How To Become a Travel Medical Assistant: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The need for medical attention can occur at any time and in any location. A travel medical assistant (MA) enables patients to receive the attention they need and performs simple medical procedures to expand the reach and reduce the workload of doctors and other medical professionals. To ensure competency, 62% of employers require MAs, including travel MAs, to have a medical assistant certification.

This guide focuses on the role of a travel medical assistant and furnishes the general steps to become one. To help aspirants make an informed decision, the article also offers information surrounding the travel MA profession, which includes essential skills, potential careers, salary projections, and job outlook.

Key Things You Should Know About Becoming a Travel Medical Assistant in 2025

A travel medical assistant performs both clinical and administrative duties while working on temporary assignments in various healthcare settings.
24% of medical assistants earned an associate degree, 23% completed a diploma program, 11% have a bachelor's degree, and 9% obtained a high school diploma.
58% of travel medical assistants are medical assisting services majors, 8% are nursing majors, 6% are healthcare administration majors, and 5% are business majors.
The employment of medical assistants, including travel MAs, is projected to climb by a notable 15% from 2023 to 2033.
The average annual salary of medical assistants, including travel MAs, in the United States is $43,350, while their median annual salary is $42,000.
The US states that provide the highest average annual salaries are Washington ($53,780), Alaska ($52,530), California ($50,900), the District of Columbia ($50,110), and Minnesota ($49,740).

What does a travel medical assistant do?
How does one become a travel medical assistant in 2025?
Which educational programs can one take to become a travel medical assistant?
What are the best certifications for travel medical assistants?
Where does a travel medical assistant work?
What are the skills needed to become a successful travel medical assistant?
What are the potential careers of aspiring travel medical assistants?
Can online education further advance a travel medical assistant's career?
What challenges do travel medical assistants face?
How are emerging technologies shaping travel medical assistant roles?
How does an advanced degree in healthcare management influence travel medical assistant careers?
What are the career advancement options for travel medical assistants?
What is the job outlook for travel medical assistants?
What is the average salary of a travel medical assistant?
What are the advantages of being a travel medical assistant compared to a regular medical assistant?
Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Travel Medical Assistant

What does a travel medical assistant do?

A travel medical assistant performs both clinical and administrative duties while working on temporary assignments in various healthcare settings. Their clinical tasks include taking vital signs, collecting blood samples, assisting with patient exams and minor procedures, administering medications, and preparing patients for tests.

On the administrative side, they handle scheduling, patient check-ins, updating medical records, billing support, and insurance communications. Adaptability is key, as they quickly learn new facility protocols and workflows to provide seamless patient care across different locations.

Some individuals begin their careers in specialized areas and later transition to travel roles—if you're starting in women’s health, for example, understanding how to become a OB-GYN medical assistant can provide a strong foundation for broader medical assistant opportunities down the line.

Their key responsibilities include the following:

Taking and Recording Vital Signs: Travel medical assistants measure and document vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rate. This is essential for providing baseline health data to physicians and ensuring accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. In more niche fields, like cosmetic dermatology, these tasks may be coupled with unique duties. Those exploring this path often look into aesthetic medical assistant requirements, which can include additional knowledge of skincare procedures, laser equipment, and patient consultation techniques.
Preparing Patients for Examinations: Travel medical assistants help patients get ready for medical exams by gathering health histories, explaining procedures, and ensuring comfort. This helps streamline the workflow for physicians and puts patients at ease. It’s a responsibility that aligns closely with the daily tasks of other credentialed roles, prompting some to ask, what does a registered medical assistant do compared to a travel MA. While their duties often overlap, registered MAs usually work in permanent positions and may have more consistent access to advanced equipment or specialized patient care routines.
Assisting with Medical Procedures: During exams or minor procedures, travel MAs support healthcare providers by handing them instruments, maintaining sterile environments, and monitoring patient responses. Their assistance improves efficiency and patient safety during clinical tasks. The specific skills required may vary by specialty—those interested in foot and ankle care might wonder about podiatry medical assistant salary and how it compares to travel work. While salaries vary by region and experience, podiatry assistants can earn competitive pay, especially when employed in busy outpatient clinics or private practices.
Administering Medications and Injections: Travel medical assistants can administer medications, including injections and vaccines, but this is contingent upon state laws and their holding the necessary certifications. Strict adherence to safety protocols and accurate dosages is paramount for patient safety when performing these tasks.
Collecting and Processing Lab Specimens: They may collect blood, urine, or other samples for lab testing and ensure proper labeling and transport. Accurate handling of specimens is critical for reliable diagnostic results.
Maintaining Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Updating patient information in electronic systems is a key responsibility. Travel MAs must be tech-savvy and detail-oriented to ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient care.
Managing Appointment Scheduling and Front Desk Tasks: Travel MAs often help manage the front office by scheduling appointments, answering phones, and greeting patients. These administrative tasks help ensure the clinic or facility runs smoothly and efficiently.
Verifying Insurance and Processing Billing: They may assist with checking insurance eligibility, collecting copays, and handling billing codes. This financial aspect ensures services are reimbursed correctly and patients understand their costs.
Adapting Quickly to New Work Environments: Because they move between facilities, travel MAs must learn new systems, protocols, and team dynamics quickly. Flexibility and fast learning are key to success in each short-term assignment.
Maintaining Professional Certifications and Compliance: They are responsible for keeping certifications (like CPR or CMA) current and complying with licensing regulations in different states. This ensures they can legally and effectively perform their duties across locations.

