Washington Medical Assistant Requirements and Approved CMA Programs

Medical assistants (MAs) are among the fastest-growing occupations, overall, and within the health care sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16 percent growth in the employment of medical assistants through 2031. Washington State is one of the very few states that require a credential from practicing medical assistants. They must obtain the credential through certification or registration. As part of the preparation for practice, MAs must complete an approved medical assistant training program and pass one of four national competency exams to obtain the MA-Certified (MA-C) credential in Washington.

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MA-Certified’s perform the duties assigned by a state-defined list of practitioners, including physicians, registered nurses, advanced registered nurses, podiatrists, physician assistants, optometrists, and naturopaths. Washington State also recognizes three other categories of MAs: MA-Registered, MA- Hemodialysis Technician and MA-Phlebotomist.

The MA-Registered (MA-R) credential is assigned to persons who have not completed the requirements for MA-C status. They may hold other healthcare titles, and with the help of an employer earned MA-R status to expand their scope of practice. MA-Rs scope of practice is limited to the attestation of the employer and cannot be transferred to another employer. The scope of practice for MA- Hemodialysis Technician and MA-Phlebotomist is even more limited than that of MA-R. There are very few professionals carrying these limited credentials in Washington State.

Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are an important part of the healthcare workforce. In 2021, MA-Cs in Washington earned a mean average wage of $22.91 in varying regions. In private practices and clinics, medical assistants perform various clinical and administrative tasks such as rooming patients, collecting medical histories, measuring vital signs, assisting with medical treatments, and collecting co-pays.

Medical assisting in Washington is especially beneficial since MA-Cs have a broad scope of practice. Although the state is one of few that mandate licensure, the actual governance of the profession is the very thing that expands the scope of practice beyond that of other states where there is no specific legislation in place. Recent legislation even gave MA-Cs the ability to perform some duties without the actual presence of a licensed healthcare practitioner on site.

In one such instances, medical assistants can assist with telemedicine visits where they may be supervised by a healthcare practitioner through interactive audio and video telemedicine technology.

Another key benefit of medical assistant in Washington that may not be available in other states is the availability of programs at community colleges. The Washington Department of Health has specific policies pertaining to the educational preparation for medical assisting. Vocational schools and community colleges go above and beyond with program offerings that exceed the requirements even offering associate degree and bachelor degree programs. Medical assistant graduates can easily transfer credits into another healthcare program if they decide to pursue another profession in the industry.

Medical assistants are always in demand. There is a high turnover rate in the industry as MAs move on to other careers. The retirement of more than 27 percent of the workforce creates room for incoming MAs. These and other factors drive demand for skilled professionals, especially in private practices and clinics. As a result, MAs enjoy job stability, decent wages, and other benefits designed to reduce turnover, which can be costly to healthcare employers.

Medical assisting is one of the few healthcare professions that require short-term training. Within one year or less of training and certification, you can enter the workforce and earn a steady income. If you’re serious about a career in health, you can get started as a medical assistant and work your way up. It will give you some exposure to both the administrative and clinical sides of health care along with the opportunity to work with diverse healthcare professionals.

The stringent requirements for Washington Medical Assistants almost guarantee that you will be recognized and respected in any other state. The DOH’s requirements for accredited training or a rigorous apprenticeship ensure MAs have an excellent foundation to build on as they commence practice. Moreover, employers must attest to the MA’s ability to perform duties assigned. Your practice in Washington is a testament to your ability to go meet the requirements in any other state.

The certification required by the DOH is another plus for MAs. Almost 75 percent of medical assistants are certified by one of four certifying organizations. It attests to the quality of the workforce and the commitment to excellence.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Washington

Complete accredited training

Washington (WA) state law requires medical assistants to meet specific education and certification requirements to work in the state as a Medical Assistant-Certified. In preparation for licensure, you must meet one of the state-designated educational pathways as outlined below.

