Medical Assistant Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota doesn’t require state licensure for medical assistants, but most employers expect national certification. Programs at schools like Dakota College at Bottineau, Bismarck State College, and the University of North Dakota prepare graduates to sit for exams through AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT. The state’s Medication Assistant III pathway creates an additional option for MAs who want to administer medications in ambulatory settings.
Medical assistants in North Dakota work across both the front and back office, handling administrative tasks alongside direct patient support. The state doesn’t have a licensure board for the occupation, so the credential requirements that matter most are the ones set by employers and national certification organizations. That said, North Dakota does have a state-specific registration category for MAs who want to work in a more expanded clinical role. Nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals in the state operate under separate North Dakota nursing licensure requirements.
Use the links below to jump to program options, certification pathways, and the Medication Assistant III registration process.
- Medical assistant programs in North Dakota
- National certification options
- Medication Assistant III pathway
- North Dakota employers
- Salary and job outlook
Medical Assistant Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota has a small number of in-state programs, ranging from short certificate options to two-year associate degrees. The University of North Dakota also offers a fully online path for students who can’t attend a campus program.
Dakota College at Bottineau
Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) offers two credential tracks: a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). The certificate prepares students for the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). The AAS prepares graduates for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam through the American Medical Technologists (AMT). DCB notes that both programs meet North Dakota state requirements and can be completed online.
Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College offers a Certified Medical Assistant course through its TrainND Southwest program. The 25-week hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus lab sessions and a clinical practicum. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam. Admissions recommendations may include holding a valid North Dakota CNA certification. Check the current program page for up-to-date requirements.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers a fully online Clinical Medical Assistant Training course through its continuing education division. The self-paced course covers both administrative and clinical content and prepares students to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It’s one of the fastest entry points into certification for students who can’t commit to a campus-based schedule.
National Certification Options
North Dakota doesn’t require MAs to hold state licensure, but national certification is widely recognized by healthcare employers in the state. There are four commonly accepted certifications, each offered by a different national organization.
| Certification | Acronym | Issuing Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Medical Assistant | CMA | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
| Registered Medical Assistant | RMA | American Medical Technologists (AMT) |
| Certified Clinical Medical Assistant | CCMA | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| Nationally Certified Medical Assistant | NCMA | National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) |
Each certification has its own eligibility requirements, including education and, in some cases, work experience. Program accreditation requirements also vary by organization. The CMA (AAMA) requires completion of a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. There are no CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs currently operating within North Dakota’s borders, though AAMA has run a time-limited pilot allowing graduates of non-accredited programs at institutionally accredited schools to sit for the exam if specific curricular standards are met. Eligibility policies are subject to change. Verify directly with AAMA before enrolling in a program with this credential as the goal.
For the RMA, AMT accepts multiple pathways, including program completion at accredited or institutionally accredited schools, as well as work-experience routes. The RMA program must be at least 720 hours and include at least 160 hours of practicum.
The Medication Assistant III Pathway
North Dakota has a specific registration category for medical assistants who want to administer medications in ambulatory care settings under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This designation is called Medication Assistant III and is governed by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Applicants must complete the required education and training and meet the North Dakota Board of Nursing registration requirements. Certain nationally certified medical assistants may qualify for the MAIII pathway. The four certifications that have historically been recognized are CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), and NCMA (NCCT). Requirements have been revised multiple times since the category was first established, so confirm current standards directly with the North Dakota Board of Nursing before beginning the process.
Meeting the Medication Assistant III standard positions an MA for a broader range of clinical roles in North Dakota. Many of the employers listed below have specifically sought MAs who hold these national certifications.
North Dakota Employers of Medical Assistants
Medical assistants in North Dakota work in major health systems, regional hospitals, specialty clinics, and smaller outpatient practices. Examples of employers that have hired medical assistants in the state include:
- Sanford Health
- Essentia Health
- CHI St. Alexius Health
- Trinity Health System
- Family HealthCare
- Mid Dakota Clinic
- Total Wellness Health
- Benedictine Health System
Job concentration tends to be higher in the eastern part of the state, particularly in the Fargo and Grand Forks metro areas, though positions are available statewide.
Salary and Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in North Dakota
Medical assistant salaries and employment projections for North Dakota are tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For current wage figures and job growth data specific to medical assistants (SOC code 31-9092), visit BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for North Dakota. The BLS updates state-level data annually, so the figures there will reflect the most current available numbers.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do medical assistants need a license in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota doesn’t require medical assistants to hold a state license to work in the field. However, most employers prefer or require national certification from an organization such as AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT. MAs who want to administer medications in ambulatory care settings under nurse supervision must register separately as Medication Assistant III with the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
What is the Medication Assistant III designation?
Medication Assistant III is a North Dakota Board of Nursing registration category that allows qualified medical assistants to administer medications in outpatient ambulatory settings under licensed nurse supervision. Applicants must complete required education and training and meet Board of Nursing registration requirements. Certain nationally certified medical assistants may qualify. The certifications that have historically been recognized include CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), and NCMA (NCCT). Requirements have changed over time, so confirm current standards directly with the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Which programs in North Dakota prepare students for CMA certification?
CMA (AAMA) certification requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. There are no fully accredited programs of this type operating within North Dakota. AAMA has offered a pilot pathway for graduates of non-accredited programs at institutionally accredited schools, but eligibility terms are subject to change. Prospective students should contact AAMA directly to verify whether a specific in-state program qualifies before enrolling.
Can I complete a medical assistant program online in North Dakota?
Yes. The University of North Dakota offers a fully online Clinical Medical Assistant Training course through its continuing education division, which prepares students for the CCMA exam through NHA. Dakota College at Bottineau also offers its programs online. Online programs vary in structure, so review clinical hour and externship requirements carefully, as some hybrid programs require in-person lab or practicum components.
What employers hire medical assistants in North Dakota?
Large health systems like Sanford Health, Essentia Health, CHI St. Alexius Health, and Trinity Health System are among the major employers of medical assistants in North Dakota. Smaller clinics, specialty practices, and outpatient facilities throughout the state also hire MAs regularly. Job concentration is higher in the eastern part of the state, particularly around Fargo and Grand Forks.
Key Takeaways
- No state license required — North Dakota doesn’t require medical assistants to hold a state license, but national certification is expected by most employers.
- Four certifications — CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), and NCMA (NCCT) — are widely recognized by North Dakota healthcare employers and qualify for the Medication Assistant III pathway.
- Medication Assistant III expands your scope — MAs who register with the North Dakota Board of Nursing under this category can administer medications in ambulatory settings under licensed nurse supervision.
- In-state and online programs available — Dakota College at Bottineau, Bismarck State College, and the University of North Dakota all offer paths to certification.
- CMA (AAMA) eligibility requires verification — There are no CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs operating in-state. Prospective CMA candidates should confirm their current pilot program eligibility directly with AAMA.
Use the search below to find approved programs in North Dakota and other states, with application links and program details.