarters, students practice clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, and healthcare administration, culminating in an externship for real-world experience. Graduates can pursue certification as Clinical Medical Assistants and Phlebotomy Technicians through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
IMBC (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
Lansdale School of Business (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Allied health medical assistant associate degree.
Laurel Technical Institute (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Laurel's 12-month Clinical Medical Assistant program in Uniontown and online equips students with essential clinical and administrative skills for healthcare settings. Students learn to take medical histories, record vital signs, administer injections, and assist with exams, preparing them for certification tests that enhance their career opportunities.
The program offers a flexible schedule, hands-on learning from the first semester, and valuable off-site clinical experiences. Courses cover patient assessment, medical terminology, anatomy, electronic medical records, and clinical diagnostic procedures, ensuring comprehensive training for future medical assistants.
Lincoln Tech (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Along with skills needed for an entry level position, the Medical Assistant Training Programs will prep you for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. Hybrid format. Flexible class schedules.
McCann School of Business & Technology (Rating: 2.9 out 5)
13 month Medical Clinical Assisting diploma.
Pennco Tech (Rating: 4 out 5)
Pennco Tech’s Medical Assistant program is a fast-track training course that can be completed in as little as 18 weeks for daytime students or approximately 50 weeks for those choosing evening classes at the Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ, campuses. The curriculum integrates clinical skills, such as drawing blood and performing EKGs, with administrative training to fully prepare graduates for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) national examinations. By blending hands-on laboratory experience with modern medical office simulations, the program equips students to enter high-demand healthcare roles in less than five months.
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
The Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate program at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology equips students with essential skills for a range of clinical roles in healthcare. In just three 11-week terms, students receive comprehensive training in areas such as EKG, phlebotomy, and patient care, and are prepared for national certification exams. The program is accredited and provides hands-on experience, personalized instruction, and job placement support.
Prism Career Institute (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Prism Career Institute’s Medical Assistant program provides an in-depth, career-focused education across its New Jersey and Pennsylvania campuses, including Cherry Hill, West Atlantic City, and Philadelphia. The program spans 40 weeks, totaling 720 hours of training, which includes 420 lecture hours, 150 lab hours, and 150 hours of practical externship experience. Students can choose from daytime or evening classes to fit their schedules, and the curriculum covers essential skills such as medical law, phlebotomy, and clinical procedures. The program's accreditation by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) guarantees adherence to rigorous educational standards. Graduates are prepared for certification as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), with all associated exam costs covered by Prism Career Institute.
South College (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Advanced curriculum in medical lab and clinical procedures, pharmacology, medical insurance & coding and more.
United Career Institute (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
YTI Career Institute (Rating: 2.6 out 5)
Hybrid program where you can be trained in 20 months. And you can earn Phlebotomy and CPR certs.
How Will a Course Be Beneficial?
Whether it’s CMAA, CMA, RMA or NCMA, the best courses will be designed to help you pass your certification exam.
Most of the time, exam fees will be included in the price.
What Do You Study?
Some of the most common courses include:
I. Medical Terminology and Basic Concepts
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Systems of the Body:
- Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic and Immune
- Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Nervous
- Special Senses: Eyes and Ears
- Integumentary, Endocrine, Reproductive
II. Clinical Procedures and Diagnostics
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Infection Control and Medical Asepsis
- Body Measurements and Vital Signs
- The Complete Physical Examination (CPE)
- Specialty Examinations and Procedures
- The Physician’s Office Laboratory (POL)
- Specimen Collection and Processing
- Introduction to Phlebotomy
- Diagnostic Testing
- Minor Office Surgeries
III. Pharmacology and Patient Care
- Pharmacology
- Medication Dosage Calculations
- Administering Medications
- Emergencies and First Aid in the Medical Office
- Mental Health Issues
- Nutrition and Special Diets
- Rehabilitation
IV. Professional Development and Certification
- Certifications for the Experienced CMAA
- Certification
- Preparing for Your Career
How Long Does It Take?
