Scope of practice laws and regulations are created to ensure that healthcare professionals only perform tasks that are appropriate for their level of training and skill set.
In most states, medical assistant scope of practice includes things like taking vital signs and other basic clinical tasks. However, the laws in each state vary slightly.
It is important to understand what falls under your scope of practice as a medical assistant so that you are always providing appropriate care.
Medical Assistant Scope of Practice by State
Laws about medical assisting vary from state to state. Some states require medical assistant certification while others do not. Things like giving injections, drawing blood, and calling in prescription refills may be allowed with special training in some states but not others.
Some states are very specific in their requirements and some are quite vague. Each state varies slightly in the language they use to describe a medical assistant’s scope of practice.
Before we dive in, we wanted to let you know that if you're not a certified medical assistant yet, we offer a 4-Month Online Medical Assistant Certification Program here at Stepful that prepares you to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam. Our program comes with career coaching and support to help you find a job.
Let’s take a look at the scopes of practice for medical assistants by state:
Alabama Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Medical assistants are able to perform most tasks safely delegated to them by a physician or other licensed care provider. In Alabama, this includes drawing blood and giving intramuscular injections including vaccinations.
>> See our Alabama Medical Assistant Programs:
- Alabama Medical Assistant Program
- Birmingham Medical Assistant Program
- Mobile Medical Assistant Program
- Huntsville Medical Assistant Program
- Montgomery Medical Assistant Program
Alaska Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Alaska, a medical assistant can only perform tasks that have been delegated to them by a licensed provider. The Alaska standards of delegation state that before a provider can assign a task to an unlicensed provider (a medical assistant), they must assess the patient to make sure that the task is safe and appropriate. Medical assistants may not care for patients who are critically ill or unstable.
>> Learn about our Alaska Medical Assistant Program
Arizona Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Arizona, while medical assistants do not have to be certified, they are required to receive some training before they can work. Acceptable training includes either an accredited certification program or a program created by and supervised by a physician.
If you are uncertified, your employer must provide proper education and training before you begin work.
>> See our Arizona Medical Assistant Programs:
- Arizona Medical Assistant Program
- Phoenix Medical Assistant Program
- Tucson Medical Assistant Program
- Mesa Medical Assistant Program
- Scottsdale Medical Assistant Program
Arkansas Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Arkansas, the laws state that a medical assistant cannot delegate any tasks to another healthcare provider and can’t diagnose any illness or injury.
They can administer medications and injections as long as an assessment of the patient has been completed by the licensed provider first.
>> Learn about our Arkansas Medical Assistant Program
California Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
California requires specific training hours to be met for a medical assistant who administers any medications. This training includes 10 hours of training in administering injections and performing skin tests; 10 hours of training in venipuncture and skin puncture for the purpose of withdrawing blood; at least 10 of each intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections and 10 skin tests, and/or at least 10 venipuncture and 10 skin punctures; and 10 hours of training in administering medical by inhalation.
>> See our California Medical Assistant Programs:
- California Medical Assistant Program
- Los Angeles Medical Assistant Program
- San Diego Medical Assistant Program
- San Jose Medical Assistant Program
- San Francisco Medical Assistant Program
- Fresno Medical Assistant Program
- Sacramento Medical Assistant Program
- Long Beach Medical Assistant Program
- San Bernardino Medical Assistant Program
- Riverside Medical Assistant Program
- Modesto Medical Assistant Program
- Oxnard Medical Assistant Program
Colorado Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Medical assistants in Colorado can perform tasks that are routine and do not require the special skills of a licensed physician. This includes tasks such as taking vital signs and changing simple bandages.
>> See our Colorado Medical Assistant Programs:
- Colorado Medical Assistant Program
- Denver Medical Assistant Program
- Colorado Springs Medical Assistant Program
- Aurora Medical Assistant Program
Connecticut Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Connecticut does not require you to be certified before working as a medical assistant.
The Department of Health in Connecticut has specific language prohibiting medical assistants from administering medications.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health states, “Examples of specifically prohibited activities are radiography and medication administration by any route (including oxygen, immunizations, and tuberculin testing).”
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, medical assistants with special training have been allowed to administer vaccinations.
>> Learn about our Connecticut Medical Assistant Program
Delaware Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Delaware law allows medical assistants to administer medications, perform blood draws, and complete any other tasks safely delegated to them by a licensed provider. A medical assistant can not perform clinical assessments, evaluations, or interpretations.
>> Learn about our Delaware Medical Assistant Program
Florida Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Florida has specific language regarding what a medical assistant is allowed to do. The following tasks all fall within a medical assisting scope of practice in Florida:
- Performing aseptic procedures.
- Taking vital signs.
- Preparing patients for the physician’s care.
