Medical Assistant Programs in Norfolk, VA: Your Guide to Schools, Costs, and Careers
The Virginia Beach-Norfolk metro area employs roughly 3,460 medical assistants, and health systems like Sentara Healthcare and Bon Secours are posting openings across primary care, urgent care, and specialty clinics. For career changers or recent graduates, medical assisting offers one of the fastest routes into clinical healthcare: most programs run 9 to 12 months for a certificate, 18 to 24 months for an associate degree.
Program costs in the Norfolk area range from around $5,000 at community colleges to $20,000 or more at private career schools, creating a real tradeoff between speed and expense. The median local wage sits at $38,920 annually, so choosing a program with manageable debt and solid CMA or CCMA pass rates matters more than brand recognition.
Medical Assisting in Norfolk: Local Employers and Job Market
Norfolk’s medical assisting job market is built around large health systems and busy outpatient clinics, and employers are actively competing for credentialed entry-level staff. Sentara Healthcare is the region’s most visible anchor, with 2026 postings in primary care, pediatrics, employee health, community care, and Virginia Beach-area clinics. Some positions advertised sign-on bonuses up to $5,0001, and the system maintains a new graduate fast-track application2. Bon Secours Mercy Health is another large Hampton Roads health system to watch. Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and Eastern Virginia Medical School also post medical assistant openings in Norfolk, confirming demand across pediatric medical assistant and academic settings.3 Urgent care chains and private physician practices round out the local job base.
What an Entry-Level MA Job Looks Like
The core role is consistent across employers: rooming patients, taking vital signs, recording histories, performing EKGs and phlebotomy, and handling scheduling, referrals, and other administrative work. In a fast primary care or urgent care site, you may split each hour between clinical medical assistant tasks and front-desk or charting responsibilities.
Certification Is the Default Expectation
Most local employers strongly prefer or require a national credential, so it helps to review certified medical assistant requirements before applying. Sentara lists CMA, RMA, or CCMA among accepted certifications, alongside EMT-B and Paramedic in some postings, with BLS required within 90 days.4 New graduates without experience can still compete, especially through new-graduate pathways.
Growth in Hampton Roads
Virginia Employment Commission projections for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro show medical assistant employment growing from 15,371 in 2022 to 18,488 by 2032, a 20.28% increase.5 The same projection counts 24,663 total openings over the decade when replacements are included.5 That pipeline, paired with sign-on bonuses and fast-track hiring, points to steady demand for certified medical assistants in the Norfolk area.
Medical Assistant Program Costs and Financial Aid in Norfolk
Costs vary widely by credential level and school type. The table below shows published tuition, fees, books, and aid notes for schools serving the Norfolk area. Always confirm current charges directly with the school because fees can change.
| School | Program Type | Total Program Cost | Books & Supplies | Financial Aid Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis College Norfolk | Diploma in Medical Assisting | $18,572 total program cost | $61 student kit, $941 laptop, $448 e-books, $122 textbooks | Institution lists in-state and out-of-state tuition; federal financial aid information typically available for eligible programs at the college |
| Centura College Norfolk | Medical Assistant Diploma | $18,000 tuition; additional listed fees bring total program charges higher, no single summed total stated | $2,800 books and supplies | Tuition rate $500 per credit for 36 credits; exam fees include AMT MA Exam $120, CET MA Exam $117, CPT Exam $117, CPR/First Aid $20; financial aid available for eligible students at Centura College |
| Centura College Norfolk | Associate of Occupational Science, Medical Assisting Clinical Support | $33,000 tuition at $550 per credit for 60 credits | $3,200 | Tuition listed per credit; table includes a $561 fee and $100 registration fee; Centura College describes general financial aid options for eligible degree-seeking students |
| Tidewater Community College | For-credit coursework toward a medical assistant-related program | $200.40 per credit hour total for Virginia residents in Fall 2025 (tuition $170.30, institutional fee $7.30, student activity fee $2.80, auxiliary capital fee $20.00) | N/A | TCC indicates standard community college financial aid options (federal Pell grants, loans, scholarships) for credit programs; medical assistant specific aid not detailed |
