Medical Assistant Programs Online in Washington: Top Schools & More
Obtaining medical assistant credentials in Washington can help you launch a fulfilling medical assisting career. This guide will help you with examples of excellent medical assisting programs in the state, what to expect from salary and job outlook, and what it takes to become a medical assistant in Washington. Read on to discover more about medical assistant programs in the state.
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What to Expect from Online Medical Assistant Programs in Washington
Aspiring medical assistants in Washington will find several paths to their career goals, including certificate programs and associate degrees. Some programs can take as little as six weeks to complete while pursuing the associate degree can take up to two years of full-time study.
Fortunately, online learning makes it much easier for working professionals, busy parents, or those with pressing obligations to complete their medical assisting education virtually, taking classes when time allows. Online learning might include synchronous courses, which require meeting virtually with classmates and professors at set times, or synchronously, where students work through the material at their own pace.
Many schools in Washington offer the education you need to begin your medical assistant career. Here are some of the state’s most popular offerings to help you search for your ideal online medical assistant program in Washington. Even if you don’t find the right fit here, you can refer back to these spotlights as a quality barometer when doing your own research.
Programs in Medical Assisting – Lake Washington Institute of Technology
At the Lake Washington Institute of Technology, students have a wide variety of choices. Prospective medical assistants looking for a top-notch online medical assistant program in Washington can pursue one of three options at LWTech:
- You can earn a 24-credit Medical Office Administration Certificate of Completion, which aims to prepare you to seek entry-level employment in a variety of medical office administration settings.
- You can pursue an 80-credit Medical Assisting Certificate of Proficiency, which will qualify you to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). LWTech’s Medical Assisting Certificate of Proficiency is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
- Or you can pursue a 90-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS). This program allows students to complete their studies through a flexible combination of online and on-campus classes. In the final quarter, students apply their learning during a 180-hour supervised clinical work experience in an outpatient facility. Students in the AAS are also qualified to sit for the CMA exam.
Duration: 4 months to 2 years, depending upon the credential
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $123.58 to $140.92 per credit, depending on residency
Admissions Requirements: Students must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years of age, and pass the required placement tests.
Curriculum: Focus on medical terminology, billing and coding, laws and ethics of healthcare, clinical skills, front office administration, and basics of care.
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Medical Assistant Certificate Program – Everett Community College
Depending upon the Medical Assistant Program option selected, students at Everett Community College can become certified MAs in as few as 15 to 18 months. The certificate option consists of 72 credits, but students can opt to go a bit further by pursuing an associate in technical arts (ATA) or transfer degree by completing an additional 17 to 25 credits. The school’s program also features a hybrid option that allows students to complete 75% of their classes online if they choose.
After the program, graduates are well prepared to take the CMA exam and find employment. In fact, Everett boasts a five-year average CMA exam pass rate of 82.67% and a 2022 graduate job placement rate of 80.77%. Those who need a little financial assistance will be happy to know tuition payment plans allow them to break down the cost of the program into three installments.
Duration: 15-18 months or up to 2 years for the ATA degree
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $126.36 to $190.15 per credit, depending upon residency
Admissions Requirements: Students must attend an informational meeting, have a high school diploma or GED, and follow the application requirements online.
Curriculum: Expect the basics of care, medical terminology, laws and ethics, front-office and back-office procedures, and the basics of billing and coding.
Medical Assistant Certificate Program – Herzing University
Those who are already working in the allied health field can take their expertise to the Herzing University Online Medical Assisting program, which takes anywhere from 10 to 20 months and requires between 24 and 60 credits. Those in the 10-month program will receive a diploma, while those in the 20-month program will obtain their associate degree. Whichever program a student chooses, they can rest assured that it is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Eight-week courses are taken online while the hands-on clinicals are possible at medical-based locations across Washington State.
Duration: 10 months (diploma) or 20 months (degree)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $515 per credit
Admissions Requirements: Students will enjoy rolling admission. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED to get started.
