$42K median salary • Top employers hiring now
Pennsylvania's healthcare industry employs over 750,000 workers in a state with two major healthcare corridors. UPMC and Penn Medicine represent globally competitive academic powerhouses. Philadelphia anchors eastern PA while Pittsburgh dominates the west. The state ranks 27th in health outcomes with varied regional performance. Pennsylvania's affordability (especially Pittsburgh) makes healthcare careers financially attractive. Major academic centers compete for talent driving strong wages.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Pennsylvania employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the PA healthcare job market:
Pennsylvania's healthcare industry employs over 750,000 workers in a state with two major healthcare corridors. UPMC and Penn Medicine represent globally competitive academic powerhouses. Philadelphia anchors eastern PA while Pittsburgh dominates the west. The state ranks 27th in health outcomes with varied regional performance. Pennsylvania's affordability (especially Pittsburgh) makes healthcare careers financially attractive. Major academic centers compete for talent driving strong wages.
PA salary ranges by experience level:
Philadelphia pays highest reflecting NYC-adjacent market. UPMC sets Pittsburgh wages with global employer scale. Cost of living varies dramatically—Pittsburgh is 89% of national average while Philadelphia is 110%+. Academic centers pay premiums. Lehigh Valley competitive. Rural PA pays less but affordable. Union positions available at many facilities.
Pennsylvania features two globally competitive healthcare corridors:
400 hires/yr
Pittsburgh, statewide (40+ hospitals)
Global healthcare giant and Pennsylvania's largest employer. 40+ hospitals with international operations. CMAs have extraordinary mobility. World-renowned transplant, cancer, and specialty programs.
250 hires/yr
Philadelphia (6 hospitals)
University of Pennsylvania's Ivy League health system. Consistently top-ranked nationally. CMAs work alongside Penn physicians in world-class environment.
180 hires/yr
Philadelphia, New Jersey (18 hospitals)
Major Philadelphia academic system with Thomas Jefferson University. 18 hospitals across region. CMAs have extensive location options.
150 hires/yr
Pittsburgh (14 hospitals)
Highmark's health system competing with UPMC. 14 Pittsburgh-area hospitals. CMAs benefit from UPMC competition driving wages.
80 hires/yr
Philadelphia
Temple University's academic health system serving North Philadelphia. CMAs serve diverse urban communities. Academic environment with community mission.
85 hires/yr
Hershey, Central Pennsylvania
Penn State's academic health system in Hershey. CMAs work in academic environment with Central PA affordability. State benefits available.
Where the jobs are in Pennsylvania:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Metro | 1,610+ | 35% |
| Pittsburgh Metro | 1,150+ | 25% |
| Allentown/Lehigh Valley | 370+ | 8% |
| Harrisburg/Central PA | 320+ | 7% |
| Lancaster/York | 275+ | 6% |
| Scranton/Wilkes-Barre | 230+ | 5% |
“UPMC is a global healthcare giant—world-renowned specialties, international patients, cutting-edge medicine. But here's the secret: Pittsburgh is incredibly affordable. I bought a house in a nice neighborhood on my CMA salary. The healthcare is world-class; the cost of living is Midwest-level. Best of both worlds.”
Rachel S.
Clinical Medical Assistant
UPMC
Started at $38K at UPMC. World-class healthcare in affordable Pittsburgh.
“Penn is Ivy League—the prestige is real. I work with specialists who are global leaders. Philadelphia has history, culture, and real neighborhoods. Yes, it's more expensive than Pittsburgh, but the academic environment and career advancement are exceptional. Penn on my resume opens every door.”
Marcus J.
CMA - Specialty Clinic
Penn Medicine
Advanced rapidly at Penn. Ivy League prestige in historic Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania's healthcare industry employs over 750,000 workers in a state with two major healthcare corridors. UPMC and Penn Medicine represent globally competitive academic powerhouses. Philadelphia anchors eastern PA while Pittsburgh dominates the west. The state ranks 27th in health outcomes with varied regional performance. Pennsylvania's affordability (especially Pittsburgh) makes healthcare careers financially attractive. Major academic centers compete for talent driving strong wages.
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