Apply to WCC

Medical assistants are the only healthcare professionals trained specifically for the physician's office and clinic. Under the supervision of a physician, medical assistants perform routine clinical procedures, such as:

• Injections and medication administration
• Patient intake 
• Phlebotomy 
• Removing sutures and changing dressings
• Performing EKGs and pulmonary diagnostic testing
• Assisting with minor outpatient surgeries and casts
• Handling basic medical lab and performing CLIA waved testing

In addition to clinical expertise, medical assistants excel in administrative roles, performing:

• Medical billing and coding
• Insurance verification and patient record management
• Greeting patients and answering phones
• Scheduling appointments
• Entering provider orders into the electronic health record

With opportunities to work in diverse settings—such as physician offices, chiropractic clinics, and optometry practices—medical assistants are indispensable in ensuring quality patient care and efficient healthcare operations.

Qualified medical assistants are in high demand, both locally and statewide, with wages averaging $24.23/hour in Whatcom County. (Source: Washington Employment Security Department, September 2024)

Employers

Local and regional employers of recent program graduates include:

• Access Living Inc.
• Bellingham Ear Nose & Throat
• Bellingham Urgent Care
• Family Care Network
• PeaceHealth Medical Group
• Pioneer Human Services
• Retina Specialists Northwest
• SeaMar
• Sumas Medical Clinic
• Swedish Medical Group
• Unity Care NW

Certification

Graduates of our Medical Assisting degree or certificate program are eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Passing this exam earns you the prestigious Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, recognized nationwide and opening doors to exciting job opportunities.

Additionally, the medical assisting degree and certificate programs align with new Washington State laws for medical assisting credentials and scope of practice.

Career advancement

Medical assistants have two possible routes for advancement. With further training and coursework, medical assistants can advance to other medical positions. For example, they can become nurses or physician assistants. Experienced medical assistants can also advance to other clerical positions. They can become health records technicians, secretaries, or bookkeepers. They may need additional training to advance to these jobs. (www.wois.org)

Career advisors in Entry & Advising, as well as medical assisting faculty, are available to help you explore your long-term career options.