Curriculum: Medical terminology, legal and ethical concerns, and basic care are the standards for the diploma program, while the associate degree also has general education requirements.
Top Questions for Washington Medical Assistant Students
Many students have the same questions about medical assistant programs in Washington. From concerns about accreditation to whether you can complete a program entirely online, we’ve got you covered with the answers you need to make an informed decision about the program that’s best for you.
Can I complete a medical assistant program entirely online?
In short, no. As with most other training programs in the medical field, no online medical assistant program in WA that leads to certification can be completed entirely online. There are many facets of medical assistant training that require hands-on, practical experience gained through in-person labs and clinicals. This in-person training allows students to apply their learning from online theory courses so that they have a realistic understanding of the job and are adequately prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
How do I know if a program is accredited?
The first step in determining whether a program is accredited is to search for this information on the school’s or program’s website. There are two accreditation organizations specific to medical assistant programs—the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) — so one of these organizations will usually be listed. If neither of these is listed, research your school using the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.
How much will a medical assistant program cost in Washington state?
The tuition costs of online medical assistant programs in WA can vary. However, looking at a few of the most popular programs across the state reveals an average tuition of around $12,400. The spotlight schools above reveal a range of tuition prices but remember, the total price tag for completing a program will also include other expenses, such as books, materials, and various fees. Furthermore, opting for a program that offers scholarships and other financial aid can cut down on these costs.
What is the best medical assistant program in Washington?
Ultimately, determining which is the “best” online medical assistant program in Washington will depend on your needs. However, there are many factors you should consider when evaluating any given program. Aside from accreditation status, other vital considerations include a program’s student support, exam pass rate, employment outcomes, and tuition costs. Fortunately, you’ll find many online resources available to MA students, regardless of where you decide to earn your certification.
What exactly can medical assistants do in Washington?
According to Washington law, certified medical assistants are authorized to perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of a physician or other healthcare professional. Although the law subdivides these duties into eight smaller categories, the bulk of most medical assistants’ work involves clinical support, patient interaction, administrative tasks, and safety and compliance.
For example, certified medical assistants help keep clinics safe for patients by sterilizing equipment, disposing of biohazardous materials, and making preparations for procedures. They also interact with patients and contribute to their care by taking vital signs and patient histories, collecting specimens (including blood samples), administering certain medications, performing some diagnostic tests, starting IV lines, and assisting with minor procedures in non-hospital settings. If appropriately trained, a medical assistant may also be qualified to perform urethral catheterization.
Washington’s Continuing Education and Certification Resources
Those who have formal training to become a medical assistant must pass the Washington State Medical Assisting Exam or a national examination approved for medical assisting, and then apply for certification through the Washington Department of Health within five years after passing the examination. These national exams include:
- Certified Medical Assistant Examination from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant Certification Examination from the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Clinical Medical Assistant certification Examination from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- National Certified Medical Assistant Examination from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Examination from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
Those who don’t pass the exam can obtain interim certification that allows them to begin work while they study to take the exam again.
There are no continuing education requirements for medical assistants in Washington. The credential must be renewed every two years to keep the license current. Credentials expire on the holder’s birthday, regardless of when the license was originally issued.
Washington Medical Assistant Pay and Career Outlook Salary
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Yakima, WA | $37,720 | $43,030 | $54,870 |
| Wenatchee, WA | $38,920 | $43,280 | $57,710 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $36,570 | $43,920 | $54,570 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $37,550 | $47,080 | $57,870 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $45,580 | $58,660 | $70,470 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | $38,410 | $48,780 | $61,660 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $40,580 | $46,850 | $61,080 |
| Longview, WA | $38,960 | $52,230 | $58,530 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $37,630 | $46,530 | $57,730 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | $39,690 | $49,110 | $67,780 |
| Bellingham, WA | $38,880 | $47,820 | $59,130 |
| Washington | $40,660 | $52,600 | $66,500 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 16,720 | 20,030 | 3,310 | 19.80% | 3,010 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
