Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Washington
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Medical assistants are in great demand in Washington, with double-digit job growth expected well into the current decade. Medical assistant schools and programs are available in several different educational venues in Washington, including community colleges and vocational schools. While medical assistant salaries vary depending on the area, the hourly median wage in Washington is almost $2 more than the national wage. Unlike most other states, medical assistants in Washington can become certified or registered by the state department of health. This shows that the state recognizes the contributions medical assistants make to healthcare in the state and understands the importance of ensuring excellence in the field.
Find out what’s required to join the ranks of registered or certified medical assistants in Washington, including education, certification and more.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Washington’s Top Medical Assisting Schools
Students interested in beginning a career as a medical assistant may wish to consider completing a fulfilling online program in medical assisting. Students learning in these programs develop skills in understanding medical ethics, properly processing medical billing and insurance, and even assisting in basic and advanced medical procedures. We’ve taken the time to look through the programs offered throughout Washington and compiled a list of the best schools in terms of student success rate and post-graduation job placement. Check below to find our list of the top medical assisting programs in Washington for 2017.
Renton Technical College
Renton, WA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,688
- Out-of-state$4,137
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled3,755
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
Lower Columbia College
- Longview, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,596
- Out-of-state$4,052
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,703
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Whatcom Community College
- Bellingham, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$4,305
- Out-of-state$9,750
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled4,152
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Clark College
- Vancouver, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,618
- Out-of-state$8,997
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled9,233
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
South Puget Sound Community College
- Olympia, WA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$4,127
- Out-of-state$9,458
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled4,974
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Certification & Training Requirements for Washington Medical Assistants
1. How does Washington State define “medical assistant?”
Medical assistants are skilled practitioners who perform a wide range of roles in healthcare settings while carrying out administrative and clinical duties. In addition, the duties of a medical assistant-phlebotomist include capillary, venous, arterial invasive procedures for blood withdrawal, CLIA waived, moderate and high complexity tests, and EKG. A medical assistant-hemodialysis technician operates a dialysis machine that helps patients with reduced kidney function eliminate toxic waste from their bodies.
2. Do medical assistants have to be certified in Washington State?
Washington State requires people in healthcare facilities who act as medical assistants to have a Department of Health (DOH)-issues credential. Practicing as a medical assistant includes duties such as administering vaccines and intravenous injections, assisting in certain medical procedures, and withdrawing blood.
3. What are the classes of medical assistants accepted under Washington State law?
There are four classes of medical assistants under Washington State law, each with its own education, training, and certification requirements, including (but not limited to):
| Medical Assistant – certified | Complete an accredited medical assisting training program or military equivalentPass one of the required exams (see below)Complete DOH application and pay a fee |
| Medical Assistant – hemodialysis technician | Complete a hemodialysis training program |
| Medical Assistant – phlebotomist | Complete an accredited phlebotomy training program or qualifying in-service training programComplete a DOH application and pay a fee |
| Medical Assistant – registered | Obtain an endorsement by a healthcare practitioner, clinic, or group practiceComplete a DOH application, submit attestation of endorsement, and pay a fee |
4. What certification exams are accepted by Washington State?
Washington recognizes the following certifications, which can be obtained by attending an accredited program and passing a certifying exam.
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)
5. Are medical assistants in Washington State allowed to call in prescriptions or prescription refills?
Because the medical assistant statute does not address prescriptions, medical assistants need to consult with their supervising healthcare practitioners to determine what their duties should be relating to calling in and refilling prescriptions.
6. Who can supervise a medical assistant?
The following healthcare professionals can supervise and take responsibility for medical assistants in Washington:
- Medical physician or medical physician assistant
- Osteopathic physician or osteopathic physician assistant
- Podiatric physician
- Registered nurse
- Advanced registered nurse practitioner
- Naturopathic physician
- Optometrist
7. Does Washington State medical assistant certification need to be renewed?
Yes. The credential must be renewed every two years on the credential holder’s birthday.
Washington Medical Assistant Salaries
Compare medical assistant earnings in Washington with national salary figures with the 2014 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data below.
| Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $30,890 | $35.280 | $40,620 | $16.96 |
| National | $25,500 | $29,960 | $36,070 | $14.41 |
Medical Assistant Salaries in Washington Cities
Medical assistant salaries vary according to the geographical area, as illustrated by the 2015 BLS wage amounts in the map below. The highest paying wages in Washington are located in the Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue area while the lowest wages are in the Kennewick, Richland area.
| Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | $32,670 | $36,830 | $43,470 | $17.71 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | $31,380 | $34,580 | $37,760 | $16.62 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $27,140 | $31,460 | $36,800 | $15.12 |
| Longview, WA | $29,950 | $36,810 | $43,680 | $17.70 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $32,740 | $35,980 | $39,230 | $17.30 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | $32,730 | $35,800 | $40,790 | $17.21 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $32,970 | $37,110 | $43,110 | $17.84 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $28,830 | $33,790 | $38,620 | $16.25 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $25,420 | $30,530 | $36,930 | $14.68 |
| Yakima, WA | $28,110 | $32,360 | $37,070 | $15.56 |
Trends for Medical Assisting Jobs in Washington
Medical assisting jobs are expected to grow 29 percent from 2012-2022. An increase in available technology and a growing population of older adults are contributing to the growth rate for Washington medical assisting jobs and the rest of the country. The table below compares Washington medical assisting job growth with national growth.
Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022
| Average Annual Openings | Current Employment | Projected Employment 2022 | Jobs Added | Growth Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 650 | 14,290 | 17,750 | 3,460 | 24.2% |
| National | 26,990 | 560,800 | 723,700 | 162,900 | 29% |
Washington Medical Assisting Schools Spotlight
While there are many medical assisting programs available at a wide variety of community colleges, private career colleges and vocational schools in Washington, we’ve chosen a small sample to help you begin your search.
CLOVER PARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE
School Type:
Community College
Accreditation:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
School highlights:
Students will receive HIV/AIDS and HIPAA certifications from the program
The program is comprised of five quarters of instruction
The school and students work together to choose externship site
Programs offered:
Certificate, Medical Assistant
OLYMPIC COLLEGE
School Type:
Community College
Accreditation:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
School highlights:
Graduates will be able to perform clinical and administrative tasks appropriate for an ambulatory healthcare setting
Coursework includes a practicum for medical assistants
Deadline for application is December 1
Programs offered:
Associate of Applied Science, Medical Assisting
Certificate of Specialization, Medical Assisting
YAKIMA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
School Type:
Community College
Accreditation:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
School highlights:
Job placement rate of 91% over past five years
National Board of Certification pass rate of 95%
Courses include topics such as medical terminology, medical coding, and clinical procedures
Programs offered:
Associate of Applied Science, Medical Assisting, Certificate, Medical Assisting
Resources for Washington Medical Assistants
AAMT-Washington Bill Fact Sheet
This document from the American Association of Medical Technologists outlines the medical assisting law that came into effect July 1, 2013.
Salary.com, Washington Medical Assistants
Learn about Washington medical assisting salaries and sort through job listings.
Washington State Department of Health – Medical Assistant
Find out how to become a certified or registered medical assistant and renew certification in Washington State.
Washington State Department of Health Credentialing Requirements
This fact sheet explains the requirements to apply for a Medical Assistant-Certified credential from the Washington Department of Health.
Washington State Society of Medical Assistants
WSSMA is a member organization under the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) that provides continuing education, scholarships, networking, accreditation information, and an online newsletter for medical assistants in Washington.
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