If a career as a medical assistant in Washington (WA) strongly appeals to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for medical assistants has been steadily on the increase over the last decade and is projected to grow by a further 29% over the coming years. In fact, it is predicted that an additional 183,900 jobs will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
This is much faster than average when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
Below you will find information on all the top medical assistant schools in Washington state as well as information on certification and licensing requirements and data on salary and employment levels.
Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in WA
- Find an accredited medical assisting program
- Fulfill certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a MA make in Washington
- Salary and employment data by metro area
- Explore related careers in Washington
If you wish to pursue a career as a MA in Washington you will need to first complete a high school diploma. In order to become fully certified (CMA) you will also need to have graduated from an accredited program.
Certification is not essential but it is generally preferred by employers.
Accredited Medical Assistant Schools Washington State
| College | Metro Area | Find Out More |
|---|---|---|
| Clark College | Vancouver | Request Information |
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood | Request Information |
| Columbia Basin College | Pasco | Request Information |
| Everest College | Everett | Request Information |
| Everett Community College | Everett | Request Information |
| Highline College | Des Moines | Request Information |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland | Request Information |
| Lower Columbia College | Longview | Request Information |
| North Seattle College | Seattle | Request Information |
| Olympic College | Bremerton | Request Information |
| Renton Technical College | Renton | Request Information |
| Seattle Vocational Institute | Seattle | Request Information |
| Skagit Valley College | Mt. Vernon | Request Information |
| South Puget Sound Community College | Olympia | Request Information |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane | Request Information |
| Walla Walla Community College | Walla Walla | Request Information |
| Wenatchee Valley College | Wenatchee | Request Information |
| Whatcom Community College | Bellingham | Request Information |
| Yakima Valley College | Yakima | Request Information |
Listed above are the top accredited MA programs in Washington.
Accreditation may be granted either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Medical Assistant Licensing Requirements Washington
Medical assistant certification (CMA) is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited MA programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Certification is not essential in Washington but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary in Washington
| Average Salary | $39,700 |
| Hourly Wage | $19.09 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $50,780 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $29,970 |
| #'s Employed | 13,500 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 13,500 people employed as MAs in Washington with an average salary of $39,700.
This equates to $19.09 per hour and is 20.9% above the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in Washington have an annual income of $50,780 whilst the bottom 10% earned $29,970.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in Washington
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $40,400 | $19.43 | 430 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | $38,390 | $18.46 | 320 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $34,170 | $16.43 | 550 |
| Longview | $37,100 | $17.84 | 210 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $39,190 | $18.84 | 240 |
| Olympia-Tumwater | $39,030 | $18.76 | 450 |
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett | $42,540 | $20.45 | 6,010 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $42,200 | $20.29 | 7,270 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $35,070 | $16.86 | 1,390 |
| Tacoma-Lakewood | $40,540 | $19.49 | 1,260 |
| Walla Walla | $31,610 | $15.20 | 100 |
| Wenatchee | $37,440 | $18.00 | 380 |
| Yakima | $36,080 | $17.35 | 500 |
Related Healthcare Careers in Washington
Medical assistants in Washington earn 30.5% more than nursing assistants there and 42.4% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $39,700 | 13,500 |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,410 | 29,910 |
| EMT | $68,970 | 3,570 |
| Home Health Aide | $28,620 | 9270 |
| Surgical Tech | $56,280 | 2,080 |
| Dental Assistant | $42,540 | 10,580 |
| Physician Assistant | $120,200 | 2,310 |