How to become a medical assistant in Texas
Medical assistants handle clinical and office tasks in doctors’ offices and clinics: taking vitals, drawing blood, giving injections, and scheduling. Programs run from under a year (certificates) to two years (associate degrees). This list covers the Texas programs accredited by CAAHEP, which makes graduates eligible for the CMA exam; many other Texas programs are not accredited.
Step 1: Finish an accredited program
Texas has 14 accredited medical assistant programs: 12 certificates, 2 associate degrees. The median program runs about 12 months. Of the 6 that publish a total cost, prices run from $1,215 (Collin College, Technical) to $18,062 (Western Technical College). 2
Highest reported certification exam rates among larger programs: Del Mar College, Windward (100%), Collin College, Technical (98.4%) and Lone Star College, CyFair (98.0%).
Compare every Texas medical assistant program, or by area: Houston, Dallas, El Paso.
Step 2: Pass the certification exam
The median Texas program reports a 87.9% rate (11 programs reporting), but results range from 67.0% to 100%. Graduates who passed a medical assistant certification exam, divided by graduates who took it, as the program reports it to MAERB. Most programs report a five-year average; some name the exam (CMA from the AAMA, or RMA from AMT) and some do not. Texas does not license medical assistants, but many employers require certification. MAERB expects at least 60.0%: the 60% exam pass rate threshold MAERB sets for accredited programs.
Step 3: Get credentialed
Texas does not license medical assistants. Many employers prefer a national certification such as the CMA (AAMA) or the RMA (AMT).
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Graduate from (or finish coursework in) a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program, or qualify through the AAMA Alternative Pathway, and pass the CMA (AAMA) exam.3 | $125 |
| Alternative: take the AMT RMA exam via education (accredited program, 720 hours with 160 externship, graduated within 4 years), work experience, military, or instructor routes.4 | $150not counted |
Typical fees to start working: $125. Counts the CMA (AAMA) exam at the recent-graduate rate ($125). The RMA ($150) is an alternative. Certification is optional under Texas law. The CMA (AAMA) must be recertified every 60 months; the AMT RMA requires an annual fee ($75, rising to $85 from Feb 1, 2027) and 30 CCP points every three years.
What medical assistants earn in Texas
The Texas median is $39,520 a year. 1 Pay is highest around Austin ($45,820), Midland-Odessa ($44,010), Dallas ($43,100) and lowest around Laredo ($35,320) and Rio Grande Valley ($34,810). At the median program cost, setting aside 10% of the Texas median wage pays the program back in about 1.8 years.
Sources and dates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Medical Assistants (31-9092), May 2025 estimates.
- Medical Assisting Education Review Board (programs accredited by CAAHEP) (MAERB), checked Nov. 2026.
- AAMA CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application and Policies, Form Rev 1-26 (January 2026).
- AMT Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), checked Nov 2026.
Every number was checked against its source on Nov. 4, 2026. Spot an error? Report it. Program Outcomes is independent and not affiliated with any school or MAERB. Our independence policy