How to Become a Medical Assistant in Wyoming
Medical assistants are an essential part of the health care system. They do clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs and helping with examinations, and have administrative responsibilities that include keeping medical records, taking patient histories and scheduling appointments. Some medical assistants may have a specialty, especially if they work in a hospital or specialized clinic. For detail-oriented, caring individuals, medical assisting can be an interesting and engaging career.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Wyoming
For medical assistants in Wyoming, no training or certification beyond high school or a GED is required, but employers may prefer to hire applicants with a diploma or associate’s degree in medical assisting. They may also prefer to hire applicants with state certification. This can be obtained through sitting for one of five professional exams after the completion of an accredited training program.
Medical Assistant Programs in Wyoming
Because no certification is required by the state, it may be difficult to find colleges or universities offering in-person programs. Community college programs typically take two years to complete, while certificate programs can be finished in as little as one year. However, there are programs available online. Options include:
Purdue University Global
This online certificate program costs $21,147.00 at this time and takes four terms to complete. Students have the opportunity for a 160-hour externship at a physician’s office or clinic local to them. Unless taken at Purdue’s Des Moines, Iowa, campus, this program is not accredited.
Herzing University Online
Herzing offers both a 10-month diploma program and a 16-month associate’s degree in medical assisting. The tuition for the associate’s degree is currently $28,120.00, while the diploma program is $21,090.00 at this time. Students in these programs are able to take the Registered Medical Assistant and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exams after graduation.
Certification and Licensing for Medical Assistants in Wyoming
Wyoming does not require a license or any certification to be a medical assistant in the state, but those who choose to do so can become members of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or Association of Medical Technologists (AMT). The exams and related requirements needed for these memberships are listed on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Certified Medical Assistant Certification in Wyoming
The AAMA offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To qualify to take the exam, applicants must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program within the last five years or worked in the field for five of the last 10 years. There is also a route for those who have graduated more than five years ago but have kept their skills current. These individuals must have taken at least 10 continuing education credits each year and worked for a minimum of five years in the last 10.
The CMA exam has 200 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as medical law and ethics, patient relations, human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and infection control. The exam is offered in both English and Spanish.
Exam registration, which includes an online application and fee, can be completed on the AAMA website. After passing the exam, CMAs must recertify every 60 months by completing continuing education credits or re-taking the exam.
Registered Medical Assistant Certification in Wyoming
The AMT offers the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have completed an accredited medical assisting program or have worked in the field for at least five years. There is also a route for those who have graduated more than five years ago but have kept their skills current. These individuals must have taken at least 10 continuing education credits each year and worked for a minimum of five years in the last 10.
The RMA exam has 200 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as medical law and ethics, patient relations, human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and infection control. The exam is offered in both English and Spanish.
Exam registration, which includes an online application and fee, can be completed on the AMT website. After passing the exam, RMAs must recertify every three years by completing continuing education credits or re-taking the exam.
Licensed Medical Assistant Certification in Wyoming
Wyoming does not require a license or any certification to be a medical assistant in the state, but those who choose to do so can become members of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or Association of Medical Technologists (AMT). The exams and related requirements needed for these memberships are listed on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
While certification is not required, many employers prefer to hire medical assistants who are certified. Certification shows that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant. There are several certifying organizations that offer certification exams, including the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certification in Wyoming
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. To qualify to take the exam, applicants must have graduated from an accredited medical assistant program or have worked in the field for at least five years. There is also a route for those who have graduated more than five years ago but have kept their skills current. These individuals must have taken at least 10 continuing education credits each year and worked for a minimum of five years in the last 10.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The compensation landscape for medical assistants in Wyoming has seen updates, with the average annual wage now standing at $37,090 as of 2022. This figure is closely aligned with the national average for medical assistants, which is $38,270. In Wyoming, the lowest 10% of earners make about $29,700 annually, while the highest 10% can earn up to $49,870. This data reflects a competitive wage environment for medical assistants in Wyoming, offering a solid foundation for those entering the field.
