Best Medical Assistant Schools in Yakima Washington

Key Takeaways

• Yakima Valley offers three primary, reputable medical assistant training options: Yakima Valley College, Perry Technical Institute, and Charter College.
• Accreditation, externship opportunities, certification preparation, and job placement rates are critical factors when choosing a program.
• Most programs take 9 to 24 months to complete, depending on certificate or associate degree pathways.
• Medical assistants in Washington earn competitive wages, with strong demand in the Yakima area.
• Choosing the right school depends on your budget, schedule, and long-term career goals.

How We Ranked the Best Medical Assistant Schools in Yakima, Washington

To determine the best medical assistant schools in Yakima, WA, we evaluated programs using objective criteria that matter to students and employers:

• Accreditation: Institutional and programmatic recognition.
• Certification Preparation: Eligibility for CMA, RMA, or other national credentials.
• Program Length: Time to completion and scheduling flexibility.
• Tuition and Financial Aid: Affordability and access to federal aid.
• Externship Opportunities: Hands-on clinical experience in Yakima healthcare settings.
• Job Placement Support: Career services and employer partnerships.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the top schools serving Yakima students.

SchoolCredentialProgram LengthAccreditationExternshipFinancial AidYakima Valley CollegeAAS or Certificate4-6 QuartersNWCCU AccreditedYesYes (FAFSA Eligible)Perry Technical InstituteCertificate12 MonthsAccredited InstitutionYesYesCharter College (Yakima)CertificateApprox. 10 MonthsAccredited InstitutionYesYes

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Yakima

1. Yakima Valley College

Best for: Affordable public education and associate degree options

Yakima Valley College (YVC) is a public community college serving the Yakima Valley region. Its Medical Assisting program offers both certificate and Associate in Applied Science (AAS) tracks, providing flexibility for students who want either rapid entry into the workforce or further academic advancement.

Why YVC stands out:

• Regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
• Eligible for federal financial aid and workforce grants.
• Strong clinical partnerships with Yakima-area clinics and healthcare providers.
• Transfer pathway potential for students pursuing advanced healthcare degrees.

The program includes clinical training, administrative procedures, medical terminology, electronic health records, and patient care skills. Students are prepared to sit for national certification exams upon graduation.

Ideal for: Students seeking affordability, academic credentials, and long-term advancement opportunities.

2. Perry Technical Institute

Best for: Intensive, career-focused training

Perry Technical Institute offers a streamlined Medical Assistant program designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment. The program is structured around hands-on lab work and real-world clinical scenarios.

Key highlights:

• Approximately 12-month completion time.
• Strong emphasis on practical skills and externship experience.
• Career services support and employer connections in Central Washington.

Perry Tech is known locally for technical and healthcare training. Its focused approach may appeal to students who want a direct, skills-based education without general education coursework.

Ideal for: Career changers or students seeking a fast-track certificate.

3. Charter College – Yakima

Best for: Flexible and accelerated scheduling

Charter College offers a Medical Assistant certificate program at its Yakima campus. The curriculum covers clinical assisting, administrative procedures, pharmacology basics, and lab techniques.

What makes Charter College competitive:

• Accelerated completion in about 10 months.
• Blended learning options available.
• Built-in externship component.
• Career placement assistance.

This option is appealing for students who need flexible scheduling or plan to transition quickly into healthcare employment.

Ideal for: Adults balancing work or family responsibilities.

Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Yakima, WA

Medical assisting remains one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in Washington State. According to labor data, employment for medical assistants is projected to grow steadily over the next decade due to expanded primary care services and population growth.

In Yakima County:

• Average hourly wage: Approximately $20 to $24 per hour, depending on experience.
• Annual salary range: Roughly $41,000 to $50,000.
• Top local employers: MultiCare Yakima Memorial, Astria Health, community clinics, and private physician offices.

Graduating from a respected local program with certification eligibility increases job competitiveness.

Certification and Licensing Requirements in Washington

Washington State requires medical assistants to be credentialed through the Washington State Department of Health. Most employers prefer or require certification from nationally recognized bodies such as:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

Before enrolling, confirm that your chosen program prepares you for national certification exams and meets state credentialing requirements.

Admissions Requirements

While each school has its own admissions process, most Yakima programs require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Background check and drug screening
• Immunization records
• Placement testing or entrance assessment

Public colleges such as YVC may also require prerequisite coursework.

How to Choose the Right Program

When deciding between Yakima medical assistant schools, consider the following:

1. Budget and Financial Aid

Community colleges typically offer lower tuition. Private career schools may have higher tuition but shorter completion times. Always compare total program cost, including books and clinical fees.

2. Schedule Flexibility

Working adults may benefit from hybrid or accelerated formats. Ask about evening options if needed.

3. Career Services

Request data on job placement rates and employer partnerships. Strong local connections can improve your transition into the workforce.

4. Long-Term Goals

If you plan to pursue nursing or another healthcare degree, an associate pathway may provide smoother academic transfer options.

Online and Hybrid Options for Yakima Students

Some programs offer blended instruction where lecture content is completed online while clinical skills are taught in person. Fully online medical assistant programs are rare because hands-on training is required for certification and employment.

Students in nearby cities such as Selah, Sunnyside, and Union Gap can commute easily to Yakima campuses, making hybrid programs practical.

Estimated Program Costs

While tuition varies year to year, general cost expectations are:

• Public Community College: Typically lower tuition, especially for in-district residents.
• Private Career College: Higher overall tuition but shorter completion timeline.

Submitting the FAFSA can open access to Pell Grants, Washington College Grant funding, and student loans for eligible students.

Medical Assistant Training Timeline

Most Yakima programs follow this pathway:

1. Complete classroom coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, and administrative procedures.
2. Participate in laboratory simulations and skills training.
3. Finish a supervised externship at a local healthcare facility.
4. Graduate and apply for certification and state credentialing.

Depending on the school, this process takes between 9 months and 2 years.

Local Advantage: Why Study in Yakima?

Training locally offers significant career benefits:

• Access to healthcare networks serving Central Washington.
• Clinical placements that often convert into job offers.
• Lower cost of living compared to larger Washington cities.
• Growing demand driven by expanding healthcare services.

Choosing one of the best medical assistant schools in Yakima, Washington allows students to build connections within the same community where they plan to work, increasing employment stability and long-term career potential.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Assistant Schools in Yakima, Washington

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

Most Yakima programs take 9 to 24 months to complete. Certificate programs at Perry Technical Institute and Charter College are around 10–12 months, while Yakima Valley College offers certificate and associate degree options that can take 4–6 quarters.

Which schools in Yakima offer medical assistant training?

Yakima’s main options are Yakima Valley College, Perry Technical Institute, and Charter College – Yakima. All three offer medical assistant programs with classroom instruction, labs, and externship experience.

What should you look for when choosing a medical assistant program in Yakima?

You should check accreditation, externship opportunities, national certification exam preparation, program length, total cost, financial aid, and job placement support. Make sure the program meets Washington State credentialing rules for medical assistants.

How much can you earn as a medical assistant in Yakima, WA?

Medical assistants in Yakima County usually earn about $20 to $24 per hour, or roughly $41,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, employer, and credentials.

Do you need certification to work as a medical assistant in Washington State?

Yes. Washington State requires you to hold a credential from the Washington State Department of Health. Most employers also prefer a national credential such as CMA, RMA, or NCMA from an approved exam body.

Can you study medical assisting online if you live in Yakima?

You can complete some coursework online through hybrid or blended programs, but you still need in-person labs and an externship. Fully online programs are rare because hands-on clinical skills are required for certification and employment.