ABHES or CAAHEP Accredited Program

The candidate must complete a medical assistant program offered by a school accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); or

Regional or National Accredited Program

The candidate must complete a medical assistant program offered by a school accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the US Department of Education, which includes a minimum of 720 clock hours of training in medical assisting skills, including an externship of no less than 160 hours; or

Registered Apprenticeship

The candidate must complete a registered apprenticeship program administered by a department of the state of Washington unless the secretary determines that the apprenticeship program training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state. It is the responsibility of the apprenticeship program to ensure graduates are eligible to take a national certification exam.

Other Post-Secondary Education

A candidate who has completed post-secondary education with a minimum of 720 clock hours of training in medical assistant skills including an externship comprising of no less than 160 hours may also qualify for MA-C status based on the discretion of the secretary of health.

Military Training

A candidate who has completed military training or experience may also be eligible for licensure unless the secretary determines that the training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the requirements listed above.

All candidates taking one of the pathways listed above must request their transcripts to be sent directly from their school or organization to the Department of Health. Transcripts or other official documents must indicate the successful completion of the program along with the completion date.

An accredited program will also cover all or most of the points on the checklist below.

Duration of the medical assistant program: The state requirement for medical assistant programs is a minimum 720 clock hours. Programs covering this requirement can be completed in 9 to 12 months.

Employer-centered curriculum: Medical assistants preparing for MA-C licensure must be cross-trained to manage clinical as well as administrative duties assigned by a health care practitioner. Special areas of training include aseptic procedures, venipuncture, ECG, medication administration, intravenous therapy, hemodialysis, and phlebotomy.

Experienced instructors: Instructors who are acquainted with the state’s requirements and the complexities of medical assisting will provide valuable information to guide your success from the very first day.

Flexible formats: Hybrid programs are desirable if you want the convenience of online learning. The instructors should be prepared to provide the same support as traditional on-campus programs.

Hands-on experience: The Department of Health requires medical assistant programs to include a minimum of 160 hours of practical experience. This requirement may be acquired through simulation labs or clinical experiences at a health care facility.

Financially viable: Accredited programs are eligible for financial aid. You can also inquire about any scholarships, grants, or discounts to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Fringe benefits: Extra hours for specialized training, personalized attention, payment plans, and exam prep are some additional benefits.

Obtain Medical Assistant Certification

The Washington Department of Health recognizes the following certifying exams. You must pass one of them within five years prior to submission of an initial application for license.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

The American Association of Medical Assistants is one of the most recognized credentials across the nation. The AAMA exam is a multiple-choice exam comprising of 200 questions. It tests candidates’ abilities across several categories.

The principal categories and percentage allocation are as follows:

Clinical Competency (59%)

  • Clinical Workflow: Patient Intake and Discharge
  • Safety and Infection Control
  • Procedures/Examinations
  • Pharmacology

General (21%)

  • Legal and Ethical Issues
  • Communication

Administrative (20%)

  • Billing, Coding, and Insurance
  • Schedule Appointments and Health Information Management

Eligibility Requirements

There are a few routes to gain eligibility to take the exam:

  1. Must be completing or a recent graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assistant program. If you’re enrolled in a medical assistant program, you can take the exam no more than 30 days prior to completing the program and practicum. If you’ve graduated from a program, you must take the exam within 12 months of your graduation date.
  2. Must be a nonrecent graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assistant program. You’re considered a nonrecent graduate if you apply for the exam more than 12 months after graduation.
  3. Must be a CMA (AAMA) recertificant. This option is available if you previously passed the CMA Certification Exam and want to recertify the CMA credential.

Application Steps

  1. Confirm your eligibility to take the exam
  2. Make sure you understand the exam policies and information
  3. Review your documents to confirm your eligibility to take the exam
  4. Determine the start date for 90-day testing period – this will determine when you apply for the exam.
  5. Submit your application, pay the application fee of $125 for AAMA members or $250 nonmembers
  6. Verify your name, email, and postal address
  7. Schedule your exam appointment after your application and payment are processed
  8. Complete the exam and wait for the pass/fail notification
  9. Get your official score reports – within three weeks after your exam
  10. Your certificate or digital badge will arrive via email

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) awards the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential to persons who meet the eligibility criteria and pass the RMA exam. This is another credential that is widely recognized by healthcare employers in all states.