| Tidewater Community College | Noncredit healthcare information classes, medical and clinical assistant type offerings | Class-specific tuition listed at $3,000, $3,297, $1,800, and $3,900; books and supplies not itemized | Not itemized | Noncredit continuing education classes typically require payment at registration; standard Title IV financial aid usually does not apply |
| Tidewater Medical Training | Clinical Medical Assistant certificate program | $2,175 total (tuition $1,645, non-refundable registration $100, books and materials $175, supplies $150, background check $30, BLS $75) | $175 books and materials, $150 supplies | Installment payment plan available: registration fee, book fee, supplies fee, and background check fee due at registration; remaining balance paid in 7 installments and must be paid in full before graduation |
| Tidewater Medical Training | Administrative Medical Assistant certificate program | $995 tuition only; page notes that specific classes may have additional fees | N/A | No formal financial aid described; costs are presented as per-program tuition, implying pay-as-you-go structure |
Online and Hybrid Medical Assistant Programs Serving Norfolk Students
An online or hybrid medical assistant program in Norfolk usually means the lectures, medical terminology, and administrative coursework happen on your schedule, while the clinical skills and externship happen in person. No reputable medical assistant program is fully virtual from start to finish; accredited options still require supervised patient-care hours at a clinic, hospital, or physician office.
Online and hybrid options near Norfolk
- Sentara College of Health Sciences (Chesapeake): Medical Assistant certificate, hybrid format. It includes 450 clinical hours, starts each August, and lists about $2,840 in program tuition.
- Old Dominion University (Norfolk): Certified Medical Assistant non-credit certificate, hybrid format. It can be completed in about five months, with a published net price around $14,638.
- Centura College: Associate of Occupational Science in Medical Assisting, online format, offered through the Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach campuses. Where reported, published net prices run about $26,988 to $31,032. The program is 60 credits and designed to take 15 months.
- Virginia Wesleyan University (Virginia Beach): Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certificate, 100% online coursework with a CCMA exam voucher included. Published net price is about $19,676.
What the clinical piece looks like
Even in online formats, expect to travel to a partner site for a clinical externship. Sentara's program, for example, builds in 450 hours, while Centura includes hands-on training and a capstone experience. For working adults in Norfolk, the main benefit is time: you can complete didactic work in the evenings or on weekends and reserve in-person hours for the clinical placement. That makes these options a practical fit if you are commuting, raising a family, or already working full-time.
Medical Assistant Schools in Norfolk: Options Within Commuting Distance
Norfolk-area students comparing medical assistant programs in Virginia generally choose between two paths: the lower-cost community college certificate route and the faster private career-college associate route. Both sit within commuting distance for most Hampton Roads residents, so the practical question is whether you are optimizing for price or pace.
Schools in Norfolk and Virginia Beach
- Tidewater Community College (Norfolk): Campus Clinical Medical Assisting certificate, net price around $11,800, includes 120 clinical hours and CCMA preparation.
- Centura College (Norfolk): Online 15-month associate in Medical Assisting, net price around $31,000.
- Old Dominion University (Norfolk): Hybrid Certified Medical Assistant certificate, about five months, non-credit, net price around $14,600.
- ECPI University (Virginia Beach): Campus 15-month associate, net price around $23,000.
- Bryant & Stratton College (Virginia Beach): Campus associate, under two years, net price around $12,000.
- Centura College (Virginia Beach): Online 15-month associate, published tuition around $16,600.
- Virginia Wesleyan University (Virginia Beach): 100% online CCMA certificate, net price around $19,700.
Chesapeake and Hampton Options
- Sentara College of Health Sciences (Chesapeake Va): Hybrid one-year Medical Assistant certificate, 450 clinical hours, tuition around $2,840.
