Washington has a higher than average ratio of medical assistants working within its borders, which means you can find work easily if you live here. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 31% increase in available medical assistant jobs between 2010 and 2020. That growth rate is much faster than that of other jobs. If you want guaranteed job security coupled with the reward of helping others, medical assisting could be perfect for you. Check out the information below to learn more about how medical assistant schools in Washington could carve the path for your future.
Washington Medical Assistant Schools at a Glance
You may notice information about the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) when you start researching medical assisting schools in Washington. These are accreditation boards that assess the programs different schools have to offer. Get an associate of science in medical assisting from a school accredited by one of those organizations, and you will have no trouble getting a job after you graduate.
There is a decent amount of competition for medical assisting jobs in Washington, so you need to do all you can to make your resume look good. One option is to take a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam from the National Healthcare Association or the American Association of Medical Assistants. This will show employers just how talented you really are. You can contact the Washington Society of Medical Assistants to learn more about how this exam works and schedule your appointment to take one.
Medical Assistant Jobs in Washington
Medical assistant jobs in Washington pay quite well. The average medical assistant here earns $16.73 an hour, which rounds out to be $35,330 a year working full time. The national average is only $13.87 an hour, making this a great state to be in if you want to make good money. Large cities like Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Olympia tend to have the highest paying jobs in Washington, but there are good opportunities throughout the state. With 13,690 medical assistants working here, you can rest assured that you will find work once you get out of school.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Washington
- Location: Vancouver
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $8,979
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Everett
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $8,056
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Bremerton
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $8,153
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Renton
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $10,170
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Spokane
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $15,071
- Accreditation: ABHES