Medical Assistant Programs in Washington

Washington Medical Assistant - Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant in Washington

Upon entering the workforce, even entry level medical assistants earn a decent hourly wage. The average hourly wage of medical assistants throughout the U.S. is $9.67 to $16.64. Since some medical assistants work overtime, the hourly rate runs between $12.78 and $25.14 per hour. Although most medical assistants work a typical 40 hour work week, some put in 60 or more hours per week. Medical assistants employed in the state of Washington generally make $34,470 per year, which means Washington is among the top 5 paying states for this occupation. Some cities pay higher than others such as Seattle, which offers up to $44,239 per year for this position.

There are a variety of medical assistant programs available throughout the state of Washington. Many medical assistants have obtained their CMA or RMA. In the state of Washington, certification is a requirement rather than a suggestion. You can take steps to become a medical assistant as early on as high school, which means excelling in studies particularly related to math and science. Medical assistants may also be required to take a computer program so they can learn how to handle database programs and input patient information for the physician to review.

If you wish to become a medical assistant in Washington, review all of your options thoroughly. You must determine what certifications you need such as becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) or a registered medical assistant (RMA). You can usually obtain a CMA much faster than you can obtain an RMA. Most RMAs obtain an Associate's degree first. Topics of study will include biology and health sciences. Additionally, courses may also include clerical studies so you can learn how to keep patient databases and information organized and on par with the demands of the patient's physician.

Aside from what you learn while taking your courses, you must have great communication skills. You will work closely with patients so a great bedside manner is a must. You must know how to talk to them and convey your thoughts and ideas in a clear manner. More importantly, doctors rely on you as a form of communication between them and their patients. It is important for you to have a friendly and professional personality at all times. As a medical assistant, your hours may range between part time and over 60 hours a week. If you think you can handle the responsibilities and hours, look into medical assistant programs in Washington today.

Medical Assistant Schools Near You & Online in Washington

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Whatcom Community College

  • 237 W. Kellogg Road Bellingham, WA 98226
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Medical Assistant, RN
    (360) 383-3000

Olympic College

  • 1600 Chester Avenue Bremerton, WA 98337
    Programs: ADN, BSN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN, RN to BSN
    (360) 792-6050

Everest College

  • 155 Washington Avenue, Suite 200 Bremerton, WA 98337
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (360) 473-1120

Highline College

  • 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Medical Assistant, RN
    (206) 878-3710

Everest College

  • 906 Southeast Everett Mall Way #600 Everett, WA 98208
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (425) 789-7960

Everett Community College

  • 2000 Tower Street Everett, WA 98201
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (425) 388-9100

Lake Washington Technical College

  • 11605 132nd Avenue NE Kirkland, WA 98034
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (425) 739-8100

Clover Park Technical College

  • 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW Lakewood, WA 98499
    Programs: CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant
    (253) 589-5800

Lower Columbia College

  • 1600 Maple Street Longview, WA 98632
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (360) 442-2311

Skagit Valley College

  • 1900 SE Pioneer Way Oak Harbor, WA 98277
    Programs: CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant
    (360) 679-5323

South Puget Sound Community College

  • 2011 Mottman Road SW Olympia, WA 98512
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (360) 754-7711

Columbia Basin College

  • 2600 North 20th Avenue Pasco, WA 99301
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, LPN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN, Sonography
    (509) 547-0511

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

  • 6505 176th Avenue NE Redmond, WA 98052
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (425) 739-8321

Everest College

  • 981 Powell Ave., SW Ste. 200 Renton, WA 98057
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (425) 255-3281

Renton Technical College

  • 3000 NE Fourth Street Renton, WA 98056
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (425) 235-2352

North Seattle Community College

  • 9600 College Way North Seattle, WA 98103
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (206) 934-3600

Seattle Vocational Institute

  • 2120 South Jackson Street Seattle, WA 98144
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (206) 934-4950

Spokane Community College

  • 1810 N. Greene St. Spokane, WA 99217
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN
    (509) 533-7000

Clover Park Technical College

  • Tacoma, WA
    Programs: ADN, Medical Assistant, RN

Everest College

  • 20 N.E. 136th Ave, Ste. 130 Vancouver, WA 98684
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (360) 254-3282

Clark College

  • 1933 Fort Vancouver Way Vancouver, WA 98663
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN
    (360) 699-6398

Walla Walla Community College

  • 500 Tausick Way Walla Walla, WA 99362
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (509) 522-2500

Wenatchee Valley College

  • 1300 Fifth Street Wenatchee, WA 98801
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN
    (509) 682-6800

Yakima Valley College

  • South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd. Yakima, WA 98902
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN
    (509) 574-4600