- Performing venipunctures and non-intravenous injections.
- Observing and reporting patients’ signs or symptoms.
- Administering basic first aid.
- Assisting with patient examinations or treatments.
- Operating office medical equipment.
- Collecting routine laboratory specimens as directed by the physician.
- Administering medication as directed by the physician.
- Performing basic laboratory procedures.
- Performing office procedures including all general administrative duties required by the physician.
- Performing dialysis procedures, including home dialysis.
>> See our Florida Medical Assistant Programs:
- Florida Medical Assistant Program
- Jacksonville Medical Assistant Program
- Lakeland Medical Assistant Program
- Miami Medical Assistant Program
Georgia Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Georgia law allows medical assistants to perform venous blood draws and administer medications by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. However, in order to perform these tasks, a licensed provider must be present in the building.
A medical assistant can perform other tasks like taking vital signs without a provider in-house.
>> See our Georgia Medical Assistant Programs:
Hawaii Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Hawaii, medical assistants are not allowed to perform any task which requires professional clinical judgment, evaluation, diagnosis, or interpretation. Medical assistants in Hawaii are allowed to give injections, perform aseptic procedures, and assist with procedures, as long as a licensed provider has assessed the patient and task to ensure that it is appropriate.
>> Learn about our Hawaii Medical Assistant Program
Idaho Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Idaho only requires you to be certified before working as a medical assistant if you work in certain facilities. Medical assistants can perform any reasonable task delegated to them by a physician.
>> Learn about our Idaho Medical Assistant Program
Illinois Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
The Illinois nurse practice act prohibits licensed providers from delegating medication administration to medical assistants. Medical assistants should not be asked to administer medications, perform any task that requires interpretation of results, or care for critically ill patients.
>> Learn about our Chicago Medical Assistant Program or Illinois Medical Assistant Program
Indiana Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Indiana, a medical assistant can administer medication and perform any task that a physician delegates to them. There is specific language stating that the physician is responsible for any action that they delegate to the medical assistant. Before a medical assistant gives medication or performs a task, they should obtain a written order from the physician.
>> See our Indiana Medical Assistant Programs:
- Indiana Medical Assistant Program
- Indianapolis Medical Assistant Program
- Fort Wayne Medical Assistant Program
Iowa Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Iowa, the medical assistant can perform any task delegated to them, as long as they are supervised by a registered nurse or physician. The nurse or physician is responsible for delegating safe tasks to the medical assistant.
>> Learn about our Iowa Medical Assistant Program or Des Moines Medical Assistant Program
Kansas Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Kansas, qualified medical assistants can administer medication and give injections, unless there is a reasonable risk of harm with the medication. While this is up for interpretation, any provider should check medication and dosage before the medical assistant administers it.
>> Learn about our Kansas Medical Assistant Program or Wichita Medical Assistant Program
Kentucky Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Kentucky, a medical assistant can help with most delegated tasks as long as the provider has assessed the patient.
>> Learn about our Kentucky Medical Assistant Program or Louisville Medical Assistant Program
Louisiana Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Louisiana has very specific regulations about which medications cannot be given by a medical assistant. These include oxygen, narcotics, blood products, intravenous medications, and insulin. Medical assistants must complete formal training in medication administration before they are allowed to administer any type of medication.
>> See our Louisiana Medical Assistant Programs:
- Louisiana Medical Assistant Program
- Shreveport Medical Assistant Program
- Baton Rouge Medical Assistant Program
- New Orleans Medical Assistant Program
Maine Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Maine, any task can be delegated to a medical assistant, but the delegating provider must assume all responsibility for any delegated task.
>> Learn about our Maine Medical Assistant Program
Maryland Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Maryland, the following tasks can be performed independently by qualified medical assistants: Patient preparation for physician examination, patient history interview, collecting and processing specimens, pregnancy tests, dipstick, and microscopic urinalysis, and rapid streptococcal testing and throat cultures; Application of tuberculin skin tests, Electrocardiography, Administering basic pulmonary function tests; and visual field tests.
>> Learn about our Maryland Medical Assistant Program or Baltimore Medical Assistant Program
Massachusetts Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
The medical assisting scope of practice in Massachusetts is vague but states that no unlicensed personnel shall practice medicine. This limits medical assistants to tasks such as taking vital signs and preparing patient rooms.
>> Learn about our Massachusetts Medical Assistant Program or Boston Medical Assistant Program
Michigan Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Michigan, a medical assistant can help with most delegated tasks as long as the provider has assessed the patient and knows that the medical assistant has enough knowledge and skill to perform the task safely.
>> Learn about our Michigan Medical Assistant Program or Detroit Medical Assistant Program
Minnesota Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Minnesota, a medical assistant can help with most delegated tasks as long as the provider has assessed the patient and knows that the medical assistant has enough knowledge and skill to perform the task safely.
