Medical Assistant in District of Columbia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC

Median Salary
$49,740
District of Columbia (2024)
National Median
$44,200
All states
License Fees
$250
Exam + application
Time to Complete
9-24 months
From start to licensed

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.

Medical Assistant Requirements in District of Columbia

DetailDistrict of Columbia
Licensing BodyDistrict of Columbia Board of Medicine
State License Required No
EducationCompletion of an accredited medical assistant training program or equivalent experience/training.
Exam AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT certification exam. ($125)
Application Fee$125
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesThe 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

Medical Assistant Salary in District of Columbia

The median medical assistant salary in District of Columbia is $49,740 per year, which is 12.5% above the national median of $44,200.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$39,000
25th$46,720
50th (median)$49,740
75th$56,460
90th (experienced)$62,630

District of Columbia employs approximately 2,530 medical assistants.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+12.5%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
112.3
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
811
Nationwide

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 District of Columbia Worth It?

Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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