Become a Medical Assistant

What Will I Learn?

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Medical assistants may be required to balance a variety of duties including:

• Collecting patient histories
• Taking vital signs
• Collecting specimens
• Giving injections
• Filing paperwork
• Records maintenance

Their duties vary with the location, specialty and size of the practice. The Westmoreland Medical Assisting program prepares the graduate to assist the physician with the care and treatment of patients in both administrative and clinical procedures. View Medical Assisting in the College Catalog 

Graduates apply for the national Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination. Students are also eligible for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) credentials.

The Medical Assisting, Diploma is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

What Will I Earn?

If you plan to stay in the region, there are many occupations related to this program degree and certificates. In the 10-county region* surrounding Westmoreland County Community College, the earnings for occupations in this field range from $16.11 - $23.68 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $19.56. 

It is important to remember that wages vary based on level of education, experience, job location and other factors. 

Source: Data provided by Lightcast™ (https://lightcast.io/) 2025.1

* 10-county region includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland.

Career Opportunities

Medical assistants may be employed in doctor’s offices, clinics and health maintenance organizations.

Basic Application Process - Health Professions

• Complete and submit an Application for Admission to
  the college
• Receive a College Login:  24-48 business hours after applying, you will receive a college login.
• Log into Westmoreland:  Use your login to access "MyWestmoreland" from the top of any page on the college website. 
• Complete the Health Professionals Program Application
• Download the Medical Assistant Application Checklist for details on additional requirements
• Submit official transcript from all secondary schools attended, graduate equivalency degree (GED) programs and any other formal educational program beyond high school
• Application Deadline: January 12 prior to fall start
• Acceptance Notification: Mid-March

Graduate Outcomes