>> Learn about our Minnesota Medical Assistant Program
Mississippi Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
There are no specific laws for medical assistants in Mississippi. Because of this, it is safe to assume that physicians can delegate most tasks to medical assistants, but will be held responsible for any task that they delegate.
>> Learn about our Mississippi Medical Assistant Program or Jackson Medical Assistant Program
Missouri Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Missouri medical assistants can give injections, medications, and any other task that a licensed provider feels is appropriate and safe for delegation.
>> See our Missouri Medical Assistant Programs:
- Missouri Medical Assistant Program
- Kansas City Medical Assistant Program
- St. Louis Medical Assistant Program
- Springfield Medical Assistant Program
Montana Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Montana places all responsibility for delegation on the licensed provider. The licensed provider can delegate any task to the medical assistant but will be ultimately responsible for the tasks performed.
>> Learn about our Montana Medical Assistant Program
Nebraska Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In order for medical assistants to pass medications in Nebraska, they must either be certified and pass a competency exam, or complete a 40-hour course and the exam. Medical assistants can legally perform any other task that is considered safe and routine for the patient.
>> Learn about our Nebraska Medical Assistant Program or Omaha Medical Assistant Program
Nevada Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Nevada law allows medical assistants to perform any reasonable task that is delegated to them, as long as the delegating licensed provider is present and can supervise the task. Nevada law specifically prohibits medical assistants from giving any kind of anesthetic agent.
>> Learn about our Nevada Medical Assistant Program or Las Vegas Medical Assistant Program
New Hampshire Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
There are no specific laws for medical assistants in New Hampshire. Because of this, it is safe to assume that physicians can delegate most tasks to medical assistants, but will be held responsible for any task that they delegate.
>> Learn about our New Hampshire Medical Assistant Program
New Jersey Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In New Jersey, only certified medical assistants can give injections. Otherwise, medical assistants can perform any reasonable task delegated to them by physicians.
>> Learn about our New Jersey Medical Assistant Program
New Mexico Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
New Mexico law states that medical assistants can perform any task that has been delegated to them by a licensed provider, but the provider will be held responsible for the delegated task.
>> Learn about our New Mexico Medical Assistant Program or Albuquerque Medical Assistant Program
New York Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
New York law lists specific tasks that can be performed by a medical assistant. These include the following:
- Secretarial work
- Measuring vital signs
- Performing ECGs
- Removing sutures or staples
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens including: Urine dipsticks, phlebotomy, cheek swabs, throat swabs, superficial cultures
- Performing basic hearing and vision tests
- Providing prepared family education and instruction
- Changing or applying wound dressings (not casts)
- Applying an allergen patch test but not interpreting it
North Carolina Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
North Carolina law states that a medical assistant can perform any task that has been delegated to them by a licensed provider, but the provider will be held responsible for the delegated task.
>> See our North Carolina Medical Assistant Programs:
- North Carolina Medical Assistant Program
- Charlotte Medical Assistant Program
- Raleigh Medical Assistant Program
- Greensboro Medical Assistant Program
North Dakota Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In North Dakota, only certified medical assistants can administer medications. They can perform any other usual medical assistant tasks without certification.
>> Learn about our North Dakota Medical Assistant Program
Ohio Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Ohio law specifically states that a medical assistant can complete any task that does not require special training or ongoing assessment. Tasks cannot be delegated that would cause harm if performed incorrectly.
>> See our Ohio Medical Assistant Programs:
- Ohio Medical Assistant Program
- Columbus Medical Assistant Program
- Cleveland Medical Assistant Program
- Dayton Medical Assistant Program
- Akron Medical Assistant Program
- Toledo Medical Assistant Program
Oklahoma Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
There are no specific laws for medical assistants in Oklahoma. Because of this, it is safe to assume that physicians can delegate most tasks to medical assistants, but will be held responsible for any task that they delegate.
>> See our Oklahoma Medical Assistant Programs:
- Oklahoma Medical Assistant Program
- Oklahoma City Medical Assistant Program
- Tulsa Medical Assistant Program
Oregon Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Oregon law states that medical assistants can perform any task that has been delegated to them by a licensed provider, but the provider will be held responsible for the delegated task.
>> Learn about our Oregon Medical Assistant Program or Portland Medical Assistant Program
Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Pennsylvania law states that medical assistants can perform any task that has been delegated to them by a licensed provider, but the provider will be held responsible for the delegated task.
>> Learn about our Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Program or Philadelphia Medical Assistant Program
Rhode Island Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Rhode Island has specific tasks that can be performed by uncertified vs. certified medical assistants. Medical assistants must be certified in order to take laboratory specimens, administer vaccines, and administer medication.
