How to Become a Medical Assistant in Pennsylvania

Who can apply

• Pennsylvania has no state license for medical assistants. A medical doctor may delegate a medical service to a technician only if the doctor knows the person has the education, training, experience and continued competency to do it safely (49 Pa. Code 18.402(a)(3)).
• To perform radiologic (x-ray) procedures you must pass an approved ARRT examination or hold an approved certification (49 Pa. Code 18.202).

Step by step

1. Finish a medical assisting program or get employer training. Pennsylvania does not require a specific program.
2. Optionally earn a national certification (CMA-AAMA, RMA-AMT, CCMA-NHA or NCMA-NCCT). Pennsylvania does not require one.
3. If you will take x-rays, pass the ARRT Limited Examination in Radiography (thorax and extremities) and/or Radiography-Skull and Sinuses with a score of 70 or higher, applying through the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (49 Pa. Code 18.203).
4. Keep documentation of your exam result; since 2018 the Board no longer registers auxiliary personnel.
5. Perform only services the doctor delegates under 18.402 and stays responsible for.

Training and exam

Training: No state-mandated program. Under 49 Pa. Code 18.402 the delegating doctor must know you have the education, training, experience and continued competency for each delegated service.

Exam: No state exam to work as a medical assistant; national certification is voluntary. Radiologic procedures need a passing ARRT exam: the ARRT Limited Examination in Radiography covers thorax and extremities and the Limited Examination in Radiography-Skull and Sinuses covers skull and sinuses (score of 70 or higher). Applications for the limited exams go to the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, not to ARRT.

What it costs in Pennsylvania

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

Good to know in Pennsylvania

What a medical assistant can do in Pennsylvania: A medical doctor may delegate a medical service when: it fits accepted medical practice; no other law prohibits it; the doctor knows you are competent; it creates no undue risk to that patient; the patient is told about the delegation and does not object; and the doctor takes responsibility and is available to you as the task requires (49 Pa. Code 18.402(a)).

What a medical assistant cannot do: A doctor may not delegate a service if doing it, or recognizing its complications, needs knowledge and skill not ordinarily possessed by nonphysicians, or if the doctor is not trained to do it (18.402(b)-(c)). Limited x-ray certification covers only listed thorax/extremity or skull/sinus views; other radiography needs full ARRT radiography certification.

X-ray: All radiologic procedures by auxiliary personnel must be done on the premises of a medical doctor under the doctor's direct supervision; the doctor does not have to watch personally (49 Pa. Code 18.202). On April 12, 2018 the Board stopped registering auxiliary personnel; employers verify your exam or certification with ARRT or the certifying body.

Limited x-ray exam dates and deadlines: Under 49 Pa. Code 18.203(b), the limited radiography exams are given in Pennsylvania on the third Thursday of March, July and October. Your application must reach the Board by December 31 for March, April 30 for July, and July 31 for October. Confirm current dates with the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs before you apply.

Sources

• 49 Pa. Code 18.402 - Delegation of medical services (Cornell LII)
• 49 Pa. Code 18.202 - Radiologic procedures by auxiliary personnel (Cornell LII)
• 49 Pa. Code 18.203 - Applications for examination (Cornell LII)
• PA State Board of Medicine Special Notice - Auxiliary Personnel Registration (April 12, 2018)
• 49 Pa. Code 16.13 - Licensure, certification, examination and registration fees
• 49 Pa. Code 18.203 - Applications for examination (official Pennsylvania Code)