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. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Washington | $43,810 | $55,120 | $69,320 |
| Bellingham, WA | $42,630 | $48,430 | $59,520 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $44,830 | $49,470 | $62,420 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $38,890 | $47,980 | $61,540 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $43,620 | $53,140 | $60,920 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $39,630 | $49,370 | $61,470 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $44,060 | $50,300 | $64,410 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $46,610 | $58,850 | $72,640 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $38,680 | $47,200 | $59,730 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $37,070 | $46,670 | $57,220 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $39,320 | $47,830 | $60,130 |
| Yakima, WA | $39,630 | $47,890 | $57,450 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, 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.
Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Washington State
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,490 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Highline College
- Highline College’s Medical Assistant program offers a nationally accredited certificate that is a required step toward the Associate in Applied Science degree, ensuring recognized credentials for graduates.
- The program includes a 180-hour externship providing essential real-world clinical experience that prepares students for immediate workforce entry.
- Highline’s cohort model admits students for clinical courses only in Fall or Spring quarters, allowing focused and structured clinical training with peer support.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,490 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $981 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Whatcom Community College
- Whatcom Community College’s Medical Assisting program integrates health information technology throughout the curriculum, preparing students to proficiently use electronic health records and maintain patient information security.
- The program incorporates simulation scenarios that develop professionalism skills valued by employers and patients, enhancing job readiness through practical, real-world training.
- Students receive careful curriculum alignment with Washington state laws and industry standards, ensuring up-to-date education that supports eligibility for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam upon graduation.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $981 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,670 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Seattle Central College
- Seattle Central’s Medical Assistant program features a dedicated simulation lab, providing students with hands-on learning in a modern healthcare environment for enhanced clinical skills.
- The program admits cohorts every fall and spring with limited spots (24 students each), allowing personalized instruction and focused student support without prerequisite barriers.
- Graduates are fully prepared to take the national Certified Medical Assistant exam and apply for Washington state certification, boosting employment readiness and professional recognition.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,670 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,012 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Renton Technical College
- The Medical Assistant program at Rainy River Community College features an accelerated eight-month completion option, enabling students to enter the workforce quickly.
- It offers strong clinical placement support through partnerships with local healthcare providers, ensuring hands-on experience and job readiness.
- Students benefit from instructor expertise focused on both clinical and administrative skills, providing comprehensive preparation for the national certification exam.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,012 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,541 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Big Bend Community College
- The Big Bend Community College Medical Assistant program offers students eligibility for national certification through American Medical Technologists, ensuring recognized professional credentialing.
- The program combines comprehensive clinical skills training with externship experience, preparing students to work confidently in both front and back office medical positions.
- Priority enrollment consideration is available by submitting a letter of intent by a specified deadline, facilitating planned and timely admission into the program.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,541 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,412 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Clark College
- Clark College's Medical Assistant program is accredited by CAAHEP, enabling graduates to sit for the nationally recognized Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, enhancing job market competitiveness.
- The program offers flexible scheduling with evening and hybrid class options, providing opportunities for working adults to complete the certificate in as little as 15 months.
- Applicants benefit from a selective admissions process and receive free tutoring services to support academic success throughout the program.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,412 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,727 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Wenatchee Valley College
- Students in the WVJC Medical Assistant program benefit from an accelerated curriculum organized in 6-week course increments, enabling faster completion compared to traditional semester systems.
- The program includes a hands-on externship at a local healthcare facility, providing real-world clinical experience and meaningful employer connections before graduation.
- WVJC integrates National Healthcareer Association certification exam preparation directly into the curriculum, allowing students to graduate ready and eligible for industry certification.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,727 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,169 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Clover Park Technical College
- The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program includes a voucher covering the cost of the national CCMA certification exam, saving students exam fees.
- Students have the opportunity to become CPR certified and participate in an unpaid clinical experience, enhancing hands-on skills and employability.
- The program offers optional test-out exams for medical terminology, allowing students with prior knowledge to accelerate completion by bypassing certain course content.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,169 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,072 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Peninsula College
- The Medical Assisting program at Peninsula College offers a comprehensive unpaid practicum with at least 160 hours of hands-on clinical experience in ambulatory healthcare settings, enhancing real-world readiness.
- Graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on the national credentialing exam required for Washington State Medical Assistant-Certified credentials, supporting strong professional certification outcomes.
- Recent graduates report employment within six months post-graduation, reflecting robust job placement success and effective preparation for regional healthcare employment.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,072 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,693 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Yakima Valley College
- Yakima Valley College’s Medical Assistant program provides hands-on clinical practice in local physician offices, ensuring real workplace experience before graduation.
- The program offers a simulated allied health laboratory that includes patient examination rooms, business front office areas, and laboratory simulations for skill mastery.
- Instruction blends convenient online coursework with supervised clinical rotations, allowing flexibility without compromising practical training quality.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,693 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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