How does one become a travel medical assistant in 2025?

Becoming a travel medical assistant offers a unique path for those who want to combine clinical skills with a sense of adventure. This role allows professionals to support healthcare teams in diverse locations while gaining valuable experience along the way. Here are the general steps for aspirants to follow:

Earn a High School Diploma or GED: The foundation for a career as a travel medical assistant starts with completing high school or obtaining a GED, which is a prerequisite for enrolling in accredited medical assistant programs.
Complete an Accredited Medical Assistant Program: Aspiring professionals should seek to graduate from an accredited medical assistant program. Completing either a certificate or diploma program (9-12 months) or an associate degree program (up to two years) provides the essential clinical, administrative, and medical expertise needed for success. The more comprehensive bachelor's in medical assisting is also an option. Choosing between associate degree and bachelor's degree programs depends on the preferred durations and future entry-level roles.
Obtain Certification: Enhance your career prospects by obtaining professional certification from reputable organizations such as AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT. Earning a CMA, RMA, CCMA, or NCMA credential validates expertise and significantly improves job opportunities.
Gain Clinical Experience: Essential to career readiness is acquiring one to two years of clinical experience in diverse settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private practices. This practical experience builds confidence and skills necessary for excelling in travel assignments.
Develop Additional Skills: Position yourself for advanced opportunities by developing expertise in areas such as phlebotomy, EKG administration, or electronic health record (EHR) systems like EPIC. These skills broaden your scope and increase marketability.
Partner with a Travel Staffing Agency: Strategically partner with a well-regarded healthcare staffing agency to access travel positions. These agencies specialize in matching talent with opportunities, while also providing assistance with travel arrangements, housing, and licensing support.
Obtain State Licenses (If Required): Ensure compliance and expand your reach by securing required state licenses or meeting regulatory criteria in regions where you intend to work. Partnering with a staffing agency streamlines this process.
Prepare for the Travel Lifestyle: Embrace continuous growth by developing adaptability, strong communication skills, and organizational prowess. As a travel medical assistant, your ability to thrive in new environments and connect with diverse teams will be crucial for sustained career success.

Which educational programs can one take to become a travel medical assistant?

Becoming a travel medical assistant comes with educational requisites that will provide aspirants with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field. Learners have several options to start their journeys to become travel MAs with varying lengths, content depth, and outcomes. Here are the basic options for aspirants:

Certificate or Diploma Programs in Medical Assisting: Medical Assisting Certificate or Diploma programs offer focused, typically under one-year training, emphasizing practical skills and essential knowledge for immediate employment in clinics or medical offices. They are ideal for those seeking a quick entry into the healthcare field.
Associate Degree in Medical Assisting: This two-year program blends clinical training with general education coursework, offering a broader and more versatile foundation. It’s a smart choice for students aiming for long-term growth and specialization within the healthcare field.
Online Medical Assistant Programs: These flexible learning options allow students to complete coursework remotely, often paired with in-person externships. Online programs are particularly beneficial for those managing jobs or family commitments.
Accelerated Medical Assistant Programs: Condensed into as little as six months, accelerated programs deliver the same essential training at a faster pace. They’re perfect for highly driven learners who want to launch their careers quickly.
Military Medical Training Programs (for Veterans): Veterans with prior healthcare training can often transition into civilian roles through programs that recognize military experience. With minimal additional requirements, these pathways honor past service while preparing for new opportunities.