- Centura College (Chesapeake): Online 15-month associate, net price around $27,000.
- Virginia Peninsula Community College (Hampton): Campus Clinical Medical Assistant certificate, net price around $7,000, Fast Forward scholarship eligible.
From downtown Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake campuses are usually a 15 to 25 minute drive. Hampton adds a bridge-tunnel trip that can run 30 to 45 minutes in traffic. Portsmouth residents can reach Norfolk and Chesapeake sites quickly, while light rail and HRT buses serve several Norfolk stops.
Medical Assistant Salaries and Job Outlook in Norfolk (Virginia Beach Metro)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 metro data shows about 3,460 medical assistants employed in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a median annual wage of $38,920. Statewide and national median comparisons are not shown here because the available data covers metro areas. The table below compares Norfolk with several other Virginia metros for total employment and annual wage percentiles.
| Metro area | Total employment | Median annual wage | Mean annual wage | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 3,460 | $38,920 | $40,030 | $36,270 | $44,570 |
| Richmond, VA | 2,740 | $39,550 | $40,900 | $37,350 | $44,030 |
| Roanoke, VA | 580 | $37,010 | $38,600 | $36,530 | $41,840 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 500 | $37,700 | $38,880 | $36,490 | $42,610 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | 380 | $40,730 | $41,600 | $38,290 | $44,930 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 340 | $39,660 | $41,190 | $37,240 | $44,760 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 320 | $38,130 | $39,380 | $37,950 | $39,890 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 210 | $38,400 | $38,380 | $36,430 | $40,610 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA | 170 | $39,660 | $40,620 | $37,120 | $43,520 |
What Norfolk Medical Assistants Actually Earn
Medical assistants in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach metro earn a median annual wage of $38,920.
Accreditation and Certification for Norfolk Medical Assistants
Not all Norfolk medical assistant training routes lead to the same certification options. Programmatic accreditation by CAAHEP or ABHES is the clearest path to CMA (AAMA) eligibility, while many local workforce and short courses prepare students for CCMA or other vendor-specific exams. Use the table below to compare accreditation and exam alignment before you enroll.
| School | Accrediting Body | Certification Prep (CMA/RMA/CCMA) | Exam Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis College - Norfolk Medical Assistant program | Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) | Prepares for RMA; ABHES accreditation also supports CMA (AAMA) and CCMA eligibility | Eligible for RMA; meets education requirement for CMA (AAMA) and generally qualifies for CCMA |
| Tidewater Community College - Clinical Medical Assistant workforce program (Norfolk) | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (institutional); no CAAHEP or ABHES programmatic accreditation documented | Marketed as CCMA preparation; not described as CMA (AAMA) or RMA specific | Designed to qualify for a CCMA-style exam; typically not CMA (AAMA) eligible; RMA may be limited depending on certifier rules |
| Norfolk Allied Health Training Center - Medical Assistant (Norfolk campus) | No CAAHEP or ABHES medical assisting accreditation; individual nurse aide and medication aide classes approved by Virginia Board of Nursing | Does not list specific alignment with CMA (AAMA), RMA, or CCMA | Generally not directly CMA (AAMA) eligible; may need substantial work experience or alternate route; RMA and some CCMA pathways may be limited |
| Norfolk-area short medical assistant courses highlighted by NPSCerts | State-qualified training but not CAAHEP or ABHES accredited | No specific CMA/RMA/CCMA alignment; typically used with vendor-specific national exams that accept short-course training | Not CMA (AAMA) eligible based on education; RMA and CCMA eligibility depends on each certifier's acceptance of non-accredited short-course training |
| Virginia CAAHEP/ABHES-accredited medical assistant programs (statewide guidance) | CAAHEP or ABHES | Aligned with national certifications, specifically CMA (AAMA), and commonly accepted by RMA and CCMA certifiers | Meets CMA (AAMA) education requirement; typically qualifies for RMA and CCMA exams |
Clinical Externships and Hands-On Training in Hampton Roads
A medical assistant externship is the stretch of your medical assistant training where you leave the classroom and practice real clinical and administrative tasks in a working healthcare setting under supervision. In Norfolk and Hampton Roads, this is often 160 to 200 hours, though the exact number depends on the program.
