Best Medical Assistant Programs in Spokane Valley Washington

Key Takeaways

• Spokane Valley and nearby Spokane offer several accredited, career-focused medical assistant programs with strong clinical partnerships.
• The most respected programs hold CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation, qualifying graduates for CMA or RMA certification exams.
• Program length ranges from 9 months to 2 years, with options including certificates and Associate degrees.
• Tuition varies significantly, from community college rates under $7,000 to private programs exceeding $18,000.
• Medical assistants in Washington earn competitive wages, and demand remains strong across Spokane County.

Why Choose a Medical Assistant Program in Spokane Valley?

Spokane Valley sits within one of Eastern Washington’s fastest-growing healthcare corridors. Nearby major employers such as Providence Health, MultiCare, CHAS Health, and local specialty clinics regularly hire trained medical assistants. According to Washington State labor data, medical assisting remains one of the most stable entry-level healthcare careers, with continued job growth projected through 2030.

Training locally means access to:

• Externships in established Spokane hospitals and outpatient clinics
• Lower tuition at community colleges compared to private institutions
• Shorter workforce entry timelines compared to nursing programs
• Evening and hybrid options for working adults

Below is a detailed comparison of the best programs serving Spokane Valley students.

Best Medical Assistant Programs Near Spokane Valley, Washington

1. Spokane Community College (SCC)

Location: Spokane, WA
Program Type: Certificate and Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Accreditation: CAAHEP accredited

Spokane Community College is widely regarded as the top public option in the region. Its CAAHEP accreditation allows graduates to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam through the AAMA, one of the most recognized credentials in healthcare.

Program Highlights:

• Hands-on lab training plus supervised clinical externship
• Structured preparation for CMA certification
• Competitive community college tuition
• Clear pathway into allied health or nursing programs

Estimated Tuition: Lower-cost public tuition for Washington residents, typically under $7,000 for in-district students excluding books and fees.

Best For: Students seeking strong accreditation, affordability, and employer recognition.

2. Carrington College – Spokane Campus

Location: Spokane Valley, WA
Program Type: Certificate
Accreditation: ABHES accredited institution

Carrington College offers a focused, accelerated medical assisting program designed to be completed in about 9 months. The program emphasizes clinical procedures, administrative skills, and real-world preparation.

Program Highlights:

• Accelerated completion timeline
• Built-in externship experience
• Certification exam preparation for multiple credentials such as CMA, RMA, and NCMA

Estimated Tuition: Typically higher than public colleges, commonly ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 depending on financial aid eligibility.

Best For: Career changers or adult learners who want a fast, structured path into healthcare.

3. Charter College – Spokane

Location: Spokane, WA
Program Type: Certificate
Accreditation: Institutionally accredited

Charter College provides a blended learning environment combining online coursework with on-campus lab training. The program may be completed in approximately 10 months.

Program Highlights:

• Flexible scheduling
• Small class sizes
• Externship with local providers

Estimated Tuition: Generally comparable to other private career colleges.

Best For: Students who need hybrid flexibility with hands-on training.

Side-by-Side Comparison

SchoolLengthAccreditationEstimated TuitionCredential PrepSpokane Community College1 year certificate or 2 year AASCAAHEPLower in-district ratesCMACarrington CollegeAbout 9 monthsABHES institutionHigher private tuitionCMA, RMA, NCMACharter CollegeAbout 10 monthsInstitutionally accreditedHigher private tuitionVarious national exams

How to Choose the Right Program

1. Verify Accreditation

CAAHEP accreditation remains the gold standard for medical assisting programs. Graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited school simplifies eligibility for the CMA exam and may improve employer acceptance.

2. Compare Total Cost, Not Just Tuition

Ask each school for a complete breakdown that includes:

• Lab fees
• Textbooks and supplies
• Uniforms
• Certification exam fees
• Background checks and immunizations

Community colleges often offer the strongest return on investment, while private schools may provide faster entry into the workforce.

3. Ask About Externship Placements

Clinical experience is where theory becomes practice. Confirm:

• Number of externship hours
• Partner healthcare facilities in Spokane Valley
• Historical job placement rates

4. Review Certification Outcomes

Strong programs openly share graduate pass rates for certification exams. Higher pass rates signal effective instruction and exam preparation.

Admission Requirements

While specific criteria vary, most Spokane-area programs require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18
• Background check and drug screening
• Proof of immunizations
• Placement testing or entrance assessments

Competitive programs may also require prerequisite coursework in biology or medical terminology.

Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in Washington

Medical assistants in Washington State earn higher-than-average wages compared to many other states. Spokane area salaries typically range from the mid-$30,000s to over $50,000 annually depending on experience, workplace setting, and certification.

Factors that increase earning potential include:

• Holding CMA or RMA certification
• Working in specialty clinics such as cardiology or dermatology
• Gaining phlebotomy or EKG expertise
• Pursuing supervisory roles

Healthcare expansion in Eastern Washington continues to support steady hiring demand.

Career Pathways Beyond Medical Assisting

Many graduates use medical assisting as a stepping stone. With additional education, you may advance into:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Healthcare administration
• Coding and billing specialist
• Clinic supervisor or office manager

Choosing a program that offers an Associate degree or transferable credits can simplify future advancement.

Smart Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

• What is the program’s most recent certification exam pass rate?
• How many students secure employment within six months?
• Are evening or hybrid classes available?
• What local healthcare systems hire your graduates?
• Is financial aid available, and what is the average student loan amount?

Visiting campus, speaking with instructors, and reviewing clinical facilities can help confirm that a program fits your learning style and career goals.

Financial Aid and Funding Options

Students in Spokane Valley may qualify for:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Washington College Grant
• Workforce training funds through WorkSource Spokane
• Veterans education benefits
• Institutional scholarships

Always complete the FAFSA early and compare aid packages before committing to a program.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Assistant Programs in Spokane Valley

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Spokane Valley?

Most Spokane-area medical assistant programs take 9 months to 2 years. Shorter certificate programs, like those at Carrington College or Charter College, are usually under a year, while Spokane Community College’s AAS degree takes about two years full time.

Which Spokane programs qualify you for the CMA or RMA exam?

You qualify for the CMA exam when you graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program like Spokane Community College. ABHES-accredited institutions, such as Carrington College, and other institutionally accredited schools may prepare you for exams like CMA, RMA, or NCMA, depending on their curriculum and exam approval.

How much does a medical assistant program cost near Spokane Valley?

Community colleges such as Spokane Community College often cost under $7,000 for in-district tuition, not including books and fees. Private schools like Carrington College and Charter College commonly range from about $15,000 to over $18,000 for tuition, depending on aid and program length.

What are the admission requirements for Spokane-area medical assistant programs?

You typically need a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and drug screen, and show proof of required immunizations. Some programs may also ask for placement tests or basic courses such as biology or medical terminology.

What is the salary and job outlook for medical assistants in Spokane, Washington?

Medical assistants in the Spokane area often earn from the mid-$30,000s to over $50,000 per year, depending on experience, setting, and certification. Washington State labor data shows steady demand through at least 2030, with strong hiring across Spokane hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.