Most important takeaways…
- Olympic College admits 24 medical assistant students each fall.
- Median pay for Bremerton MAs is $51,770, above the national median.
- Washington's 2025 credentialing change allows EMT-to-MA pathway.
Medical Assistant Programs Near Bremerton, Washington
Compare accredited programs, costs, and local career outcomes within 30 miles of Bremerton
Choosing a medical assistant program in Bremerton means weighing proximity against program depth, since Kitsap County has only a handful of campus-based options but a healthcare sector big enough to absorb every graduate it produces. Naval Hospital Bremerton, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and a network of community clinics all hire MAs regularly, and that hiring demand shapes which training path makes sense.
Most students here aren't choosing between a dozen schools. They're choosing between one local campus, a short commute to a neighboring town, or a hybrid program that trades classroom seat time for clinical hours completed closer to home.
That tradeoff, convenience versus program fit, runs through everything from tuition to certification timelines.
Why Bremerton Is a Strong Market for Medical Assistants
Where can I actually get hired as a medical assistant in Bremerton after finishing my training? The short answer is: quite a few places. Kitsap County has a concentrated healthcare cluster driven by a major regional hospital, a big Navy presence, and a strong network of community clinics, all of which translate into steady MA job openings and diverse clinical experiences.
Major Healthcare Employers Hiring MAs in Kitsap County
The largest private employer is St. Michael Medical Center (part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health), with over 2,000 employees in 2024. The Silverdale campus and affiliated Franciscan Medical Group clinics regularly post MA positions. The Doctors Clinic, a multi-specialty group with more than 430 employees, explicitly says it is “always hiring” medical assistants. Peninsula Community Health Services (430 employees) provides primary care across multiple Kitsap County sites and often recruits MAs and dental assistants. Kitsap Mental Health Services, employing more than 600 people, lists certified medical assistant roles for its behavioral health programs. Smaller private practices, along with employers like Martha and Mary Health Services, Encore Communities, and Kaiser Permanente’s Silverdale location, add to the steady demand.1
Washington’s MA Credential Tiers: Why They Shape Your Job Options
Washington uses a three-tier system that directly affects what you can do on the job. MA-C (certified) is the gold standard: you earn it after completing an accredited medical assistant program and passing a national exam (like AAMA or NCCT). MA-Cs can perform a wide range of clinical tasks under clinician delegation, including some medication administration and injections. MA-R (registered) requires only that an employer attests to your competency; its scope is narrower and often excludes certain medication tasks. MA-P (phlebotomist) is limited to blood draws and specimen handling. Most Bremerton-area employers, especially St. Michael, The Doctors Clinic, and Peninsula, advertise for MA-C or “certified/registered” candidates. In practice, aiming for a program that leads to full medical assistant certification gives you the strongest job mobility. The exact scope-of-practice tasks change occasionally, so it is always wise to check the Washington State Department of Health website for the latest rules before starting a program.
A Military Healthcare Pipeline Unique to Bremerton
Naval Base Kitsap is the county’s largest employer, with nearly 25,000 civilian employees and over 14,000 active-duty personnel. The on-base Naval Hospital Bremerton and associated clinics hire medical assistants, and the Navy regularly holds job fairs that connect military-affiliated talent with civilian hospitals like The Doctors Clinic. For veterans, military spouses, or anyone seeking a career with veteran-serving organizations, Bremerton offers a distinct pipeline supported by medical assistant training for military spouses that many other Washington cities cannot match.
Close Enough to Seattle, Anchored in Kitsap
Bremerton sits directly across the Puget Sound from Seattle, with a 30-minute fast ferry to downtown. That geographic link means Bremerton-trained MAs aren’t limited to Kitsap County jobs. Many graduates take positions at major Seattle-area systems like UW Medicine, Swedish, or Virginia Mason, then commute, or eventually relocate. Having a local credential that meets Washington’s rigorous MA-C standards makes your skill set portable across the metro area, doubling your job options without leaving the region.
Online and Hybrid Medical Assistant Programs Serving Bremerton Students
Hybrid Is the Realistic Online Option
No CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assistant program can be completed entirely online, because every student must complete a supervised clinical externship and hands-on skills practice. For Bremerton learners, a hybrid program is the closest you can get to learning from home. These programs deliver most coursework through an online platform, but they still require periodic on-campus lab sessions and a local externship.
Washington State sets a clear benchmark: the medical assistant credential requires at least 720 hours of training, which includes a minimum 160-hour medical assistant externship1. That means even a program advertising "online" classes will still ask you to show up in person for skill sign-offs and clinic hours.