According to Zippia, 24% of medical assistants earned an associate degree, 23% completed a diploma program, 11% have a bachelor's degree, and 9% obtained a high school diploma.

What are the best certifications for travel medical assistants?

While not universally mandated, national certification is highly recommended for aspiring travel medical assistants and often a key factor for employers. Holding a respected credential significantly improves job prospects, bolsters professional credibility, and can lead to higher earning potential in the travel healthcare field. Consequently, certification is frequently preferred or required for travel MA positions.

The most valuable and recognized certifications include the following:

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): Holding the CMA certification, awarded after completing accredited training and passing a national exam, demonstrates a strong foundation in both clinical and administrative competencies, opening doors to a wide spectrum of travel medical assistant positions.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): The RMA credential confirms a travel MA's proficiency in clinical procedures and administrative responsibilities, achieved through formal clinical training or substantial experience and a national certification exam, making them adaptable to various healthcare environments.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): For travel MAs prioritizing direct patient care, the CCMA from the NHA, earned after accredited training or relevant experience and an exam, highlights essential clinical skills alongside key administrative abilities, particularly valuable in fast-paced settings like hospitals and urgent care centers.
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA): This NHA certification equips travel MAs with specialized skills in managing medical office front-end operations, patient communications, and administrative support, ensuring they can contribute effectively to healthcare teams in any location.
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA): The NCMA credential signifies comprehensive training and validated expertise in a broad range of clinical and administrative functions, making travel MAs highly versatile and capable of handling diverse responsibilities in various healthcare settings.
Specialty Certified Medical Assistant (SCMA): By achieving SCMA certifications in areas like pediatrics or cardiology, travel MAs can distinguish themselves with advanced knowledge, leading to more specialized and potentially rewarding travel assignments within their chosen field.

Where does a travel medical assistant work?

Travel medical assistants work in diverse healthcare settings nationwide, adapting to the specific needs of each hiring facility and the nature of their temporary assignments. This career demands professional flexibility alongside strong foundational medical skills. Common workplaces include the following:

Hospitals: They may assist in outpatient departments, urgent care units, or specialty clinics within a hospital system. Hospitals often rely on travel MAs during peak seasons or staffing shortages.
Private Physician Offices: Travel MAs can temporarily fill in for staff on leave or help when a clinic expands or opens a new location. These roles typically involve both administrative and clinical duties.
Urgent Care Centers: Because of their fast-paced nature, urgent care centers often bring in travel MAs to help manage fluctuating patient volumes and extended hours of operation.
Specialty Clinics: Places like dermatology, orthopedics, OB/GYN, or cardiology offices may hire travel MAs who have experience or training in those specific fields.
Community Health Centers and Rural Clinics: These locations often struggle with long-term staffing and use travel medical assistants to maintain access to care, especially in underserved areas.
Mobile Clinics and Pop-Up Health Events: Travel MAs might work in temporary or mobile environments, such as vaccination drives, wellness screenings, or disaster relief events.
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care Facilities: Though less common, some travel MAs work in facilities that offer physical therapy, post-operative care, or support for chronic conditions.

What are the skills needed to become a successful travel medical assistant?

A successful travel medical assistant demonstrates a well-rounded skill set that includes clinical proficiency, administrative capabilities, and essential soft skills. Equally important is the ability to adapt quickly to new and diverse healthcare settings. The skills outlined below are fundamental to excelling in this profession:

Clinical Skills: A travel medical assistant is expected to demonstrate competence in foundational clinical procedures, including the measurement of vital signs, assistance with examinations, specimen collection, and the administration of medications or injections where permitted. Mastery of medical terminology and anatomy is essential for maintaining clinical accuracy and patient safety across diverse settings. Aspirants who want to further their clinical medical skills can pursue a triage nurse career path.
Administrative Skills: Success in this role requires the ability to manage front-desk responsibilities like scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, updating electronic health records (EHR), and handling basic billing tasks. These skills ensure smooth daily operations in fast-paced healthcare settings.
Communication Skills: Clear, compassionate communication is essential when interacting with patients, physicians, and new team members at each assignment. Travel medical assistants must be able to explain procedures, relay information accurately, and build trust quickly in unfamiliar environments.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Because travel medical assistants frequently rotate through different facilities, they must quickly adjust to new systems, staff, and workflows. Being open to change and learning on the go is key to thriving in this dynamic role.
Organization and Time Management: Balancing both clinical and administrative responsibilities requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively. Travel MAs need to prioritize tasks, stay on schedule, and maintain high productivity in varied healthcare environments.
Emotional Intelligence and Compassion: Showing empathy, staying calm under pressure, and responding to patients’ emotional needs are vital qualities. Travel medical assistants often work with diverse populations, so emotional intelligence helps create a positive patient experience and builds meaningful rapport.
Problem-Solving Skills: In new or unexpected situations, a travel MA must think quickly and act decisively. Whether troubleshooting unfamiliar equipment or adjusting to a new facility’s processes, being resourceful and solution-oriented is critical to maintaining high-quality care.

According to Zippia, the skills that most frequently appear on the CVs of travel MAs are patients (20.2%), vital signs (10%), patient care (9.3%), phlebotomy (3.9%), CPR (3.8%), EKG (3.7%), and customer service (3.4%).

The chart below shows the US states that employ the most medical assistants.

What are the potential careers of aspiring travel medical assistants?

Aspiring travel medical assistants can pursue a variety of career paths, both within and beyond the role itself. This underscores the breadth of skills and knowledge learners develop while completing their education and training. Here are some of the most common and potential careers that individuals interested in becoming travel medical assistants might consider:

Travel Medical Assistant: This dynamic career involves temporary assignments across the country in various healthcare settings. It requires adaptability and strong clinical skills, offering diverse experience and a fast-paced work environment.
General Medical Assistant: Often the starting point, this foundational role provides broad clinical and administrative experience in settings like clinics and hospitals, encompassing tasks from vital signs to record management. Many travel MAs begin here.
Specialty Medical Assistant: MAs can deepen their expertise by specializing in areas like cardiology or pediatrics, performing tailored clinical tasks and often earning higher compensation. This specialization can also be pursued in travel roles. Specialty MAs can later take on specialized roles like a certified nurse midwife, provided they obtain the CNM job requirements, including the requisite education and training.
Phlebotomy or EKG Technician: Obtaining certifications in these areas allows MAs to expand their skill set, performing specialized tasks like blood draws or cardiac monitoring, increasing their versatility and job prospects in both staff and travel positions.
Medical Office Manager or Supervisor: With experience, travel MAs can advance into leadership roles, overseeing operations and staff within healthcare facilities, leveraging their diverse exposure to different workflows.
Healthcare Educator or Trainer: Experienced MAs can transition to educating new healthcare professionals, sharing their practical knowledge gained from various clinical settings, including travel assignments.
Advanced Healthcare Professional: For those seeking greater responsibility and earning potential, the experience of a travel MA can be a stepping stone to further education and careers as nurses (LPN/RN) or other advanced healthcare roles. In fact, being a travel MA can be the initial step in how to become an NP in functional medicine and similar careers.

Can online education further advance a travel medical assistant's career?

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, supplementing hands-on experience with online learning can provide a distinct professional advantage. Targeted online programs offer flexible scheduling, updated curricula, and opportunities to acquire advanced competencies without disrupting work commitments. These platforms also foster practical insights into emerging technologies and specialized medical procedures, ensuring that travel medical assistants remain competitive and prepared for leadership roles. Aspiring professionals may benefit from exploring affordable and comprehensive online options such as a medical assistant degree online for career-enhancing updates and skill diversification.

What challenges do travel medical assistants face?

Travel medical assistants must quickly adapt to varied clinical environments and operational protocols, which can lead to periods of adjustment and uncertainty. Frequent transitions between facilities may expose them to diverse regulatory requirements and differing workplace cultures, increasing the need for strong communication and logistical planning. Moreover, balancing variable scheduling and travel demands while maintaining high-quality patient care is an ongoing challenge. Targeted administrative upskilling—such as coursework through the best online schools for healthcare administration—can help professionals streamline processes and mitigate these challenges.

How are emerging technologies shaping travel medical assistant roles?

