Credentialing Information

Fee Schedule | Understanding your Application | Process for Approving/Denying Applications | Additional Credentialing Information

Apply for a Credential 

Medical Assistant Registered

Apply Online

Prior to applying online, review the following information that will be asked in the application: 

  • You must have a Social Security number to apply online. A U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) cannot be substituted. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must complete a paper application (PDF).
  • If you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions, you must apply with a paper application (PDF).
    • Do you have a medical condition which in any way impairs or limits your ability to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety? "Medical condition" includes physiological, mental or psychological conditions or disorders, such as, but not limited to orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, intellectual disabilities, emotional or mental illness, specific learning disabilities, HIV disease, tuberculosis, drug addiction, and alcoholism.
    • Do you currently use chemical substance(s) in any way which could impair or limit your ability to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety? "Currently" means within the past two years. "Chemical substances" include alcohol, drugs, or medications, whether taken legally or illegally.
    • Have you ever been diagnosed with, or treated for, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, or frotteurism?
    • Are you currently engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances? "Currently" means within the past two years. "Illegal use of controlled substances" is the use of controlled substances (e.g., heroin, cocaine) not obtained legally or taken according to the directions of a licensed healthcare practitioner. 
    • Have you ever been convicted, entered a plea of guilty, no contest, or a similar plea, or had prosecution or a sentence deferred or suspended as an adult or juvenile in any state or jurisdiction? 
    • Have you ever been found in any civil, administrative, or criminal proceeding to have:
      • Possessed, used, prescribed for use, or distributed controlled substances or legend drugs in any way other than for legitimate or therapeutic purposes? 
      • Diverted controlled substances or legend drugs?
      • Violated any drug law?
      • Prescribed controlled substances for yourself?
    • Have you ever been found in any proceeding to have violated any state or federal law or rule regulating the practice of a healthcare profession? If “yes”, please attach an explanation and provide copies of all judgments, decisions, and agreements.
    • Have you ever had any license, certificate, registration, or other privilege to practice a healthcare profession denied, revoked, suspended, or restricted by a state, federal, or foreign authority?
    • Have you ever surrendered a license, certificate, registration, or other privilege to practice a health care profession, in connection with or to avoid action by a state, federal, or foreign authority?
    • Have you ever been named in any civil suit or suffered any civil judgment for incompetence, negligence, or malpractice in connection with the practice of a healthcare profession?
    • Have you ever been disqualified from working with vulnerable persons by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)? 
    • If you will answer ‘No' to all of the above questions and have a Social Security number, you'll be able to apply for your credential online.

Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This check may be through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This may be required if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington State. This would be at your own expense. 

The application fee must be paid at the time you apply. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo or pay by ACH (electronic check). Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. This fee is non-refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online. 

An applicant who applies for registration as a medical assistant-registered with the department within seven days of employment by the endorsing healthcare practitioner, clinic, or group practice may work as a medical assistant-registered for up to 60 days while the application is processed. 

Note: The applicant must stop working on the 60th day of employment if the registration has not been granted for any reason. 

If additional documentation is needed, you'll be notified by email. 

There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application: 

We have an online application checklist (PDF) to help with the process. You may print it for reference purposes and reminders. 

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff at 360-236-4700. 

More information about applying online is on our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on the Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

To get important information about medical assistants, please select the green “Subscribe” button at the bottom of the page.

Apply on Paper

The following forms may be required to complete the application process. Please download and print the forms.

Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
  • Medical assistants-certified must renew their credential every two years after the initial renewal. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration date.
  • Medical assistant-hemodialysis technicians must renew their credential every two years after the initial renewal. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration date.
  • Medical assistant-phlebotomists must renew their credential every two years after the initial renewal. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.
  • Medical assistants-registered must renew their credential every two years after the initial renewal. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration date.

There are no continuing education requirements for Medical Assistants.

Medical Assistant Certified, Medical Assistant – Hemodialysis, Medical Assistant – Phlebotomist

Apply Online

The Washington State Department of Health requires that only the applicant or licensee may complete an attestation for an application or for continuing education. This is a legal attestation. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. The Department of Health can take action against people for perjury or for making a false statement they know to be false.

For further information, please review the following Washington State Administrative Codes (WAC):

Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This check may be through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We may require this if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington State. This would be at your own expense.

You must pay the application fee at the time you apply. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo, or pay by ACH/E-Check. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. This fee is non-refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

If we need additional documentation, we'll notify you by email.