Accredited Hybrid Programs Accessible from Bremerton
Several CAAHEP-accredited colleges in the Puget Sound region offer hybrid medical assistant programs that Bremerton students can consider. While none are located in Kitsap County itself, the mix of online and limited in-person work makes the commute manageable.
- Everett Community College: Roughly 75 percent of the program is online, with five hybrid lab classes that meet on campus.4 Students get the bulk of didactic instruction remotely and travel to Everett for essential hands-on practice.
- Edmonds College: The program combines online coursework with on-campus skills labs.2 You can expect to visit the Edmonds campus for check-offs and demonstrations that can't be replicated virtually.
- Bates Technical College (Tacoma): Some classes are fully online while over half of the program involves in-person sessions.3 The blend gives you more flexibility than a traditional daily commute, but you'll still need to spend significant time on campus.
All three hold CAAHEP accreditation, so graduates qualify to sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam and meet Washington's educational pathway for the medical assistant credential.
Externship Placement in Kitsap County
How clinical hours get arranged varies by school, and this is where Bremerton students need to ask pointed questions. Most hybrid programs expect students to take the lead in finding a local clinic or practice that will host their externship. Kitsap County has a solid healthcare infrastructure, with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, The Doctors Clinic, and private practices, so sites exist, but securing one often requires persistence and early outreach.
Some programs provide a list of pre-approved sites or a coordinator who helps match students, but many leave the legwork to you. Before enrolling, confirm whether the college has any existing affiliation agreements with Bremerton-area facilities and how much support you'll receive during the placement process.
Trade-offs to Consider
A hybrid format offers flexibility similar to part-time medical assistant programs, but it comes with a different set of challenges than a local campus-based program. Without a physical campus nearby, you miss out on drop-in labs, face-to-face networking with instructors, and the established employer pipelines that many on-site programs cultivate through years of local partnerships.
You'll also be responsible for managing travel and scheduling for any required in-person components, whether that's a ferry ride to Edmonds or a drive to Tacoma. If you're self-motivated and comfortable advocating for your own clinical placement, a hybrid program can work well. If you'd rather have a school handle externship logistics and prefer built-in local support, a campus-based program in or closer to Bremerton may be the smoother path.
Campus-Based Medical Assistant Programs Within Commuting Distance of Bremerton
Olympic College admits just 24 students each fall into its full-time Medical Assisting program, making it a small, focused cohort right in Bremerton.1 The program is a cornerstone for local training; understanding its format alongside other commutable options helps you build a realistic campus plan.
Olympic College: The Anchor Campus Program
Olympic College’s medical assistant training program is offered at the Bremerton campus and leads to an Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree. A certificate track is also available and typically takes about one year, while the associate degree spans roughly two years.2 All students begin during fall quarter, with a priority application deadline of April 30.1 Admission requires being at least 18 years old by program completion, proof of high school graduation, and meeting placement levels in English and math. The program runs full-time; specific day or evening schedules are not published, so expect a conventional weekday class structure. Before starting the externship portion, students must complete required MEDA courses with a minimum grade of 2.5 and take those courses within the previous three years. Although the catalog describes the practicum sequence, no total clinical hour count or list of externship sites is publicly disclosed at this time.
Other Campus Programs Within a 45-Minute Drive
When Olympic College isn't the right fit or enrollment is full, Bremerton students commonly look south toward Tacoma and Lakewood. Tacoma Community College and Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood both house accredited Medical Assisting programs offering certificate and associate degree options. These campuses sit roughly 30 to 45 minutes away via Highway 16, depending on traffic across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. To the east, Highline College in Des Moines (about 40 minutes from Bremerton) also provides a campus-based MA program. While each school has its own admission timeline, class size, and clinical placement process, they expand your choices without requiring a Seattle ferry trip.
Ferry vs. Driving: Commute Realities
Bremerton's geography shapes your best route. The Bremerton-Seattle ferry is scenic but turns a campus visit into a multi-hour affair: the crossing alone takes 60 minutes, not counting transit from the terminal to a school. Driving to Tacoma or Lakewood via Highway 16 is often more predictable for daily classes, especially if you can schedule around peak bridge congestion. Federal Way and Des Moines are reachable via Highway 16 and I-5, though that route adds mileage. Weigh the weekly time commitment of each commute against program schedules and clinical site placements, which may be anywhere in Pierce or Kitsap County.