Rapid advancements in digital health and medical technologies are transforming clinical workflows and patient management in diverse settings. Travel medical assistants are increasingly expected to adapt to sophisticated electronic health records, telemedicine platforms, and AI-driven diagnostic tools that streamline patient care. Competence in these systems not only enhances operational efficiency but also signals an aptitude for integrating advanced healthcare practices, a quality highly valued by employers. In addition, acquiring supplemental skills through targeted courses—such as the fastest healthcare administration degree—can improve readiness to work with evolving technologies and support career progression in a competitive healthcare landscape.

How does an advanced degree in healthcare management influence travel medical assistant careers?

Pursuing an advanced degree in healthcare management equips travel medical assistants with the leadership and administrative expertise necessary for supervisory roles and complex project coordination. This educational pathway enhances strategic decision-making, refines understanding of healthcare regulations, and bolsters skills in resource management across diverse clinical settings. Enrolling in programs such as an accelerated online MBA in healthcare management can offer a flexible approach to integrating business acumen with clinical experience, thereby expanding career opportunities and positioning professionals for long-term success in an evolving healthcare landscape.

What are the career advancement options for travel medical assistants?

With hands-on experience in various clinical settings, travel medical assistants are well-positioned to pursue advanced roles in healthcare. Their adaptability and skill set make them strong candidates for specialization, leadership, and continued education. Here are the avenues in which aspirants can pursue professional advancement:

Specialization in a Clinical Area: Travel medical assistants can choose to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, or OB/GYN, gaining focused expertise that increases demand for their skills in travel assignments. Specialty certifications like SCMA (Specialty Certified Medical Assistant) can help solidify this transition.
Pursuing Nursing (LPN or RN): A common career advancement path for medical assistants is pursuing nursing. By enrolling in LPN or RN programs, MAs can build upon their existing hands-on clinical experience, which often provides a strong foundation and may even allow for accelerated progression through certain aspects of the nursing curriculum. After finishing their requisite education, aspirants can enter an ER nurse career path or something similar.
Becoming a Medical Office Manager: With added administrative experience, travel medical assistants can move into office management roles, overseeing the daily operations of clinics or medical practices. Skills in EHR systems, billing, and staff supervision are key to this role.
Transitioning to Healthcare Administration: Earning a degree in healthcare management or administration allows MAs to take on leadership roles in hospitals, insurance companies, or public health organizations. This path focuses more on the business and policy side of healthcare.
Medical Assisting Instructor or Educator: Experienced travel MAs can become instructors at vocational schools, community colleges, or online training programs. Teaching new medical assistants combines their clinical experience with mentorship and education.
Allied Health Roles (EKG Tech, Phlebotomist, etc.): Travel MAs can branch out into other allied health careers, such as phlebotomy technician, EKG technician, or patient care technician, by completing short certification programs. These roles are often in high demand for travel contracts.
Healthcare Recruiter: With insider knowledge of the job and industry, former travel MAs often become healthcare recruiters, helping staffing agencies match other professionals to temporary or permanent roles across the country.
Public Health or Community Outreach: Some MAs use their experience to transition into public health roles, working with nonprofit organizations or government agencies to provide education, coordinate health fairs, or support underserved populations.

What is the job outlook for travel medical assistants?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical assistants, including travel MAs, is projected to climb by a notable 15% from 2023 to 2033, nearly four times the collective growth rate of all US professions (4%). This will increase the number of travel MAs from 783,900 in 2023 to 901,900 by 2033.

Aspiring and active medical assistants will not have trouble finding employment opportunities. In the given period, one can expect 119,800 openings each year. As far as travel medical assistants are concerned, the job portal Indeed displays over 100 job openings in the United States currently.

The US industries that employ the most medical assistants are physicians' offices (430,490), general medical and surgical hospitals (115,850), and outpatient care centers (70,470). As for the US states with the highest levels of employment, California (110,280), Texas (66,720), and Florida (55,110) lead the pack.

What is the average salary of a travel medical assistant?

The BLS reports that the average annual salary of medical assistants, including travel MAs, in the United States is $43,350, while their median annual salary is $42,000, slightly higher than the typical CNA salary. Although having a high salary is not one of the primary reasons aspirants opt to become medical assistants, they can receive higher wages if they practice in busy states and high-demand industries.