Common hour ranges and structures
- 180 hours: Herzing's Virginia medical assisting program requires 180 externship hours, typically completed over eight weeks at 25 to 40 hours per week.
- 450 total hands-on hours: Sentara College of Health Sciences builds labs, simulation, and clinicals into its one-year hybrid program. The clinical rotation is completed at area facilities in Hampton Roads, not at a single fixed site.
- Shorter administrative placements: Some medical administrative assistant guides recommend 40 to 80 hours, but those are not the same as a full medical assistant externship.2
Where Norfolk students often train
Commonly referenced sites for student placements in Hampton Roads include Sentara hospitals such as Sentara Norfolk General and Sentara Virginia Beach, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Riverside Regional Medical Center, and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.2 CHKD accepts medical assistant students in inpatient and outpatient areas, including its main Norfolk hospital, using faculty-led group rotations or one-to-one preceptorships.1 Bon Secours clinics are sometimes mentioned in local student-placement discussions, but a formal medical assistant externship partnership is not consistently published, so confirm current availability with the school.
Why the externship matters
This hands-on block is your strongest local job-search tool. You meet supervisors, prove your skills in a real Hampton Roads practice, and often get a reference or an interview before graduation. Some programs coordinate the placement and site for you; others expect you to secure the host, especially for shorter or administrative-focused placements. Ask before enrolling who arranges the site, what shifts are required, and whether the hours can be completed close to home.
Admissions Requirements and Free Training Programs in Norfolk
Most Norfolk-area medical assistant programs follow a similar admissions checklist, but exact requirements vary by school, check each program’s page before applying.
- High school diploma or GEDMost programs require a high school diploma or GED, and you generally need to be at least 18 years old.
- Completed applicationSubmit the school’s application and be ready for an interview or information session.
- Placement testMany schools use a placement test such as the Wonderlic or TABE, though exact score requirements are not always published.
- Background check and drug screenExpect a criminal background check; drug screening is common because clinical sites often require it, but policies vary by program.
- Immunization recordsYou’ll typically need immunization records, and some programs also ask for TB and hepatitis testing.
- CPR certificationCPR may not be required at application, but many programs require it before clinicals or graduation, confirm the timing with your school.
- Free and subsidized trainingVirginia Peninsula Community College’s Clinical Medical Assistant course is $3,900 total but can be $0 for income-eligible students; its administrative assistant course is $2,166. Ask your program about WIOA, Norfolk Works, Virginia Ready Initiative, or employer tuition assistance, availability varies and is not guaranteed for every school.
- Workforce pathwaysHampton Roads Workforce Council’s Healthcare Career Pathways (July 2025–June 2026) supports 20 underserved job seekers in medical assisting/administration, and regional apprenticeships combine paid work with training.
In the most recent reporting period from July 2024 through April 2025, the AAMA reported a 69% first-time pass rate for the CMA (AAMA) exam, with 2,680 first-time administrations among 4,171 exams given.
How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in Virginia
The tradeoff here is simple: Virginia does not legally require you to hold a certification to work as a medical assistant, but almost every hospital and clinic in the Norfolk area will filter your resume out if you don't have one. Skipping certification saves you an exam fee upfront and costs you interviews for years.
The Four Steps
- Finish an accredited program: Look for CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation. This is the ticket that lets you sit for the major exams.
- Complete your clinical hours: Most programs build in a 160 to 200 hour externship. You cannot test without them.
- Pass a national exam: Register with one of the three main certifying bodies (below), study for four to eight weeks, and take the test.