There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application:

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff at 360-236-4700.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Review the online application video (YouTube)

Online application instructions are on our website. Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You'll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If you don't have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren't currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you will need to submit a paper application, as you won't be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process, you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you can look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on Paper

The following forms are required to complete the application process. Please download and print the forms.

Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
  • Medical assistants-certified must renew their credential every two years after the initial renewal. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration date.
  • Medical assistant-hemodialysis technicians must renew their credential every two years after the initial renewal. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration date.
  • Medical assistant-phlebotomists must renew their credential every two years after the initial renewal. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.
  • Medical assistants-registered must renew their credential every two years after the initial renewal. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration date.

There are no continuing education requirements for Medical Assistants.

Fee Schedule

2024 Fiscal Year in Review (PDF)

Medical Assistant-Registered

WAC 246-827-990 - Fees

  • Initial credential (application) - $115
  • Renewal - $110
  • Late renewal penalty - $60
  • Expired credential reissue - $40
  • Verification of credential - $25
  • Duplicate credential - $10

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.

Medical Assistant-Certified, Medical Assistant-Hemodialysis, Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist

WAC 246-827-990 - Fees

  • Initial credential (application) - $145
  • Renewal - $145
  • Late renewal penalty - $75
  • Expired credential reissue - $55
  • Verification of credential - $25
  • Duplicate credential - $10

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.

Understanding your Application

All professions within the Department of Health (DOH) are unique. While the sections identified below can often be found on most applications, it is important to be aware of the requirements and rules of your specific credential(s).

After you submit your application, please watch for email communication from DOH. Throughout the application process, promptly reply to all questions and requests. Delayed responses cause a longer wait for your credential to be issued. We highly encourage using our online application services.

Credentialing process flow chart

Contact information

Demographic Information

Demographic data is used to create an account within the DOH database, verify your identity, and collect contact information. Please carefully provide accurate and complete answers to all applicable demographic questions.

Military

It is valuable to indicate your military or spouse status on your DOH application. Appropriate documentation is necessary for all military-related applications, and it is important to be aware of the documents you need to provide to DOH. In some cases, military education, training, and experience may count towards attaining certain healthcare professional credentials. As a spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member, you may be eligible to have the processing time of your application expedited.

To find information and resources for military personnel and their spouses, visit the Military Resources website.

Personal Data Questions

All applicants must respond to the personal data questions, which focus on their ability to demonstrate the essential skills required for their profession. 

Carefully review all questions. Please note that “yes” answers require an explanation and additional documentation as outlined on your application. If applicable, please be aware of the necessary documentation and provide it to DOH as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.

Other Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

DOH must verify all other credentials. List all states, including Washington State, where credentials are or were held. If you have applicable credentials to list, you may be required to provide an Out-of-State Credential Verification form. This form can be found in the paper application packet or on the Apply for License page. The form must be sent to each state listed and returned to DOH.

Please remember to provide all in-state and out-of-state credentials, including active, expired, and in-renewal. Individual states may require a fee for sending your verification to us. Please check in advance to help expedite this process.

Education

To verify your qualifications, we must review all educational preparation and post-graduate training. Applicants must request official transcripts from the school(s) attended, and the school needs to send them directly to DOH.

Exam

In some cases, passing an exam may be required to receive your credential. It is important to be aware of whether this applies to your credential. Exam scores must be sent from the exam host to the department. For more information on exams that may apply to your credential, visit your profession page. 

Supervised Experience

Supervised experience may be necessary to receive your credential or maintain it as you practice. Supervision rules and requirements vary from profession to profession. Please visit your professions page to learn more about supervision requirements for your credential.

Important Reminders

Fees

Fees must be paid when an application is submitted. You can pay online while using the online application portal, or by sending a check or money order to the appropriate P.O. Box as listed on your application.

Applications with unpaid fees cannot be processed until payment is received.

Background Check

A background check is processed for every applicant. DOH may need to obtain a fingerprint-based background check with the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If this is required for your application, you will be contacted by DOH and it is your responsibility to complete the required steps to submit this background check.

Process for Approving/Denying Applications

We finish the final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete and complies with requirements in chapter 18.360 RCW and chapter 246-827 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted the required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify that the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Additional Credentialing Information

Contact and Connect

If you have questions about the application process, contact us.

If you'd like to join our interested parties list for your profession, join GovDelivery.