National vs. Wyoming Salaries for Medical Assistants
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,390 | $38,270 | $51,710 |
| Wyoming | $29,700 | $37,090 | $49,870 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Wyoming
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper, WY | $31,840 | $35,610 | $37,550 | $45,960 | $49,870 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $27,610 | $34,940 | $37,900 | $44,010 | $48,410 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Wyoming
The employment outlook for Medical Assistants in Wyoming shows a promising growth trajectory from 2020 to 2030. The state had 880 medical assistants employed in 2020, and this number is projected to increase to 1,050 by 2030, marking a 19% growth rate. This growth is slightly higher than the national average growth rate of 14% expected for the same period. Annually, Wyoming is expected to have 130 job openings for medical assistants, which includes positions due to new job growth as well as replacements for vacancies created by workers leaving the field. This positive trend indicates a steady demand for medical assistants in Wyoming, reflecting the broader national demand for healthcare professionals.
Employment Trends
| Location | Employment (Start Year) | Projected Employment (End Year) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 880 (2020) | 1,050 (2030) | 19% | 130 |
| United States | 764,400 (2022) | 870,200 (2032) | 14% | 114,600 |
Sources of data:
- Wyoming Data: The employment figures and projections for Wyoming are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central specializes in state-level employment projections, providing detailed insights into various occupations.
- United States Data: The national employment statistics and projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly their 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as a Medical Assistant in Wyoming
Some of the best places in Wyoming to find positions include the state capital of Cheyenne and larger cities such as Rock Springs and Laramie.
Entry level position in medical offices and clinics may only require a high school diploma, although many employers prefer applicants with at least some postsecondary education. Some medical assistants in Wyoming choose to become certified through the AAMA or AMT.
Clinical externship requirements are generally completed during the medical assistant program, but those who have not yet finished their training may be able to find externships through hospitals, clinics or other healthcare facilities.
Ambulatory care facilities, such as doctor’s offices and clinics, will likely see the greatest number of job openings for medical assistants.
The table below shows wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for medical assistants in Wyoming’s major cities.
However, you will find that opportunities are available in both urban and rural areas throughout the state. These opportunities can be invaluable for those who want to be part of the medical community—they not only offer employment in a reliable field but also provide opportunity for growth, as certified medical assistants can move into various specialties or upgrade their training. Health care will always be in demand, so medical assisting can be a career to depend on.
Popular Medical Assistant Schools in Wyoming
FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Wyoming?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Wyoming made an average of $37,410 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $29,420 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $48,300.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Med Assisting programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Central Wyoming CollegeRiverton, WY(307) 855-20002660 Peck AvenueAccredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $4,8002024-25 | $12,308 to $17,894by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Northwest CollegePowell, WY(307) 754-6000231 W 6th StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $4,9622024-25 | $6,904 to $8,598by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed.
Medical assisting in Wyoming: what to expect
Wyoming employs around 1,040 medical assistants statewide, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. That is a small workforce by national standards, and it reflects the state’s low population density. What it also means is that trained, certified medical assistants stand out quickly in local hiring pools. If you complete a accredited program here, you are entering a market where credentials carry real weight.
This page covers wages, training programs available in Wyoming, what the work actually involves, and how to move forward if you are ready to start.
What medical assistants do in Wyoming
Medical assistants work in clinics, physician offices, and other outpatient settings. You handle both clinical and administrative tasks. On the clinical side, that means taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, drawing blood, giving injections, and assisting physicians during procedures. On the administrative side, you schedule appointments, handle patient records, and process insurance forms.
In Wyoming, many clinics serve large rural areas. That means you may work in a small team where you cover more ground than a medical assistant in a large city hospital. Flexibility matters here. You should be comfortable switching between tasks quickly and working with a wide range of patients.
Wyoming medical assistant wages
Pay for medical assistants in Wyoming is competitive for the region. According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the figures break down like this:
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,200 |
| 25th percentile | $36,770 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $40,920 |
| Mean (average) | $42,680 |
| 75th percentile | $46,900 |
| 90th percentile (experienced) | $51,840 |
The median wage of $40,920 is a solid starting point for a career that typically requires less than two years of training. Entry-level positions around $31,200 are common when you are just starting out. As you gain experience and add certifications, your pay can climb toward the $46,900 to $51,840 range. The mean of $42,680 sits above the median, which suggests higher earners in the state are pulling the average up. That is worth keeping in mind as a long-term benchmark.