- Recertify on schedule: Every two to five years, depending on the credential, through continuing education credits or a re-exam.
The Three Credentials Employers Recognize
- CMA through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES program.
- RMA through American Medical Technologists (AMT). Multiple eligibility routes, including military experience.
- CCMA through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Common among career-college graduates and often the fastest path.
Most Norfolk employers, including Sentara, Bon Secours, and Chesapeake Regional, accept any of the three. That said, preferences vary by department and hiring manager. Before you enroll, call the HR line at the two or three employers you'd most like to work for and ask which credentials their MA job postings list. A five-minute call can save you a year of second-guessing your program choice.
Top Medical Assistant Programs for Norfolk Students
Below are the top medical assistant programs for Norfolk students, ranked by IPEDS completion data, accreditation status, and program fit. Each option within the Norfolk metro offers campus, online, or hybrid formats, and we have noted the published net price and institution-wide graduation rate where available.
ECPI University
#1Virginia Beach, VA · $23,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Hands-on learners seeking accelerated entry
This Virginia Beach college offers both an associate degree and a diploma in medical assisting, with on-campus labs and a five-week externship built in. The published net price is around $22,965, and about 42% of first-time students graduate. The 15-month associate path includes 61 credits, while the diploma track is 11 months and 46 credits.
- 15-month accelerated program
- 61 total credit hours
- Five-week externship included
- Prepares for CMA, RMA, CPT, or EKG
- On-campus hands-on labs
- 11-month full-time schedule
- 46 total credit hours
- ABHES accredited
- Prepares for Certified Medical Assistant Exam (AAMA)
Tidewater Community College
#2Norfolk, VA · $12,000/yr
Best for: Budget-conscious Norfolk area adults
Located in Norfolk, this community college offers a clinical medical assisting certificate with both daytime and evening sections. The program lists total tuition at $3,240, and students may qualify for a Workforce Credential Grant that reduces out-of-pocket costs. The published net price is about $11,762, and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 32%.
- $3,240 total program tuition
- 120 clinical hours
- Prepares for CCMA exam
- Daytime and evening sessions
- Workforce Credential Grant eligible
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach
#3Virginia Beach, VA · $12,000/yr
Best for: Students wanting built-in internship
This Virginia Beach college offers an associate degree in medical assisting that can be completed in under two years. The program includes a built-in internship and covers clinical and administrative coursework. The published net price is about $12,038, and the institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 24%.
- 62 total credits
- Under two years to complete
- Includes an internship
- Prepares for CMA or RMA
- Available on campus in Virginia Beach
Sentara College of Health Sciences
#4Chesapeake, VA
This Chesapeake health sciences college offers a one-year medical assistant certificate that blends online coursework with on-campus labs and clinicals. Students complete over 450 hours of hands-on experience, and Sentara employees may qualify for full tuition assistance. Published net price and graduation rate data are not available for this school.
- Hybrid online and on-campus format
- One-year program
- 450 clinical hours
- Prepares for NHA certification
- Tuition assistance for Sentara employees
Centura College-Chesapeake
#5Chesapeake, VA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
This Chesapeake campus offers an online associate of occupational science in medical assisting that can be completed in 15 months. The program requires 60 credits and includes clinical and administrative training. The published net price is about $26,988, and the institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 78%.
- 15-month program length
- Online course format
- 60 total credits
- No prior experience required
- Prepares for industry certification
Centura College-Norfolk
#6Norfolk, VA · $31,000/yr (net price)
The Norfolk campus offers both an online associate degree and a campus-based diploma in medical assisting. The associate path is 15 months and 60 credits; the diploma is 12 months and 36 credits. Published net price is about $31,032, and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 73%.
- 15-month program length
- Online course format
- 60 total credit hours
- 17 courses included
- 12-month program
- 36 total credit hours
- Prepares for CMA (AAMA) or RMA
- Day and evening classes available
Centura College-Virginia Beach
#7Virginia Beach, VA · $17,000/yr
This Virginia Beach campus offers an online associate of occupational science in medical assisting, completed in 15 months with 60 credits. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical skills and administrative tasks. Published net price is not available, and the institution-wide graduation rate is about 71%.