You can fulfill the requirements for RMA certification in several ways:

Through formal education-

  • Must have completed an accredited MA program within the past four years
  • Must have completed 720 hours of instruction that includes at least 160 hours of externship

Other training –

  • Must have completed a medical assisting work-study/training program within the last 4 years such as:
    • An apprenticeship program registered with the US Department of Labor (DOL)
    • A federally recognized State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA)
    • Workforce Development/Employer program

Work Experience

  • Must be employed as a medical assistant for a minimum of 3 years within the past 7 years – 3 years of full-time employment at 36 hours per week is the equivalent of 5,616 hours. Provide documents of both administrative and clinical duties on the employment letter
  • Experience must include both clinical and administrative duties
  • Must have a valid CPR card (copy of front and back). CPR training must include both theoretical and in-person demonstration of CPR proficiency.

Military

  • Must be a recent graduate, or scheduled to graduate from a formal medical services training program of the United States Armed Forces – Must have graduated within the last 4 years.

Instructor

  • Must have worked as a medical assistant educator for a minimum of five years, and have previously completed a course in a healthcare related discipline.

The cost of the RMA exam is $135. You can schedule your exam online after securing approval from the RMA.

You’ll receive official certification within 7 to 14 days after the successful completion of the exam.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is another nationally recognized certifying organization for medical assistants. Candidates who successfully meet all the requirements will receive the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. Candidates for certification may fulfill the requirements for certification via work experience or practical training.

To take the CCMA credentialing exam, you must:

  • Possess a high school diploma/GED equivalent AND
  • Have completed a medical assistant training program (within the last 5 years) OR
  • Have one year of supervised medical assisting experience, in the last 3 years

The exam is administered either at your school, a PSI testing center near you, or through live remote proctoring at the location of your choice.

For online CCMA exams, NHA will officially post your certification results to your account page within two days of scoring your test.

National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

There are three routes of eligibility to take the NCMA exam.

Route 1A/B – Current Student/Graduate

Completion of an ABHES or CAAHEP accredited MA program or another accredited post-secondary program comprising of 720 clock hours of training or a registered apprenticeship program. Provide diploma or certificate of completion or official signed transcript with graduation date.

Route 3 – Military Training

Completion of medical assistant training or its equivalent during US Military service within the past five years. The military training must satisfy Washington State’s training or experience requirements.

Exam content:

  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medical Procedures
  • Phlebotomy
  • ECG and Other Diagnostic Tests
  • General Office Procedures
  • Medical Office Management
  • Law and Ethics

Applying for the exam:

  • Submit your application and all required documentation 14 days prior to the anticipated test date
  • Pay the exam fee of $119

Apply for a License

A prospective medical assistant in Washington must choose a designated pathway and apply to the State Department of Health for a license to practice.

Medical Assistant-Certified or Interim Application

Complete the following:

  • Submit the application for certification with an original signature, date, and fee of $115
  • Sign and date the application as proof of:
    • Completion of high school or its equivalent
    • The ability to read, write, and converse in the English language
  • Submit documentation of accredited medical assistant training or apprenticeship. The training program should mail transcripts with the completion date
  • List in date order any professional experience and practice from the date of completion of the medical assistant training program
  • Submit documentation of medical assistant certification from one the state-recognized agencies
  • Submit an out-of-state credential verification form from each state where you hold or have held a credential
  • Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check

An interim certification may be administered to a person who has met all the application requirements except the passage of the examination. The interim certification expires upon issuance of the medical assistant-certified credential or after one year of issuance of the interim certification. The interim certification cannot be renewed.

Medical Assistant-Registered  

An applicant for registration as a medical assistant-registered who applies to the department within seven days of employment by the endorsing Healthcare practitioner, clinic or group practice may work as a medical assistant-registered for up to sixty days while the application is processed. The applicant must stop working on the sixtieth day of employment if the registration has not been granted for any reason.

