WashingtonMedical Assistant Certification Requirements

Regulation Details

Washington requires medical assistants to be credentialed through the Department of Health. Four credential types exist: MA-Certified (MA-C), MA-Registered (MA-R), MA-Phlebotomist (MA-P), and MA-Interim (MA-I). Each has specific education and training requirements under RCW 18.360.

Supervision Requirements

Washington requires MAs to work under the supervision and delegation authority of a licensed healthcare practitioner. MA-C credential holders may perform clinical tasks; MA-R may perform administrative and limited clinical tasks.

Most states do not require medical assistants to hold a state license or registration. However, all states define MA scope of practice through physician delegation and supervision statutes. Washington is notable for requiring state credentialing (MA-C, MA-R, MA-P, or MA-I).

CMA (AAMA)

CMA (AAMA): Requires completion of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program. Exam: 200 questions, 160 minutes. Fee: $250 (AAMA members) / $325 (non-members).

RMA (AMT)

RMA (AMT): Multiple pathways including accredited program completion, military training, or 5 years of work experience. Exam fee: ~$120-$195.

CCMA (NHA)

CCMA (NHA): Requires completion of an NHA-approved training program or equivalent experience. Exam fee: ~$155.

Accepted Certifications

While most states do not require certification, it is strongly preferred by employers. The CMA (AAMA) is the most widely recognized credential and requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. The RMA (AMT) and CCMA (NHA) offer alternative pathways to certification.

Minimum Education

Postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical assisting from an accredited program (required for CMA; other certifications may accept experience pathways)

Program Types

Accrediting Bodies

Most medical assistant programs are 9–12 months (certificate/diploma) or 2 years (associate degree). The CMA (AAMA) credential requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. Other certifications (RMA, CCMA) may accept alternative pathways including work experience.

CMA Exam Details

200 multiple-choice questions, 160 minutes. Covers general, administrative, and clinical knowledge. Must be a recent graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program to sit for the exam.

The CMA (AAMA) exam is the most widely recognized medical assistant certification. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions over 160 minutes. The RMA (AMT) and CCMA (NHA) are also nationally recognized alternatives with different eligibility pathways and fee structures.

State Renewal Details

Washington MA credentials must be renewed per DOH requirements; specific renewal period and CE requirements depend on credential type.

Regulatory Board

Certification renewal is managed by the certifying body, not the state (except in Washington). The CMA (AAMA) must be renewed every 5 years with 60 recertification points or by retaking the exam. The RMA (AMT) requires renewal every 3 years with 30 continuing education credits.

Prohibited Activities

Medical assistants may NOT: independently diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, perform surgery, interpret test results for patients, or provide medical advice. All clinical tasks must be performed under physician delegation and supervision. In Washington, MAs must not exceed the scope of their specific credential type (MA-C, MA-R, MA-P, or MA-I).

Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks under physician supervision. All clinical duties must be delegated by and performed under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Scope of practice varies by state — always verify your state's specific rules.