>> Learn about our Rhode Island Medical Assistant Program
South Carolina Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Medical assistants in South Carolina can independently perform tasks such as meeting patients’ needs for personal hygiene, nutrition, ambulation, elimination, taking vital signs, and maintaining asepsis. Medical assistants can do anything that would not cause harm to the patient if done incorrectly.
>> Learn about our South Carolina Medical Assistant Program
South Dakota Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
There are no specific laws for medical assistants in South Dakota. Because of this, it is safe to assume that physicians can delegate most tasks to medical assistants, but will be held responsible for any task that they delegate.
>> Learn about our South Dakota Medical Assistant Program
Tennessee Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Tennessee medical assistants can give injections, medications, and any other task that a licensed provider feels is appropriate and safe for delegation.
>> See our Tennessee Medical Assistant Programs:
- Tennessee Medical Assistant Program
- Nashville Medical Assistant Program
- Memphis Medical Assistant Program
- Chattanooga Medical Assistant Program
- Knoxville Medical Assistant Program
Texas Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Medical assistants in Texas can perform any task that a licensed provider deems appropriate. They must have the skills and knowledge to perform the task safely.
>> See our Texas Medical Assistant Programs:
- Texas Medical Assistant Program
- San Antonio Medical Assistant Program
- El Paso Medical Assistant Program
- Fort Worth Medical Assistant Program
- Arlington Medical Assistant Program
- Laredo Medical Assistant Program
- Lubbock Medical Assistant Program
- McAllen Medical Assistant Program
Utah Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
In Utah, a medical assistant cannot; perform surgical procedures, prescribe medication, or administer anesthesia. All other tasks are acceptable under the supervision of the delegating licensed healthcare provider, as long as the medical assistant is competent and knowledgeable enough to perform the task safely.
>> Learn about our Utah Medical Assistant Program
Vermont Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Vermont law states that medical assistants can perform any task that has been delegated to them by a licensed provider, but the provider will be held responsible for the delegated task.
>> Learn about our Vermont Medical Assistant Program
Virginia Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Virginia medical assistants can perform all typical medical assisting tasks, with the addition of the administration of controlled substances.
>> See our Virginia Medical Assistant Programs:
- Virginia Medical Assistant Program
- Virginia Beach Medical Assistant Program
- Richmond Medical Assistant Program
Washington Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Washington requires you to be certified before working as a medical assistant. After a medical assistant has been certified, they can perform any reasonable task delegated to them by a physician.
>> Learn about our Washington Medical Assistant Program or Seattle Medical Assistant Program
West Virginia Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
West Virginia law specifically states that medical assistants cannot administer IV medications or fluids, take telephone orders from physicians, or perform any task that requires ongoing assessment. All delegated tasks should be supervised by a licensed provider.
>> Learn about our West Virginia Medical Assistant Program
Wisconsin Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Medical assistants in Wisconsin can perform any task that a licensed provider deems appropriate. They must have the skills and knowledge to perform the task safely.
>> Learn about our Wisconsin Medical Assistant Program or Milwaukee Medical Assistant Program
Wyoming Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Medical assistants in Wyoming can perform any task that a licensed provider deems appropriate. They must have the skills and knowledge to perform the task safely.
>> Learn about our Wyoming Medical Assistant Program
How to Get Your Medical Assistant Certification
Only Washington requires medical assistants to be certified. This means that you cannot legally work as a medical assistant here without certification.
Although it is not required in other states, becoming certified shows your future employers that you are committed to your job, and that you have the skills and knowledge to take care of patients safely and efficiently.
Getting your medical assistant certification can be done fairly quickly and is usually inexpensive.
Here’s how to become a certified medical assistant:
- Get your high school diploma or GED. All medical assisting programs require you to have a high school diploma or GED before starting. You can practice for and take your GED exam in as little as four weeks.
- Find a medical assisting program. Medical assisting programs can be completed online, through an in-person certification program, or through a medical assistant degree program. Try to choose a program that meets your educational needs and helps get you closer to your goal.
- Apply for financial aid or scholarships. There are many financial aid and scholarship opportunities available, even for online and certificate programs. Apply through the FAFSA or search for grants and scholarships online. You can see specific medical assistant scholarships here.
- Complete your training program. Programs can be completed on your own time, in as little as 6 weeks online. Make sure you study hard and look for opportunities to practice your skills.
- Complete an externship (optional). A medical assistant externship is a great opportunity for you to practice your skills in a real medical setting. It involves following a working medical assistant during their work day and having the opportunity to practice skills and ask questions
- Take your exam. Taking one of the medical assisting certification exams is the final step to certification. There are three main types of certifications—CMA, RMA, and CCMA.