Pay tends to be higher in specialty clinics and in areas with fewer trained workers. In rural Wyoming counties, some employers pay above the statewide median simply because it is harder to find qualified candidates.
How pay grows over a career
Your starting wage reflects your training and whether you hold a nationally recognized credential such as the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) from the AAMA, which stands for the American Association of Medical Assistants. Certified medical assistants typically earn more than uncertified ones from day one.
From the entry level at $31,200, a typical career path moves to the median range within two to four years. Medical assistants who take on supervisory roles, move into specialty settings like cardiology or orthopedics, or cross-train into clinical coordination can reach the 75th to 90th percentile. The top 10 percent in Wyoming earn $51,840 or more, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. That level of pay usually comes with several years of experience and additional responsibilities.
Accredited medical assistant programs in Wyoming
Accreditation matters when you choose a program. CAAHEP (the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and ABHES (the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) are the two main accrediting bodies for medical assisting programs. Graduating from an accredited program makes you eligible to sit for national certification exams. Wyoming has two community colleges with healthcare programs that include medical assisting pathways.
Central Wyoming College, Riverton
Central Wyoming College is located in Riverton and serves students across central Wyoming. The college’s healthcare division includes clinical and administrative training pathways relevant to medical assisting. If you live in the Wind River Basin area or are willing to relocate to Riverton, this is the closest in-state option with a healthcare focus. Contact the admissions office directly for current program details, tuition costs, and start dates, as these change each academic year.
Northwest College, Powell
Northwest College is based in Powell in the northwestern corner of the state. The college has a healthcare program that can prepare you for clinical and administrative roles in medical settings. Powell is a smaller community, which means class sizes tend to be smaller and instructors more accessible. Check the program catalog directly for current enrollment requirements and course sequences.
What to ask before you enroll
Before you commit to any program, get clear answers on a few specific points. Ask whether the program holds CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation. Ask how many externship hours are included, because hands-on clinical experience is required for most certification exams. Ask about the exam pass rates for recent graduates. Ask whether the program is offered in person, online, or as a hybrid, since that affects how you plan your schedule. These questions help you compare programs on facts, not on marketing language.
Certification and licensing in Wyoming
Wyoming does not require medical assistants to hold a state license. However, national certification is widely expected by employers, and it directly affects your starting pay. The two most common credentials are the CMA from the AAMA and the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) from AMT, which stands for American Medical Technologists.
To sit for the CMA exam, you must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program. The RMA has a slightly different pathway that includes work experience as an option. Either credential shows employers that you have met a national standard. In Wyoming’s smaller job market, that distinction matters.
Phlebotomy certification is another credential worth considering. Many medical assistants in Wyoming handle blood draws regularly, and a separate phlebotomy certificate can strengthen your resume, especially in smaller clinics where staff cover multiple roles.
Working in rural Wyoming settings
Roughly two-thirds of Wyoming’s population lives in communities with fewer than 50,000 people. That shapes what the job looks like. In rural settings, you may be one of two or three clinical staff members in a practice. You work closely with the physician or nurse practitioner on duty. You handle tasks that would be divided among a larger team in an urban clinic.
This is demanding work, but it also gives you faster skill development. Employers in rural areas often provide additional on-the-job training because they need cross-trained staff. If you are willing to work in a smaller town, you may find more immediate job opportunities and faster wage growth than in Cheyenne or Casper.
Federal health worker shortage designations also apply to many Wyoming counties. Clinics in these areas sometimes receive federal funding that helps them offer higher starting wages or tuition reimbursement to attract qualified staff. Ask potential employers directly whether any such benefits apply.
Steps to get started
If you are ready to move forward, the path is straightforward. First, confirm that the program you are considering holds CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation. Second, apply to the program and complete any prerequisite courses required for admission. Third, complete your externship hours during or after training. Fourth, sit for a national certification exam within the window your program recommends. Fifth, apply for positions in Wyoming and include your certification status on your resume from day one.
The median wage for medical assistants in Wyoming is $40,920, and the path from zero experience to that level typically takes about 12 to 24 months from the start of training. That is a short timeline compared to most healthcare careers.
Explore the programs at Central Wyoming College and Northwest College to compare what each one covers, then contact the admissions offices to ask about current start dates and enrollment requirements.
