Medical Assistant in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Median annual salary
$55,120
trending_up
+24.7% vs. national
BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.
engineering
18,430
Jobs (WA)
monitoring
Surging
+12.5%
10-yr job growth
payments
$230
Licensing fees
schedule
Varies by program (e.g., 9-24 months for MA-C programs)
Time to complete
route How to become a medical assistant in Washington
To become a Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) in Washington, you must complete a state-approved medical assistant training program with a minimum of 720 clock hours, including a 160-hour externship, and pass one of the approved national certification exams. Alternatively, you can pursue a Medical Assistant-Registered (MA-R) credential, which requires employer-attested training and is tied to a specific employer. All medical assistants must apply to the Washington State Department of Health, pay an application fee of $115, and renew their credential every two years.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
10th percentile (entry)
$43,810
25th percentile
$47,320
50th (median)
$55,120
75th percentile
$60,730
90th (experienced)
$69,320
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Washington. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Washington requirements
| Licensing body | Washington State Department of Health |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Varies by credential type. For Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C), completion of a medical assistant program from a school accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, including a minimum of 720 clock hours of training and a 160-hour externship, OR completion of a registered apprenticeship program, OR military training/experience. For Medical Assistant-Registered (MA-R), employer-attested training is sufficient, and the registration is tied to the employer. |
| Exam | For MA-Certified: AAMA, AMT, NHA, NCCT, or AMCA certification exam. ($115) |
| Application fee | $115 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Washington has one of the most comprehensive regulatory structures for medical assistants, requiring either certification or registration with the Department of Health to practice. There are four types of medical assistant credentials: Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C), Medical Assistant-Registered (MA-R), Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P), and Medical Assistant-Hemodialysis Technician. Applicants for MA-C must pass an approved exam within five years prior to application. An interim certification may be available for MA-C applicants who meet all qualifications except the exam. A Social Security number is required for online applications. All applicants must attest to completing high school or its equivalent, having basic math skills, and current CPR certification. Seven hours of HIV/AIDS training is also required. |
workspace_premium Washington license tiers
Washington offers multiple tiers of medical assistant licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant-Certified | N/A |
| Medical Assistant-Registered | N/A |
| Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist | N/A |
| Medical Assistant-Hemodialysis Technician | N/A |
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?
- check_circleWashington license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.5%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
arrow_forward
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Frequently asked questions
How do you get certified as a medical assistant in Washington? expand_more
To become a medical assistant in Washington, you need to complete the required education (Varies by credential type. For Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C), completion of a medical assistant program from a school accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, including a minimum of 720 clock hours of training and a 160-hour externship, OR completion of a registered apprenticeship program, OR military training/experience. For Medical Assistant-Registered (MA-R), employer-attested training is sufficient, and the registration is tied to the employer.), pass the For MA-Certified: AAMA, AMT, NHA, NCCT, or AMCA certification exam., and submit your application ($115 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a medical assistant in Washington? expand_more
Yes, Washington requires a state license to practice as a medical assistant. The licensing body is Washington State Department of Health. You must pass the For MA-Certified: AAMA, AMT, NHA, NCCT, or AMCA certification exam..
How much do medical assistants make in Washington? expand_more
Washington medical assistants bring home a median salary of $55,120. This exceeds the $44,200 national median by 25%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $43,810, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $69,320.
What are the fees to become a medical assistant in Washington? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($115) and application fee ($115). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Washington? expand_more
The typical timeline in Washington is Varies by program (e.g., 9-24 months for MA-C programs). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
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