Certificate or Associate Degree: Which Path?
Within commuting range, you’ll find both certificate and associate degree pathways. A certificate program, like Olympic College’s one-year option, prepares you quickly for entry-level roles and the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. An associate’s degree in medical assisting adds general education credits and may position you for supervisory tasks or future healthcare administration roles. Since both credential types are represented at Olympic College and neighboring schools, your choice often comes down to how quickly you want to enter the workforce versus building a broader academic foundation.
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Program Costs, Net Price, and Financial Aid for Bremerton-Area MA Students
Bremerton students have access to several affordable medical assistant programs at public community and technical colleges, with Olympic College offering one of the lowest in-state tuition rates. Private institutions, while more expensive, may still be within reach with financial aid, including Pell Grants and Washington State-specific programs like the Washington College Grant and Worker Retraining. The table below compares estimated program costs and institutional net price for accredited programs within commuting distance.
| School | Program Level | Est. In-State Tuition & Fees | Average Net Price (Institution) | Pell Grant Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bates Technical College | Associate | $6,027 | $6,292 | 87% |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Associate | $5,997 | $6,817 | 73% |
| Olympic College | Associate | $4,472 | $7,172 | 87% |
| Renton Technical College | Associate | $6,330 | $8,296 | 85% |
| Seattle Central College | Certificate | $5,238 | $8,819 | 87% |
| Highline College | Certificate | $4,772 | $9,879 | 93% |
| Edmonds College | Certificate | $4,810 | $11,010 | 82% |
| Bellevue College | Certificate | $4,436 | $11,430 | 75% |
| Pima Medical Institute-Seattle | Certificate | N/A | $31,016 | 75% |
| Pima Medical Institute-Renton | Certificate | N/A | $31,578 | 75% |
Medical Assistant Salary in Bremerton and Kitsap County
The median annual wage for medical assistants in the Bremerton-Silverdale metropolitan area reached $51,770 as of May 2023, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.1 That figure sits nearly $10,000 above the national median of $42,0002 for medical assistant salaries, making Kitsap County one of the stronger local markets for entry-level healthcare support roles in the Pacific Northwest.
Local Wage Range
Entry level medical assistants in the Bremerton area start around $33,500 annually at the 10th percentile1, while experienced MAs in high-demand settings can earn up to $56,480 at the 90th percentile1. The local workforce includes roughly 530 medical assistant positions1 spread across clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices throughout Kitsap County.
How Bremerton Compares
Washington state reports a statewide median near $59,2903 for medical assistants, though regional variation is significant. Bremerton's $51,770 median falls below that statewide figure but remains well above national norms. The higher statewide average reflects wages in the Seattle-Tacoma corridor, where cost of living and demand from large health systems push compensation upward. For Bremerton residents, local wages offer solid purchasing power given the area's more moderate housing and commuting costs compared to King County.
Employers That Pay More
Military medical facilities represent a notable advantage for Kitsap County job seekers. Naval Hospital Bremerton and associated clinics serving the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard workforce typically offer federal pay scales, comprehensive benefits, and job stability that smaller private practices cannot match. Harrison Medical Center (now part of CHI Franciscan) and other regional hospital systems also tend to compensate at the higher end of local ranges, particularly for certified medical assistants with specialized skills in EHR management or phlebotomy.
Smaller outpatient clinics and family practices may start closer to the 10th percentile, though they often provide flexible scheduling and a more personalized work environment.
What Recent Graduates Earn
Program-level earnings data for medical assistant graduates in this area is not yet available from federal reporting sources. As more programs submit outcomes to the College Scorecard, prospective students will gain clearer insight into what graduates of specific local schools earn within their first two years of employment.
What Do Medical Assistants Earn in Bremerton?
The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows where medical assistant pay stands in the Bremerton-Silverdale metro area. Here is how local wages compare to statewide and national benchmarks.
Accreditation, Certification, and the WA Medical Assistant Credential
Washington quietly expanded its medical assistant credentialing framework in 2025, creating a dedicated pathway for EMT-certified professionals, a shift that reflects the state’s evolving healthcare workforce needs. Understanding your credentialing options before you choose a program in Bremerton will save you time and money down the road, because Washington is not a state where you can work as a medical assistant without certification.
Program Accreditation and Exam Eligibility
Not all program accreditations are equal. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA exam) from the AAMA requires graduation from a program accredited by CAAHEP, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA exam) through AMT accepts either CAAHEP or ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) accreditation. The CCMA exam from NHA, on the other hand, has its own eligibility pathway and does not require program-level accreditation. For Bremerton students who want to keep the most doors open, a CAAHEP-accredited program is the safest bet, as it qualifies you for all three major national exams.
