Best Medical Assistant Programs in Tacoma, Washington (2026)

Comparing medical assistant schools in Tacoma, Washington starts with the local labor market and the credentials each program offers. For context, the state median annual wage for this occupation is approximately $59,290 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Tacoma Quick Facts

MetricValueSource
State median annual wage$59,290BLS OEWS, May 2025
State employment19,500 workersBLS OEWS, May 2025
Pierce County establishments340BLS QCEW, 2024
Pierce County industry employment20,000BLS QCEW, 2024
Pierce County unemployment rate4.6%BLS LAUS, 2024
Washington location quotient1.04BLS OEWS, May 2025

Nearby Cities

What You’ll Find Below

The school listings below are sorted by proximity to Tacoma. Each entry includes the school name, address, and the credentials offered. Use the Pierce County and Washington figures above as a reference point when comparing program length, schedule, and tuition.


Medical Assistant Training near Tacoma

Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $45,690 $21.97 per hour
Job Outlook 12.5% 101,200 jobs (2024–2034)
112,300 openings/yr

Certification & Exams in Washington

  1. Complete an accredited medical assistant certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical externship hours and build confidence with front- and back-office skills.
  3. Sit for credentials like AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA based on employer preferences.

Tips for Choosing a Medical Assistant Program

  • Confirm the school is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited if you plan to earn the CMA credential.
  • Ask about lab simulations, EHR training, and how externship placements are coordinated.
  • Compare day, evening, and accelerated schedules that fit your work and family commitments.
  • Review certification exam pass rates, career support services, and employer partnerships. Individual outcomes may vary.

Medical-Assistant Salary in U.S.

Median Salary $45,690 $21.97/hr
Average Salary $46,120 $22.17/hr

Salary Range

$36,050 10th pctl
$45,690 Median
$59,310 90th pctl
10th Percentile $36,050 $17.33/hr
25th Percentile $38,470 $18.50/hr
75th Percentile $49,180 $23.65/hr
90th Percentile $59,310 $28.52/hr

Employment & Outlook

Total Employed817,870
Growth (2024-2034)12.5%
Annual Openings112,300
Jobs per 1,0005.3

Medical Assistants (31-9092) • BLS OEWS, May 2025 • bls.gov/oes

Next Steps


About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.