How to Become a Medical Assistant in Nebraska

Who can apply

• Nebraska does not license medical assistants. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-2025(21), a physician or osteopathic physician may assign tasks to unlicensed persons if the assignment fits accepted medical standards and the person's skill and training, on the job or otherwise.
• To take x-rays you need a Nebraska limited radiographer license from DHHS (Medical Radiography Practice Act, 38-1916).

Step by step

1. Finish a medical assisting program or on-the-job training.
2. Optionally earn a national certification (CMA-AAMA, RMA-AMT, CCMA-NHA or NCMA-NCCT). Nebraska does not require one.
3. If your job includes x-rays, pass the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam (core plus at least one body region) through DHHS, then apply for a limited radiographer license ($146).
4. Work on tasks your physician assigns that are routine, low-risk and need no independent clinical judgment (38-2025(21)).

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: No state-mandated medical assistant program. Under 38-2025(21), tasks must be appropriate to your skill and training, which can come from on-the-job training. The physician who assigns the task is responsible for that match.

Exam: Nebraska has no state medical assistant exam; national certification is voluntary. For x-rays, the limited radiographer exam is based on the ARRT Examination for the Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography and must cover at least one body region: chest, extremities, skull and sinus, spine, or ankle and foot (38-1918). Bone densitometry uses the ARRT Bone Densitometry Equipment Operator exam.

What it costs in Nebraska

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your credential

Renewal: X-ray limited radiographer license only: renew by December 1 of each even-numbered year for $146, with 24 hours of acceptable continuing education earned in the prior 24 months. Keep CE records 4 years; renewals are randomly audited.

Good to know in Nebraska

What a medical assistant can do in Nebraska: Under 38-2025(21), a physician may assign unlicensed staff routine care, activities and procedures that are part of their routine functions, recur often, need no independent clinical judgment, are not complex, have predictable results with minimal risk, and follow a standard, unchanging procedure. Under 38-2025(19), a person may draw blood specimens under an order or protocols approved by a physician, registered nurse or other licensed practitioner whose scope allows it.

What a medical assistant cannot do: Tasks that need independent clinical judgment, complex tasks, or tasks with unpredictable results or more than minimal risk fall outside 38-2025(21). Any act within the practice of medicine that is not specifically excepted may be done only by someone licensed to practice medicine in Nebraska.

Medication administration: Nebraska's Medication Aide Act (71-6718 to 71-6742) regulates giving medications by people other than the patient, a caretaker, or a licensed professional whose scope includes it, in all settings except a private home. Registered medication aides may give routine oral, inhaled, topical, and eye, ear and nose medications. Other routes and as-needed (PRN) medications require written competency and safety determinations (71-6723). Medication aides in nursing homes, ICFs for people with developmental disabilities and assisted living must pass a 40-hour course and state exam; registration fee is $18.

X-ray: A limited radiographer may x-ray only the body regions on their license, using routine procedures under a licensed practitioner's direction, with no CT, contrast media, fluoroscopy or mammography (38-1916). All licenses expire December 1 of even-numbered years; renewal needs 24 hours of continuing education in the prior 24 months.

Giving medications in a clinic: Under 71-6722, besides patients and family caretakers, only licensed professionals whose scope includes it may administer medication. A medication aide (someone listed on the DHHS Medication Aide Registry) may take part by providing medications under their direction and monitoring. The Act covers every setting except a private home (71-6720), but it does not name medical assistants directly — ask Nebraska DHHS whether you must be on the Medication Aide Registry before giving medications in a clinic.

Sources

• Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-2025 - Medicine and surgery; persons excepted (task assignment to unlicensed persons)
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-6720 - Medication Aide Act applicability
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-6723 - Medication administration routes and conditions
• Nebraska DHHS - Medication Aide Requirements
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1916 - Limited radiographer
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1918 - Limited radiographer examinations
• Nebraska DHHS - Medical Radiography (license types, fees, renewal)
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-6722 - Administration of medication; by whom