Updated Content 06/11/2025
What is the difference between a Degree vs. Diploma?
Have you decided to pursue a healthcare career as a medical assistant, where you can directly impact a patient’s care and well-being? If your answer is yes, your next question is, how to become a medical assistant? WVJC offers options to help you decide what type of medical assisting training program best suits your individual needs. Students at WVJC have the opportunity to complete training and earn an associate’s degree in our online program. WVJC also offers students the option to earn a Medical Assisting diploma in just twelve months.
Continue reading this blog to explore the key differences between earning a medical assisting degree vs. diploma. Discover how WVJC’s training programs can support your journey toward a successful healthcare career.
Clinical Medical Assistant Degree Program
Students interested in earning an associate degree by taking accelerated courses should consider WVJC’s Clinical Medical Assistant program. WVJC’s Clinical Medical Assistant degree program prepares students to enter their careers in two years or less, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the field of healthcare.
Students in these programs will learn valuable hands-on clinical skills, including taking patient vitals, performing EKGs, and phlebotomy, among other skills. In addition, students can expect to complete coursework online, then complete in-person clinical experiences to practice their skills. At the conclusion of the program, all medical assisting students will complete an externship at a local healthcare facility, providing them with valuable real-world experience before entering the workforce.
WVJC graduates demonstrate to employers their commitment to education and future careers by earning a Specialized Associate Degree in Clinical Medical Assistant. Not only will graduates complete their training with an associate degree, but they will also be prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s(NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant*, Certified EKG Technician**, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician** certification exams. This showcases to employers that WVJC graduates possess the skills and knowledge acquired through their education and have undergone an additional layer of credentialing through an independent agency.
Because WVJC’s Clinical Medical Assistant program is completed in 18 months, students can expect to be challenged academically during their education. However, WVJC offers a robust support system, including instructors, career management, and other faculty members, to guide students throughout their journey.
Medical Assisting Diploma Program
Students seeking a career training program that enables them to enter the workforce in even less time should consider earning a Medical Assisting diploma from WVJC. The 12-Month Medical Assisting diploma program offers students the same training as the degree program; however, the curriculum is limited to a more basic skill set. Graduates may potentially need additional training experience to qualify for certain positions.
Medical assisting training materials encompass valuable medical office skills, including front office procedures, insurance processing, scheduling, and HIPAA compliance. In addition to medical office tasks, there are direct patient care tasks, such as checking vital signs, performing laboratory tests, phlebotomy, and more. These concepts will be reinforced through hands-on clinical experiences throughout the program, culminating in an externship at a local healthcare facility toward the program’s end.
In addition to completing their training with a diploma, WVJC alums will also be prepared to sit for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification* exam. This can show employers that you have completed your training in an accelerated format and can apply your skills and knowledge in a healthcare setting. In many cases, earning a certification from a third-party agency can set you apart from the competition, who may only have a diploma.
Students who complete the 12-month Medical Assisting program and decide to pursue further education to earn an associate degree have the option to continue their studies with WVJC to earn a Specialized Associate Degree in Clinical Medical Assistant. This can give students an advantage because it allows them to earn their diplomas and begin working and earning money while attending school to finish their degree.
Start Your Career As A Medical Assistant with WVJC!
Now that you know the differences between a degree vs. diploma, have you decided which type of medical assisting training program best fits your needs and career goals? The WVJC team is here to help guide you through the admissions process! So, take the first step by Requesting Information today!
*Certification is contingent upon passing this industry certification exam.
**Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Optional at own expense.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to West Virginia Junior College in any manner.