Medical Assistant in Kentucky

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$38,750
trending_down -12.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering
14,070

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Surging
+12.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$120

Licensing fees

schedule
5-24 months (depending on program type and certification)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical assistant in Kentucky

To become a Medical Assistant in Kentucky, individuals are not required to hold a state license. However, national certification is highly recommended and often preferred or required by employers. Aspiring Medical Assistants typically complete a high school diploma or GED, followed by an accredited medical assisting program. Upon completion, they can pursue national certification through exams like the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA). Medical assistants in Kentucky practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician or other authorized healthcare provider.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,220
25th percentile $35,510
50th (median) $38,750
75th percentile $44,040
90th (experienced) $47,100

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kentucky. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing bodyKentucky does not have a state licensing body for Medical Assistants.
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; completion of an accredited medical assisting program is often required by employers and for national certification.
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA)) are not state-mandated but are industry standard and highly preferred by employers. ($120)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMedical assistants in Kentucky are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician or other authorized healthcare provider, who is responsible for ensuring the MA is competent. While not state-mandated, national certification is strongly preferred by employers. Age requirements for training programs typically include being over 18, and a clean background check is often required.

Source: Kentucky does not have a state licensing body for Medical Assistants.

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+12.5%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
112,300
Nationwide per year
Total employment
811,000
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure 0.15/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.5%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a medical assistant in Kentucky? expand_more
To become a medical assistant in Kentucky, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; completion of an accredited medical assisting program is often required by employers and for national certification.), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA)) are not state-mandated but are industry standard and highly preferred by employers..
Can I work as a medical assistant in Kentucky without a license? expand_more
Kentucky does not require a state license for medical assistants. Note: Medical assistants in Kentucky are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician or other authorized healthcare provider, who is responsible for ensuring the MA is competent. While not state-mandated, national certification is strongly preferred by employers. Age requirements for training programs typically include being over 18, and a clean background check is often required.
What do medical assistants earn in Kentucky? expand_more
medical assistants in Kentucky earn a median of $38,750 annually. — 12% under the $44,200 national average. The range spans from $30,220 at the entry level to $47,100 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a medical assistant in Kentucky? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($120) and required training.
How many months or years does medical assistant certification take in Kentucky? expand_more
The typical timeline in Kentucky is 5-24 months (depending on program type and certification). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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