Get Your Medical Assistant Certification in Washington

Get your medical assistant certification in Washington and jumpstart your career in the medical field!

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Introduction

Medical assistants are in high demand in Washington state. With a certification, you can work in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. The roles of a medical assistant are diverse and ever-changing, but may include tasks such as scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, confirming insurance benefits, and assisting with minor office surgery.

In order to become a certified medical assistant (CMA) in Washington, you must first graduate from an accredited program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the national Certifying Board of Medical Examiners (CBME) exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be listed on the Washington State CMA Registry. You will need to renew your certification every five years by completing continuing education credits and passing a recertification exam.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who supports the work of physicians and other health care providers. Typical duties include taking and recording vital signs, patient histories, preparing patients for examination, assisting with minor office surgical procedures and routine laboratory tests, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and insurance paperwork. In larger offices and clinics, Medical Assistants may specialize in a particular area of medicine such as pediatrics, optometry, ophthalmology, geriatrics, or obstetrics/gynecology.

Duties of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are vital members of any healthcare team. They are often the first person a patient sees when they come into a doctor’s office or clinic, and they play a crucial role in ensuring that the office runs smoothly. Their duties can vary depending on the size and type of medical practice, but there are some common tasks that all medical assistants perform.

Before a patient sees a doctor, medical assistants will collect information about their symptoms and medical history. They may also take the patient’s blood pressure, weight, and temperature. Once the doctor is ready to see the patient, the medical assistant will escort them to the examination room and hand off all of the necessary information.

During an examination, medical assistants may be asked to assist the doctor with procedures like taking blood or administering vaccinations. They may also be responsible for collecting lab specimens and performing basic lab tests. After the examination, they will ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is complete and make sure that the patient understands any instructions from the doctor.

Medical assistants also play an important role in keeping the office organized and running smoothly. They may schedule appointments, answer phones, file insurance forms, process billing statements, and stock supplies. In some cases, they may even be responsible for handling billing and coding for insurance companies.

Benefits of Getting Your Medical Assistant Certification

There are many benefits of getting your medical assistant certification in Washington. One of the biggest benefits is that it will give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

certified medical assistants (CMAs) in Washington earn an average of $17.19 per hour, which is significantly higher than the state’s non-certified medical assistants (NMA). In addition, many employers in Washington require their medical assistants to be certified. This means that if you are not certified, you may have a difficult time finding a job.

Another benefit of getting your medical assistant certification in Washington is that it will allow you to work in a variety of different settings. For example, you can work in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or even a research laboratory. This means that you will have a lot of opportunities to find the job that best fits your interests and skills.

Finally, getting your medical assistant certification in Washington will give you the opportunity to advance in your career. Many certified medical assistants (CMAs) eventually become managers or even administrators within their organizations. If you want to move up in the healthcare field, getting your certification is a great way to get started.

How to Get Your Medical Assistant Certification in Washington

If you want to work as a medical assistant in the state of Washington, you will need to earn your medical assistant certification. In Washington, there is no specific certification that you need to have in order to work as a medical assistant. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned their certification from an accredited program.

There are many accredited medical assistant programs available in Washington state. To find a program that is right for you, we recommend that you contact several different schools and ask about their curriculum, admissions requirements, and tuition costs. Once you have decided on a school, you can begin the process of apply for admission and enrolling in classes.

Once you have completed your medical assistant program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. This exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Upon passing the exam, you will earn the nationally recognized CMA credential.

job outlook for Medical Assistants in Washington

job outlook for Medical Assistants in Washington

Medical assistants are in high demand in the state of Washington. The demand for medical assistants is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing number of people who are aging and requiring more medical care. The aging population is also resulting in an increase in the number of chronic diseases that need to be managed. These factors all contribute to the need for more medical assistants in Washington.

If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed your training, you will then need to take and pass the certification exam. After you have passed the exam, you will be a certified medical assistant and will be able to find employment in Washington state.

Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in Washington

Medical assistants in Washington state earn an average wage of $17.14 per hour, or $35,620 annually. Entry-level salaries start at $12.87 per hour, or $26,760 annually, and experienced medical assistants earn up to $22.48 per hour, or $46,790 annually. Medical assistants in Washington state earn more than the national average for medical assistants of $16.88 per hour, or $35,080 annually.

Top Medical Assistant Programs in Washington

There are many medical assistant programs in Washington State, but not all of them are created equal. If you want to become a certified medical assistant, it’s important to choose a program that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this growing field.

The following medical assistant programs in Washington State are among the best in the state, and each one can help you take the first steps towards a rewarding career in healthcare.

1. Seattle Central College
2. Bellevue College
3. Edmonds Community College
4. Clover Park Technical College
5. Renton Technical College

Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant in Washington

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Washington, there are a few steps you need to take. First, you must complete a formal education program from an accredited institution. Once you have completed your education, you will then need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam before you can apply for licensure in Washington.

Once you have completed your education and passed the CMA exam, you can then apply for licensure with the Washington Department of Health. Licensure is required in order to work as a medical assistant in Washington. The Department of Health will review your application and issue you a license if they determine that you meet all of the requirements for licensure.

Once you have been licensed by the state of Washington, you can then begin working as a medical assistant. Medical assistants play an important role in healthcare settings, providing support to doctors and other healthcare professionals. They may also be responsible for tasks such as patient care, administering medications, and keeping medical records

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified to work as a medical assistant in Washington?
A: No, you are not required to be certified to work as a medical assistant in Washington. However, certification may give you an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions.

Q: How do I become certified?
A: To become certified, you must pass an examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Visit their website for more information.

Q: Where can I take the certification exam?
A: The AAMA offers exams at testing centers around the country. To find a testing center near you, visit their website and search for “Washington”.

Q: How much does the exam cost?
A: The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of the AAMA. For non-members, the cost is $200. For members, the cost is $150.

Q: What is the passing score for the exam?
A: The passing score for the exam is 70%.