Most certificate programs are completed in 9 to 12 months. With online courses, you might be able to finish faster since you can control when you study.
What Is the Cost?
Certification programs are typically in the $2,000 to $3,000 range. Most have financing options.
Accreditation
Look for schools or programs with accreditation. Usually by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Employers recognize these organizations and often feel more confident hiring graduates from accredited schools.
Educational Requirements
Typically students need to be 18 or older, and possess either a high school diploma or GED.
Average Salary Range
- Glassdoor.com – $49K
- Indeed.com – $46,782
- ZipRecruiter – $42,693
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – $42,090
- Salary.com – $40,559
- Talent.com – $39,045
Below is some regional data from the BLS.Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| Location | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $20.01 | $41,630.00 |
| Altoona | $17.64 | $36,690.00 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick | $18.38 | $38,230.00 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $19.35 | $40,240.00 |
| East Stroudsburg | $19.06 | $39,650.00 |
| Erie | $18.20 | $37,860.00 |
| Gettysburg | $19.34 | $40,220.00 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $19.71 | $40,990.00 |
| Johnstown | $17.14 | $35,660.00 |
| Lancaster | $19.64 | $40,860.00 |
| Lebanon | $19.27 | $40,090.00 |
| Northern PA | $18.98 | $39,470.00 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $21.63 | $44,990.00 |
| Pittsburgh | $19.55 | $40,660.00 |
| Reading | $20.58 | $42,800.00 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton | $18.78 | $39,060.00 |
| Southern PA | $19.39 | $40,330.00 |
| State College | $19.16 | $39,850.00 |
| Western PA | $17.53 | $36,460.00 |
| Williamsport | $18.48 | $38,440.00 |
| York-Hanover | $19.41 | $40,380.00 |
source: data.bls.gov
Highest-Paying Metro Areas
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington offers the highest wages, with an hourly wage of $21.63 and an annual salary of $44,990. This is likely due to higher demand, cost of living, and the presence of major healthcare systems like Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health.
- Reading ($20.58/hr, $42,800 annually) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton ($20.01/hr, $41,630 annually) also pay well, reflecting strong hospital networks and urban healthcare demand.
- Pittsburgh ($19.55/hr, $40,660 annually) and Harrisburg-Carlisle ($19.71/hr, $40,990 annually) offer solid salaries, reflecting their growing healthcare markets with major medical centers like UPMC and Penn State Health.
Work Schedule & Salary Expectations
- Most medical assistants in Pennsylvania work full-time (40 hours per week).
- Some positions require evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, especially in hospitals and urgent care centers.
- Salary ranges in Pennsylvania vary by experience and location:
- Penn Medicine – $18.40 – $28.59 per hour.
- UPMC – $18.12 – $27.76 per hour.
- Main Line Health – $16.28 – $25.22 per hour.
- Grand View Health – Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits.
Some of the highest-paid medical assistants in the nation work at outpatient care centers like urgent care, nursing homes, and ambulatory surgery centers. Hospitals and doctor’s offices also pay well for this career.
Becoming a Medical Assistant in PA Video Summary
Pennsylvania Requirements
Pennsylvania does not administer state licenses to medical assistants and does not require specific certifications.
Also, the Pennsylvania legislature does specify the conditions in which medical assistants can work.
However, job requirements are employer-determined, and most companies prefer to hire certified individuals.
Professional Organizations
The Pennsylvania Society of Medical Assistants provides members with resources to help them grow their careers as medical professionals.
Affiliated with the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), this organization has chapters in several counties.
Members can stay updated on legislative changes, find training and job opportunities, and connect with colleagues.
Recertification
Those who wish to stay certified throughout their career must renew their CMA credentials every five years. After that, they can either retake the exam or submit continuing education credits for recertification.
These credits are available through educational institutions as well as the training provided by the employer.
