How to Become a Medical Assistant in Idaho
Checked against Idaho Board of Medicine (Idaho Code 54-1804); Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Radiation Control (IDAPA 16.02.27) ·
- Exam
- Not required
- Training
- Not required
- Term
- See state office
- State fee
- See state office
- Rules set by
- Idaho Board of Medicine (Idaho Code 54-1804); Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Radiation Control (IDAPA 16.02.27)
Who can apply
- Idaho has no state license or registration for medical assistants. Idaho Code 54-1804(1)(h) lets a person who is not licensed to practice medicine administer a remedy, diagnostic procedure or advice as specifically directed by a physician.
- To operate an x-ray machine, you must first complete radiation safety training and prove competency, documented by the licensed facility (IDAPA 16.02.27.009, effective July 1, 2026).
Step by step
- Finish a medical assistant program or get on-the-job training from your employer. Idaho does not require a set program.
- (Optional) Pass a national certification exam (CMA-AAMA, RMA-AMT, CCMA-NHA or NCMA-NCCT). Idaho does not require one.
- If you will take x-rays, complete your facility's radiation safety training and prove competency before you operate the machine.
- Work under the specific direction of a physician, as Idaho Code 54-1804(1)(h) requires.
Training and exam
Training: No state-mandated medical assistant program. X-ray operators must complete facility training in radiation safety topics and prove competency before operating an x-ray machine; the facility keeps the records (IDAPA 16.02.27.009.02).
Exam: No state medical assistant exam, and Idaho does not require national certification. Idaho has no state x-ray operator license or limited permit; the radiation rule requires facility training and proven competency instead.
What it costs in Idaho
Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.
- $
Cost details from the state
- Training tuition and national certification exam fees, if you choose them, vary.
Good to know in Idaho
What a medical assistant can do in Idaho: Idaho's Medical Practice Act lets an unlicensed person administer a remedy, diagnostic procedure or advice as specifically directed by a physician (Idaho Code 54-1804(1)(h)). Idaho has no medical-assistant-specific statute or Board of Medicine rule listing tasks.
What a medical assistant cannot do: Without a license, you may do medical tasks only as specifically directed by a physician. Practicing medicine outside the exemptions in 54-1804 is unlicensed practice.
X-ray: Idaho does not license x-ray operators. Under IDAPA 16.02.27.009 (effective July 1, 2026), no one may operate an x-ray machine until they complete training and prove competency in radiation safety. Training must cover radiation safety basics, dose units, bioeffects, time-distance-shielding, state and federal standards, monitoring devices, and the site's machines and emergency procedures. The facility keeps training records for at least two license renewal cycles.
Sources
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General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Idaho Board of Medicine (Idaho Code 54-1804); Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Radiation Control (IDAPA 16.02.27) before you apply.