Complete the following:

  • Submit the application for certification with an original signature, date, and fee of $115
  • Sign and date the application as proof of:
    • Completion of high school or its equivalent
    • The ability to read, write, and converse in the English language
  • List in date order any professional experience
  • Submit a completed endorsement from a healthcare practitioner or representative of a clinic or group practice filed with the department.
  • Submit an out-of-state credential verification form from each state where you hold or have held a credential
  • Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check
  • Must attest to CPR certification

As a medical assistant-registered, you may only perform medical tasks listed on the current attestation for endorsement. The endorsement is valid for as long as you are continuously employed as a medical assistant-registered by the same Healthcare practitioner, clinic, or group practice and you renew your registration. The registration is not transferable to another health practitioner, clinic, or group practice.

Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist Certification  

To apply for Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist certification in Washington, you must complete the following.

  • Submit the application for certification with an original signature, date, and fee of $115
  • Sign and date the application as proof of:
    • Completion of high school or its equivalent
    • The ability to read, write, and converse in the English language
  • List in date order any professional experience and practice from the date of completion of the phlebotomist training program
  • Submit documentation of completing a phlebotomy program through an accredited post-secondary school or college or a phlebotomy training program as attested by the phlebotomy training program’s Washington State licensed supervising healthcare practitioner, or military training or experience that satisfies the training or experience requirements. Transcript of any formal training must be sent to the DOH.
  • Submit an out-of-state credential verification form from each state where you hold or have held a credential
  • Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check

You may not practice as a medical assistant-phlebotomist without a valid credential.

Medical Assistant-Hemodialysis

To apply for Medical Assistant-Hemodialysis certification in Washington, you must complete the following.

  • Submit the application for certification with an original signature, date, and fee of $115
  • Sign and date the application as proof of:
    • Completion of high school or its equivalent
    • The ability to read, write, and converse in the English language
  • List in date order any professional experience and practice from the date of completion of the hemodialysis training program
  • Submit documentation of completing a hemodialysis program approved by the facility medical director and governing body or present any national credential as a hemodialysis technician which is equivalent to the hemodialysis training program or present evidence of military training or experience that satisfies the training or experience requirements
  • Submit an out-of-state credential verification form from each state where you hold or have held a credential
  • Must provide documentation of CPR certification
  • Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check

You may not practice as a medical assistant-hemodialysis without a valid credential.

Renew your Certification or Registration

You must renew your certification or registration every two years on your birthday. Initial credentials issued within 90 days of your birthday don’t expire until your next birthday.

Washington Medical Assistants FAQs

Are medical assistants required to be licensed or certified by the State of Washington?

Medical assistants must obtain a state-approved credential to practice in the State of Washington. The categories for credentialing include Medical Assistant Certified (MA-C), Medical Assistant Registered (MA-R), MA-Hemodialysis, and MA-Phlebotomy. Certification through a recognized organization is required for securing the MA-C credential in the state.

What duties are medical assistants allowed to perform?

While MA-R, MA-Hemodialysis and MA-Phlebotomy have a limited scope of practice, MA-C can perform a number of tasks delegated by and under the supervision of a health care practitioner. These include:

Fundamental procedures:

  • Wrapping items for autoclaving;
  • Sterilizing equipment and instruments;
  • Disposal of biohazardous materials;
  • Practicing standard precautions.

Clinical procedures:

  • Performing aseptic procedures – in some settings
  • Preparing of and assisting in sterile procedures – in some settings
  • Taking vital signs;
  • Preparing patients for examination;
  • Capillary blood withdrawal, venipuncture, and intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections; and
  • Observing and reporting patients’ signs or symptoms.

Specimen collection:

  • Capillary puncture and venipuncture;
  • Obtaining specimens for microbiological testing; and
  • Instructing patients in proper technique to collect urine and fecal specimens.

Diagnostic testing:

  • Electrocardiography;
  • Respiratory testing; and

Patient care:

  • Telephone and in-person screening limited to intake and gathering of information without requiring the exercise of judgment based on clinical knowledge;
  • Obtaining vital signs;
  • Obtaining and recording patient history;
  • Preparing and maintaining examination and treatment areas;
  • Preparing patients for, and assisting with, routine and specialty examinations, procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries;
  • Maintaining medication and immunization records; and
  • Screening and following up on test results as directed by a health care practitioner.

