Medical Assistant in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
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.
Medical Assistant Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Department of Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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. |
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 |
Medical Assistant Salary in Washington
The median medical assistant salary in Washington is $55,120 per year, which is 24.7% above the national median of $44,200.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,810 |
| 25th | $47,320 |
| 50th (median) | $55,120 |
| 75th | $60,730 |
| 90th (experienced) | $69,320 |
Washington employs approximately 18,430 medical assistants.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
AI Impact on Medical Assistants
Low AI Exposure (Score: 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.
Is Becoming a Medical Assistant in Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.