Washington State’s Mandatory Credentialing
Once you’ve passed a national exam, you still need a state-issued credential to practice in Washington. The Department of Health (DOH) governs all medical assistant roles under RCW 18.360 and WAC 246-8276. There are now four credential types:
- Medical Assistant , Certified (MA-C): The most common path. You complete an approved training program, pass one of five DOH-accepted national exams (AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, NHA CCMA, NCCT NCMA, or AMCA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification) within five years of applying, and submit the application and fee. An interim permit lets you work for up to one non-renewable year while waiting to take or receive exam results.2
- Medical Assistant , Registered (MA-R): Employer-endorsed, no exam required; your employer submits a Healthcare Practitioner Endorsement form, and you can work for up to 60 days while the application processes, provided you applied within seven days of hire. This credential is tied to that employer and does not transfer.3
- Medical Assistant , Phlebotomist (MA-P): A separate credential for those focused on blood draws and specimen handling.
- Medical Assistant , EMT (MA-EMT): Effective August 1, 2025, this credential is available to current EMTs, advanced EMTs, or paramedics in good standing. It bridges emergency medical training with the MA scope of practice.4
Most Bremerton-area graduates aim for the MA-C credential because it is portable, widely recognized by clinics and hospitals across Kitsap County, and satisfies the majority of job postings. Fees have been updated for 2025: initial and renewal fees for MA-C, MA-H, MA-P, and MA-EMT are now $145, with a $75 late renewal penalty. (Prior to 2025, fees were $115 initial and $110 renewal; current rates apply to all new and renewal applications received on or after the effective date.)5
2025-2026 Updates and Scope of Practice
The addition of the MA-EMT credential and the fee revision are the most notable regulatory changes. The list of approved national exams for MA-C remains stable, and the core duties, taking vital signs, administering medications under delegation, performing phlebotomy, and assisting with procedures, continue to be defined by the supervising healthcare practitioner’s delegation and facility protocols. No material expansion or contraction of scope occurred in the 2025-2026 cycle for MA-C, MA-R, or MA-P. The key takeaway for Bremerton students: make sure your program is aligned with the credential you plan to pursue, because practicing without a valid DOH credential is prohibited, regardless of where you trained.
What to Expect: Curriculum, Clinicals, and Externships in Kitsap County
Every accredited medical assistant program in the Bremerton area follows the same medical assisting course curriculum: classroom instruction in medical science and administration, hands-on lab work, and a supervised externship at a real clinic. What varies is the pace, the depth, and where you end up doing your clinical hours.
The Classroom and Lab Curriculum
Expect coursework across both clinical and administrative tracks. On the clinical side, you will study medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology basics, phlebotomy and injection technique, vital signs, EKG, sterile procedures, and assisting with minor office surgeries. On the administrative side: electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical coding fundamentals, insurance and billing workflows, HIPAA compliance, patient scheduling, and front-desk communication. Most programs also fold in a professionalism or medical law and ethics course, because Washington state scope-of-practice rules are strict about clinical medical assistant duties and what an MA can and cannot do without a credentialed supervisor.
Externship Hours and Placement Sites
Accredited programs typically require 160 to 240 supervised externship hours before you can sit for a national certification exam. In Kitsap County, students commonly place at St. Michael Medical Center, The Doctors Clinic, Peninsula Community Health Services, Kitsap Medical Group, and Naval Hospital Bremerton (for students eligible for military-affiliated placements). Community clinics and family practice offices in Silverdale, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard also host externs regularly.
Externships as a Hiring Pipeline
In a smaller market like Bremerton, externship performance often converts directly into a job offer. Clinics prefer hiring someone they have already trained over screening strangers, so treat the externship as a working interview from day one.
Program Length
The medical assistant program length depends on the credential: certificate programs run 9 to 12 months full-time, while associate degrees take roughly two years and add general education plus deeper coursework in areas like healthcare management or medical office administration.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Washington: Your Step-By-Step Path
Earning your Washington MA credential follows a clear five-step process, from meeting prerequisites to receiving state authorization. The timeline depends on the program type you choose, certificate programs typically take 9-12 months, while associate degrees span about two years.
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs Near Bremerton
Below are the top medical assistant programs serving Bremerton students, ranked by IPEDS completion data, accreditation status, and program fit. Whether you’re looking for a campus-based associate degree or an accelerated certificate, each school offers a path into Kitsap County’s growing healthcare field.
