Do you need to be licensed to work as a medical assistant? It depends on the state in which you live. Some states have different regulations, so you should research the requirements for your state before pursuing a career as a medical assistant.
Here is a comprehensive guide to which states require licensing or certification to work as a medical assistant.
What Does Licensing and Certification Mean?
Licensing is a process controlled by state laws and regulations that gives people official permission to work as a medical assistant. Most states do not require medical assistants to be licensed, but regulations restrict medical assistants from doing specific clinical tasks unless they receive the appropriate medical training or in some states, if they are certified to perform those tasks.
Certification is a specific credential awarded by a professional medical organization that acknowledges the skills of an applicant, usually after taking an accredited training program, getting hands-on training via an externship, and passing an exam. Some popular certificates are the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Although most states do not require certification, employers may favor candidates with certification because it shows they have undergone training and can demonstrate competency. Many employers may require certification as a prerequisite to employment.
Which States Require Medical Assistants to Be Certified?
Washington is the only state that requires medical assistants to be licensed in order to work.
In New Jersey, Washington, you must have a medical assistant certification in order to give patients injections. South Dakota used to have the certification restriction for injections but removed it in 2021.
Do You Need to Be Certified to Work as a Medical Assistant in California?
No, there is no requirement for formal certification to work as a medical assistant in California. However, the supervising physician’s malpractice insurance carrier may require the medical assistant be certified by a Board-approved certifying organization.
Medical Assistant Certification Requirements by State
Here is a reference for each state and whether they require certification to work as a medical assistant. Additional regulations for each state are listed here also.
| State | Certification Requirements |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Alaska | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Arizona | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Arkansas | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| California | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Medical assistants in California can give injections after completing a training program where requirements are met. |
| Colorado | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Connecticut | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Medical assistants can administer vaccine injections if they have completed at least 24 hours of classroom training and 8 hours of injection training in a clinical setting. |
| Delaware | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Florida | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Medical assistants in Florida can give injections if they have completed an accredited training program, with 24 hours of classroom training and 8 hours of hands-on training in a clinic. |
| Georgia | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Hawaii | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Idaho | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Illinois | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Indiana | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Iowa | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Kansas | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Kentucky | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Louisiana | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Maine | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Maryland | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Massachusetts | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Medical assistants can give immunization shots after graduating from an accredited program, under physician or someone licensed to practice medicine. |
| Michigan | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Minnesota | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Mississippi | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Missouri | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Montana | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Nebraska | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Medical assistants must register as medication aides and pass competency exam to administer medication in clinics. |
| Nevada | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| New Hampshire | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| New Jersey | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Medical assistants in New Jersey must have a certification to give injections and can only do so under a physicians instructions. |
| New Mexico | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| New York | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| North Carolina | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| North Dakota | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Medical assistants must meet education, certification, registration with Board of Nursing to be able to administer medication. |
| Ohio | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Oklahoma | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Oregon | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Pennsylvania | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Rhode Island | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Medical assistants must be certified or registered to give vaccinations. |
| South Carolina | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Certified medical assistants in South Carolina may do some clinical nursing duties, but not IV tasks, if a supervising physician or person licensed to practice medicine is on-site and in close proximity. |
| South Dakota | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. As of July 1, 2021, medical assistants no longer need to register with the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. |
| Tennessee | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. Certified medical assistants may administer vaccines in an ambulatory outpatient clinic, and any other medications under the direct orders of a physician or nurse practitioner. |
| Texas | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Utah | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Vermont | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Virginia | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Washington | Certification required to work as medical assistant. You must also apply for a license with Washington Department of Health. |
| West Virginia | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Wisconsin | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
| Wyoming | No medical assistant license or certification requirements. |
Keep in mind even though each state may not require medical assistants to be licensed, certified, or registered, those may be required by the supervising doctor’s malpractice insurance.
Become a Certified Medical Assistant in About 36 Weeks
If you are looking to become a certified medical assistant, Campus Sacramento, formerly MTI College, has a Medical Assistant training program that will give you the skills you need to start your medical career. If you want to get your CPT I certificate at the same time, we also have a 48 week Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy program. If you need more information on financial aid, curriculum, or start dates, contact our Admissions team or call 888-675-2460.