Administering medications.

A medical assistant-certified may only administer medications if the drugs are:

  • Administered only by unit or single dosage, or by a dosage calculated and verified by a health care practitioner.
  • Limited to legend drugs, vaccines, and Schedule III-V controlled substances as authorized by a health care practitioner

Intravenous injections.

A medical assistant-certified may administer intravenous injections for diagnostic or therapeutic agents under the direct visual supervision of a health care practitioner if the medical assistant-certified meets the minimum established standards

Urethral catheterization when appropriately trained.

Medical Assistant-Hemodialysis Technician

  • Perform hemodialysis when delegated and supervised by a health care practitioner
  • Administer drugs and oxygen to a patient when delegated and supervised by a health care practitioner

Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist

  • Perform capillary, venous, or arterial invasive procedures for blood withdrawal when delegated and supervised by a health care practitioner
  • Moderate and high complexity tests if the medical assistant-phlebotomist meets standards for personnel qualifications and responsibilities in compliance with federal regulation for nonwaived testing

Medical Assistant-Registered

Fundamental procedures:

  • Wrapping items for autoclaving;
  • Sterilizing equipment and instruments;
  • Disposal of biohazardous materials;
  • Practicing standard precautions

Clinical procedures:

  • Performing aseptic procedures – in some settings
  • Preparing of and assisting in sterile procedures – in some settings
  • Taking vital signs;
  • Preparing patients for examination; and
  • Observing and reporting patients’ signs or symptoms.

Specimen collection:

  • Obtaining specimens for microbiological testing; and
  • Instructing patients in the proper technique to collect urine and fecal specimens.

Patient care:

  • Telephone and in-person screening limited to intake and gathering of information without requiring the exercise of judgment based on clinical knowledge;
  • Obtaining vital signs;
  • Obtaining and recording patient history;
  • Preparing and maintaining examination and treatment areas;
  • Preparing patients for, and assisting with, routine and specialty examinations, procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries;
  • Maintaining medication and immunization records; and
  • Screening and following up on test results as directed by a health care practitioner.

Contact the Washington Society of Medical Assistants

Website: https://www.washingtonssma.org/
Email: contactus@Washingtonsocietyofmedicalassistants.org

CAAHEP & ABHES Accredited Medical Assisting Programs Washington

Bellevue, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Bellevue College
3000 Landerholm Circle SE
Bellevue, WA 98007-6406
425-564-1000

Bellingham, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Whatcom Community College
237 W. Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
360.383.3000

Centralia, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Centralia College
600 Centralia College Blvd.
Centralia, WA 98531
360-736-9391

Everett, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Everett Community College
2000 Tower Street,
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-9100

Kirkland, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
11605 132nd Ave NE,
Kirkland, WA 98034
425-739-8100

Longview, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Lower Columbia College
1600 Maple St.
Longview, WA, 98632
(360) 442-231

Mount Vernon, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Skagit Valley College
2405 East College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-5899
360.416.7600

Olympia, WA Medical Assistant programs:
South Puget Sound Community College
2011 Mottman Rd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
360-596-5200

Pasco, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Charter College
5278 Outlet Drive
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 546-3900

Columbia Basin College
2600 N. 20th Ave.
Pasco, WA 99301
509-547-0511

Port Angeles, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Peninsula College at Port Angeles
1502 East Lauridsen Blvd.
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
(360) 452-9277

Renton, WA Medical Assistant programs:
PIMA Medical Institute
555 South Renton Village Place, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 228-9600

Seattle, WA Medical Assistant programs:
PIMA Medical Institute
9709 Third Avenue NE, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 322-6100

Seattle Central College
1200 12th Ave. S
Suite 202
Seattle, WA 98144
206.934.4347

Tacoma, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Bates Technical College
1101 S. Yakima, Tacoma WA 98405
253.680.7000

Vancouver, WA Medical Assistant programs:
Charter College
17200 SE Mill Plain Boulevard, Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98683
(360) 448-2000

Clark College
1933 Fort Vancouver Way
Vancouver, WA 98663
360-699-6398