Factors considered
- Program accreditation status
- Graduate outcomes data
- Cost and financial aid
- Program format and flexibility
- Local relevance for Bremerton
Data sources
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
Olympic College
#1Bremerton, WA · $7,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Kitsap County locals avoiding ferry commutes
Olympic College’s Bremerton campus is the only medical assistant program located directly in Bremerton, making it the most accessible choice for Kitsap County residents. The CAAHEP-accredited Associate of Applied Science-Transfer degree has trained medical assistants since 1998 and includes real-world clinical experience. With a supportive healthcare pathways success coach and low in-district tuition, it’s a practical, community-focused option.
- CAAHEP-accredited since 1998
- Associate of Applied Science-Transfer degree
- Real-world clinical experience included
- Bremerton campus, no ferry needed for Kitsap residents
- Eligible for Washington state Medical Assistant-Certified
- Background check, vaccinations, and BLS certification required
- Malpractice insurance required
- Student success coaches available
Pima Medical Institute-Seattle
#2Seattle, WA · $31,000/yr
Best for: Seattle ferry commuters seeking accelerated program
Pima Medical Institute’s Seattle campus offers a fast-paced 9-month Medical Assistant Certificate ideal for students who can manage the ferry or drive from Bremerton. The program covers clinical skills from phlebotomy to EKGs, plus a clinical externship, and includes a hybrid learning option for added flexibility. Career services support and hands-on training make it a strong choice for efficient entry into healthcare.
- 9-Month accelerated certificate
- Clinical externships included
- Hybrid learning option available
- Hands-on phlebotomy and injection training
- CPR & First Aid certification included
- Career services and resume coaching
- Mental health resources available
- Prepares for entry-level healthcare roles
Pima Medical Institute-Renton
#3Renton, WA · $32,000/yr
Best for: South Sound students wanting driveable hybrid training
Pima Medical Institute’s Renton campus delivers the same 9-month certificate as the Seattle location, situated south of the city for those who prefer a drive via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Students gain hands-on phlebotomy and injection training, with a clinical externship and career services support, all in a compact timeframe.
- 9-Month program length
- Clinical externship included
- Hybrid learning option available
- Hands-on phlebotomy and injections training
- Covers examination and surgical assisting procedures
- Career Services support provided
- Classes start July 1
- Prepares for medical office careers
Renton Technical College
#4Renton, WA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Renton Technical College provides both a certificate and an associate degree in medical assisting, delivered in a hybrid format with in-person classes three days a week. The CAAHEP-accredited program includes a clinical practicum and I-BEST support for students needing extra academic help. Day and evening options accommodate working students, though the commute from Bremerton requires planning.
- Certificate and Associate degree options
- Hybrid format: in-person classes 3 days/week
- Day and evening class schedules
- CAAHEP accredited, prepares for national exam
- Clinical practicum included
- I-BEST academic support available
- Fall and Winter enrollment starts
- Background check and health requirements required
Edmonds College
#5Lynnwood, WA · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Edmonds College’s Medical Assistant Certificate is a 44-credit program that can be completed in three quarters, aligning with CAAHEP standards. The curriculum combines clinical and administrative training with simulation labs and an externship, and graduates are eligible for Washington state certification. Located north of Seattle, it’s reachable via ferry and drive for motivated Bremerton students.
- CAAHEP accredited certificate
- Complete in 3 quarters (about 9 months)
- 44 credit hours total
- Clinical externship included
- Eligible for Washington state certification
- CPR and HIV/AIDS education included
- Simulation lab training
- Dedicated program advisors
Highline College
#6Des Moines, WA · $10,000/yr
Highline College’s Medical Assistant Certificate requires 81 credits and includes a 180-hour externship in ambulatory care settings. The program prepares students for the CMA exam and includes CPR/First Aid certification and a Patient Care Navigator course. Evening attendance is possible but may extend completion time, making it a flexible but structured path for Bremerton-area students willing to commute to Des Moines.
- 81 credit hours
- 180-hour clinical externship
- Prepares for CMA certification exam
- CPR and First Aid included
- Patient Care Navigator course
- Evening attendance available (may extend to 2+ years)
- Instructor permission for admission
- 2.0 GPA minimum in core courses
Bellevue College
#7Bellevue, WA · $11,000/yr (net price)
Bellevue College offers a Medical Assistant Certificate of Achievement that meets Washington State Medical Assisting law and requires no prior healthcare experience. The 74-82 credit program covers administrative and clinical duties and prepares students for the state certification exam. Its Eastside location entails a longer commute from Bremerton but provides a comprehensive curriculum.