The US states that provide the highest average annual salaries are Washington ($53,780), Alaska ($52,530), California ($50,900), the District of Columbia ($50,110), and Minnesota ($49,740).

Meanwhile, the industries that hand out the highest average annual salaries are scientific research and development services ($55,130), junior colleges ($53,890), grantmaking and giving services ($50,990), outpatient care centers ($50,250), and management and technical consulting services ($49,090).

What are the advantages of being a travel medical assistant compared to a regular medical assistant?

Travel medical assistants share many core responsibilities with traditional MAs, but their role offers additional benefits that set them apart. From increased flexibility to higher earning potential, travel assignments provide opportunities that can significantly enhance both personal and professional growth.

Higher Earning Potential: Travel medical assistants often receive higher pay than their permanently placed counterparts, thanks to stipends for housing, meals, and travel, along with bonuses for high-demand assignments.
Flexibility and Freedom: Unlike regular medical assistants who are tied to one location, travel MAs can choose when and where they work, allowing for a more customizable lifestyle and better work-life balance.
Opportunities for Travel and Exploration: Assignments in different cities and states let travel MAs experience new places and cultures while building their careers—an appealing benefit for those with a love for adventure and change.
Faster Skill Development: Working in diverse clinical environments exposes travel MAs to a variety of workflows, patient populations, and healthcare systems, allowing them to sharpen their skills and gain experience more quickly than in a static role.
Broader Professional Network: Travel MAs naturally build a larger network of healthcare professionals, which can lead to future job opportunities, mentorship, and career growth in multiple directions.
Job Security in High-Demand Areas: Because they help fill staffing shortages across the country, travel medical assistants often enjoy steady demand, especially in underserved or rural areas.
Pathways to Career Advancement: The variety of experiences gained on assignments helps travel MAs stand out when applying for leadership roles, specialty positions, or educational advancement.

Here's What Travel Medical Assistants Have to Say About Their Jobs

"The best part of working as a travel medical assistant is the variety; no two weeks are the same, and I’ve gained invaluable skills by adapting to different clinics and patient needs. It’s rewarding to know my work supports healthcare teams across the country while allowing me to experience new communities." – Stefani

"What I appreciate most about being a travel medical assistant is the flexibility—it’s allowed me to balance my career with my personal goals. I’ve worked in top hospitals, built lasting friendships across the country, and gained experience I wouldn’t have gotten staying in one place." – Kayleigh

"Being a travel medical assistant has given me the incredible opportunity to explore new cities while advancing my career—each assignment brings fresh challenges that keep me engaged and growing professionally. I love the flexibility and the chance to make a real difference in diverse healthcare settings." – Gene

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Travel Medical Assistant

How long are travel medical assistant assignments?

Travel medical assistant assignments typically last between 8 to 13 weeks, though some can extend up to 6 months depending on the facility’s needs. Short-term contracts offer flexibility and the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings across different locations. Extensions are common if both the employer and assistant are satisfied.

How long does it take to become a travel medical assistant?

Becoming a travel medical assistant generally takes between 6 months and 2 years, based on the chosen educational pathway. Certificate and diploma programs may be completed in as little as 4 months or up to a year, whereas associate degree programs typically take about 2 years. Regardless of the program type, most employers prefer candidates to have 1 to 2 years of clinical experience prior to travel placements.

Can a travel medical assistant become a nurse?

Yes, a travel medical assistant can become a nurse by completing additional education and training. This typically involves enrolling in an accredited nursing program to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and then passing the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse. The process usually takes about two to four years, and some credits or experience from medical assisting may transfer to the nursing program.

Do travel medical assistants need a license in every state?

Travel medical assistants do not need a license in every state, but licensing requirements vary depending on the state where they plan to work. Some states require medical assistants to hold a specific license or meet additional regulatory criteria, while others do not have such requirements. It is important for travel medical assistants to verify and fulfill the licensing regulations for each state of employment, often with assistance from their staffing agency.

References:

BLS (2024, April 3). 31-9092 Medical Assistants. BLS
BLS (2024, August 29). Medical Assistants. BLS
NHA (2022). 3 Key Stats About Medical Assistants in 2022. NHA
Zippia (2025, January 8). Medical Assistant Education Requirements. Zippia
Zippia (2025, January 8). Medical Assistant skills for your resume and career. Zippia