- 15-month program length
- Online course format
- 60 total credits
- No prior experience required
- Prepares for industry certification
Old Dominion University
#8Norfolk, VA · $13,000 – $34,000/yr
This Norfolk university offers a hybrid certified medical assistant program that combines online coursework with in-person clinical experience. Students can finish in as little as five months and earn three certifications: Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician. The published net price is about $14,638, and the institution-wide graduation rate is around 46%. ODU reports a 98.6% first-attempt pass rate for CMA students in 2026.
- Five-month hybrid format
- Includes three certifications
- National exam preparation
- Non-credit continuing education
Virginia Peninsula Community College
#9Hampton, VA · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Located in Hampton, this community college offers both a clinical medical assistant certificate and a certified medical administrative assistant certificate. The clinical track prepares students for the NHA CCMA exam; the administrative track prepares for the NHA CMAA exam. The published net price is about $7,012, and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 34%.
- Prepares for NHA CCMA
- Hands-on clinical training
- Fast Forward scholarship eligible
- No prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NHA CMAA
- Four total courses
- Includes NHA exam voucher
- Eligible for G3 Tuition Assistance
Virginia Wesleyan University
#10Virginia Beach, VA · $20,000/yr (net price)
This Virginia Beach university offers a 100% online certified clinical medical assistant certificate with no prerequisites. The program includes a CCMA exam voucher and is designed for entry into hospitals, physicians' offices, and outpatient clinics. The published net price is about $19,676, and the institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 42%.
- 100% online course
- CCMA exam voucher included
- No prerequisites required
- Prepares for NHA CCMA
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Assistant Programs in Norfolk
Aspiring medical assistants in Norfolk often ask about time, cost, accreditation, certification, and online flexibility. Here are direct answers based on the program details covered earlier in this guide.
How long is medical assistant training in Norfolk, VA?
Often about 7 to 15 months depending on the school and pace. Fortis College Norfolk's undergraduate certificate is typically one year or less of full-time study.1 Centura College Norfolk is listed by a third-party 2026 ranking as a 12-month on-campus diploma and a 15-month online associate, so treat that as indicative. CCI Training's Virginia online program can be as short as 7 months.2
How much does medical assistant school cost in Norfolk, VA?
Costs vary, and some Norfolk schools have not published one clear tuition figure. Fortis College Norfolk does not list a program cost in available sources, so contact the school directly.1 A 2026 ranking page reports Centura College Norfolk's total program tuition as $3,240, but does not specify which track. A Virginia online program through CCI Training totals $14,700, but is not Norfolk-based.2
Which schools in Norfolk offer accredited medical assistant programs?
Fortis College Norfolk is the only Norfolk school with a direct accreditation statement in the sources reviewed; it is accredited by ACCSC.1 Centura College Norfolk and Norfolk Allied Health Training Center appear in local listings, but their accreditation status is not confirmed.4 Verify with each school before applying.
What certification do I need to be a medical assistant in Virginia?
Virginia does not license or require certification for medical assistants, so there is no state board exam.3 Employers usually decide which credential they want. Common options include CCMA, which can be earned after an approved program or one year of full-time clinical work,4 and CMA, which requires an accredited program and taking the exam within 60 months of completion.3 Check job postings for the credential employers prefer.
Are there online medical assistant programs in Norfolk, VA?
Yes, online options exist, though not every Norfolk school may deliver fully online. Centura College Norfolk is reported to offer an online medical assistant associate's degree program, about 15 months. Fortis College Norfolk has a medical assisting program but its delivery mode is not clear from available sources.1 CCI Training offers a Virginia online program that can be completed in about 7 months, but it is not Norfolk-based.2