- Entry-level medical professional positions
- Administrative and clinical duties
- Meets Washington State Medical Assisting law
- No prior knowledge required
- Prepares for state certification exam
- Work in outpatient settings
- 74-82 credits duration
- Allied Health focus area
Bates Technical College
#8Tacoma, WA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
Bates Technical College in Tacoma offers an AAS in Certified Medical Assistant over six quarters, with a mix of online and in-person classes. The program emphasizes small class sizes (max 20) and hands-on training with a full phlebotomy lab, and graduates can sit for the CMA exam. For Bremerton residents, the drive or bus route across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge makes it a viable South Sound option.
- 6-quarter AAS degree
- 102 credits, hybrid format
- CAAHEP accredited, prepares for CMA exam
- Small class sizes (max 20 students)
- 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- Full phlebotomy lab and simulation equipment
- Fall and Spring enrollment starts
- Requires background check and ability to lift 50 lbs
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
#9Kirkland, WA · $6,000 – $12,000/yr
Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland provides both an AAS and a certificate in medical assisting, with small class settings and hands-on training. The AAS covers anatomy, billing, and pharmacology, while the certificate option boasts an 84% licensure pass rate. Both programs use a hybrid format, but the location on the Eastside means a longer commute for Bremerton students.
- CAAHEP-accredited AAS degree
- Hybrid delivery: online and on-campus
- Covers clinical and administrative duties
- Includes anatomy, pharmacology, and billing
- Small class sizes for hands-on training
- Prepares for CMA exam
- Fall quarter entry
- Background check and immunizations required
- 84% licensure pass rate
- Certificate in Medical Assisting
- Fall start date
- Combines online and in-person learning
- Hands-on training with simulation
- Prepares for front and back-office roles
- Background check required
- Small class settings
Seattle Central College
#10Seattle, WA · $9,000/yr
Seattle Central College’s Medical Assistant Certificate is a CAAHEP-accredited program with fall and spring starts, known for its 90% licensure pass rate and high student satisfaction. The 57-credit curriculum features a simulation lab and stackable design, preparing students for the CMA exam. Located on Capitol Hill, it requires a ferry trip from Bremerton but offers a strong urban learning environment.
- CAAHEP accredited certificate
- 57 credit hours, 4 quarters
- Fall and spring start dates
- 90% licensure pass rate
- Cohort of 24 students
- Simulation lab and hands-on training
- 98% graduate satisfaction rate
- Stackable design for further education
How Bremerton Compares to Poulsbo, Silverdale, Tacoma, and Port Orchard
For the most current salary and employment comparisons, use the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool at bls.gov/oes. Filter by metropolitan area to compare Bremerton-Silverdale with Tacoma and other regions. For qualitative employer insights, explore local chambers of commerce and workplace review sites like Glassdoor and Indeed.
| Bremerton | Poulsbo | Silverdale | Tacoma | Port Orchard | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Employers | Naval Base Kitsap, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard | North Kitsap School District | St. Michael Medical Center | Part of Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA; local data not specified | Naval Base Kitsap, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard |
| Approximate Commute from Bremerton | Within city; fast ferry ~30 min to downtown Seattle | Average commute 26.3 minutes | ~10-25 min to Keyport/PSNS | Not available | ~12 min via foot ferry to Bremerton/PSNS |
| Median Home Price (2026) | Not available | Around $695,000 | About $600,000 | Not available | Not available |
| Wage Data | $35.47 (all occupations mean) | Check BLS.gov for local data | Check BLS.gov for local data | Check BLS.gov for local data | Check BLS.gov for local data |
Frequently Asked Questions About MA Programs in Bremerton
Here are answers to common questions about medical assistant training and career prospects in the Bremerton area. We cover program length, accreditation, certification, schedules, and local employment opportunities, based on current information and regional program offerings.
The accreditation status of Olympic College's medical assistant program is not publicly confirmed through national databases. Prospective students should contact the program directly to ask about current CAAHEP or ABHES recognition before enrolling.
The certificate alone may not guarantee a position at Naval Hospital Bremerton. Hiring depends on the specific role, required certifications (like CMA or CCMA), and often additional clearances, as with many hospital medical assistant jobs. Contact the facility's human resources office to confirm the qualifications they accept.