Career Overview
Job Description
Medical assistants in Pennsylvania are essential healthcare support professionals who perform both clinical and administrative duties in hospitals, primary care offices, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices. Their role is critical in maintaining efficient patient care, streamlined office operations, and high-quality healthcare services.
What Employers in Pennsylvania Look for in a Medical Assistant
Top employers like Penn Medicine, UPMC, Main Line Health, and Grand View Health look for certified medical assistants with experience in electronic health records (EHR), phlebotomy, HIPAA compliance, and patient care coordination.
These employers often provide career advancement opportunities into nursing, healthcare administration, and specialized medical fields.
Types of Medical Assistants & Their Responsibilities
Medical assistants typically fall into one of two categories:
1. Administrative Medical Assistants
These professionals handle office management tasks, including:
- Scheduling appointments, coordinating referrals, and verifying insurance.
- Maintaining medical records, processing billing, and managing patient documentation.
- Handling patient check-ins, answering phone calls, and triaging patient inquiries.
- Ensuring HIPAA compliance and adherence to healthcare regulations.
2. Clinical Medical Assistants
With the proper certifications and training, clinical medical assistants perform hands-on patient care tasks, such as:
- Taking vital signs, updating patient histories, and preparing exam rooms.
- Assisting physicians during minor surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and dermatology treatments.
- Performing phlebotomy, EKGs, lab tests, and administering injections or vaccines.
- Preparing patients for exams, treatments, and diagnostic imaging.
In larger hospitals and specialty clinics, medical assistants may specialize in specific areas such as dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, pediatrics, or internal medicine.
Where Medical Assistants Work in Pennsylvania
Medical assistants in Pennsylvania are employed in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals & Academic Medical Centers – UPMC, Penn Medicine, Grand View Health.
- Primary Care & Specialty Clinics – Main Line Health, Tri-County Hospitalists, Movn Health.
- Surgical & Orthopedic Centers – UPMC Orthopedics, Penn Medicine Surgery Centers.
- Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Clinics – UPMC Dermatology, Lappen Eye Care.
- Telehealth & Virtual Care – Movn Health (cardiac rehab telehealth services).
Some of the top medical assistant employers in Pennsylvania include:
- Penn Medicine (Multispecialty & Surgical Care)
- UPMC (Dermatology, Orthopedics, and Primary Care)
- Main Line Health (Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics, and Plastic Surgery)
- Grand View Health (Primary Care & Cardiology)
- Movn Health (Telehealth & Virtual Cardiac Rehab)
- Tri-County Hospitalists (Urgent & Primary Care)
Skills & Certifications That Make Candidates Competitive
Employers in Pennsylvania often require or prefer:
- Medical Assistant Certification
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – AAMA
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – AMT
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – NHA
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) – NCCT
- CPR & BLS Certification
- Required by UPMC, Penn Medicine, and Grand View Health.
- Technical & Clinical Skills
- Experience with phlebotomy, injections, EKGs, and lab procedures.
- Knowledge of infection control, sterile techniques, and OSHA compliance.
- Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems like Epic and Cerner.
- Strong Organizational & Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to multitask in high-volume medical offices.
- Excellent patient communication and customer service.
- Understanding of insurance billing, HIPAA, and administrative tasks.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% job growth rate for medical assistants from 2021 to 2031, adding thousands of new positions across Pennsylvania.
Reasons for High Demand
- Aging Population – More elderly patients require chronic disease management.
- Healthcare Expansion – Growth in telehealth, specialty care, and outpatient facilities.
- Medical Assistant Turnover – Many transition into nursing or healthcare administration, creating job openings.
Final Takeaways
Employers in Pennsylvania seek skilled, adaptable, and certified medical assistants to support healthcare teams across hospitals, primary care offices, and specialty clinics.
With opportunities for career advancement, competitive salaries, and diverse work environments, Pennsylvania is an excellent location for aspiring medical assistants.