Medical Assistant in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary

$49,740

trending_up +12.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering

2,530

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Surging

+12.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$250

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a medical assistant in District of Columbia

In the District of Columbia, medical assistants are not required to be licensed or registered with the Board of Medicine. However, national certification is highly preferred by employers and may be necessary for certain clinical duties. Aspiring medical assistants typically complete an accredited training program and pass a national certification exam, such as those offered by the AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT. Medical assistants in DC must work under the supervision of a licensed physician or other authorized healthcare provider.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,000

25th percentile $46,720

50th (median) $49,740

75th percentile $56,460

90th (experienced) $62,630

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing body	District of Columbia Board of Medicine
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of an accredited medical assistant training program or equivalent experience/training.
Exam	AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT certification exam. ($125)
Application fee	$125
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	The District of Columbia does not require medical assistants to be licensed or registered with the Board of Medicine. National certification is strongly preferred by employers. Medical assistants must work under the supervision of a licensed physician or other authorized healthcare provider. There is no minimum age specified for practicing as a medical assistant, but training programs typically require applicants to be over 18.

Source: District of Columbia Board of Medicine

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

Wondering if a medical assistant career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a medical assistant in District of Columbia? expand_more

In District of Columbia, becoming a medical assistant requires you to complete the required education (Completion of an accredited medical assistant training program or equivalent experience/training.), pass the AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT certification exam., and submit your application ($125 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a medical assistant in District of Columbia? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a medical assistant in District of Columbia. Note: The District of Columbia does not require medical assistants to be licensed or registered with the Board of Medicine. National certification is strongly preferred by employers. Medical assistants must work under the supervision of a licensed physician or other authorized healthcare provider. There is no minimum age specified for practicing as a medical assistant, but training programs typically require applicants to be over 18.

What do medical assistants earn in District of Columbia? expand_more

In District of Columbia, the median pay for medical assistants comes to $49,740/year. — 13% higher than the $44,200 national figure. Wages range from $39,000 (10th percentile) up to $62,630 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a medical assistant in District of Columbia? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($125) and application fee ($125). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a medical assistant in District of Columbia? expand_more

The typical timeline in District of Columbia is 9-24 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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