Medical Assistant Programs in California

How to Become a Medical Assistant in California

Pursuing a career as a medical assistant in California can be a rewarding path for those interested in the healthcare field. Medical assistants play a vital role in supporting physicians and other healthcare professionals by performing administrative and clinical tasks. To become a medical assistant in California, you need to follow these steps:

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  1. Select an Accredited Program: The first step is to choose an accredited medical assistant program. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are two reputable accrediting bodies that maintain lists of approved programs in California. Ensure that the program you select is accredited to meet the necessary educational requirements.

  2. Complete the Required Coursework: Medical assistant programs typically last between 9 to 12 months and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. The curriculum covers subjects such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, pharmacology, and clinical procedures. Successful completion of the program is essential to prepare you for the certification exam and future employment.

  3. Meet Legal Requirements: In California, there are no specific legal restrictions or age requirements for becoming a medical assistant. However, you must comply with any regulations set forth by the educational institution or healthcare facility where you plan to work or complete your clinical training.

  4. Obtain Certification: While certification is not legally required to work as a medical assistant in California, many employers prefer or require certification as it demonstrates a certain level of knowledge and competency. The National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the American Association of Medical Assistants are two organizations that offer nationally recognized certifications for medical assistants. To become certified, you must pass a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge and skills in various areas of medical assisting.

  5. Consider Specialization: After gaining experience as a medical assistant, you may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as ophthalmology, podiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. Specialization can open up additional career opportunities and potentially higher earning potential.

  6. Maintain Certification: Most certifications for medical assistants require renewal every few years. This typically involves completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee to maintain your certification and stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices.

It’s important to note that while the steps outlined above are generally applicable across California, some healthcare facilities or employers may have additional requirements or preferences. It’s always a good idea to research the specific requirements of the organizations or locations where you plan to work or complete your clinical training.

By following these steps and obtaining the necessary education, certification, and experience, you can embark on a rewarding career as a medical assistant in California, contributing to the delivery of quality healthcare services and supporting the well-being of patients.

Medical Assistant Schools Near You & Online in California

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Everest College

  • 2215 W. Mission Road Alhambra, CA 91803
    Programs: LVN, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (626) 979-4940

Everest College

  • 511 North Brookhurst, Ste. 300 Anaheim, CA 92801
    Programs: LVN, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (714) 953-6500

Carrington College

  • 2157 Country Hills Drive Antioch, CA 94509
    Programs: LVN, Medical Assistant
    (855) 288-2196

Cabrillo College

  • 6500 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003
    Programs: ADN, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, Radiography, RN
    (831) 479-6100

Carrington College California

  • 7301 Greenback Lane, Suite A Citrus Heights, CA 95621
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    1(877)206-2106

Heald College

  • 5130 Commercial Circle Concord, CA 94520
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    925-288-5800

Orange Coast College

  • 2701 Fairview Road Costa Mesa, CA 92626
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Radiography
    (714) 432-5072

Carrington College California

  • 6001 Shellmound Street, Suite 145 Emeryville, CA 94608
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    1(877)206-2106

Heald College

  • 255 West Bullard Avenue Fresno, CA 93704
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (559) 438-4222

Everest College

  • 1045 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Suite 275 Gardena, CA 90247
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (310) 527-7105

Heald College

  • 25500 Industrial Boulevard Hayward, CA 94545
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (510) 783-2100

Chabot College

  • 25555 Hesperian Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
    Programs: ADN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (510) 723-6600

Everest College

  • 3000 S. Robertson Blvd., Ste. 300 Los Angeles, CA 90034
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (310) 840-5777

Heald College

  • 341 Great Mall Parkway Milpitas, CA 95035
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (408) 934-4900

Modesto Junior College

  • 435 College Avenue Modesto, CA 95350
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, RN
    (209) 575-6550

Pasadena City College

  • 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN
    (626) 585-7123

Carrington College California

  • 380 Civic Drive, Suite 300 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    1(877)206-2106

Heald College

  • 2910 Prospect Park Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (916) 638-1616

Heald College

  • 7 Sierra Gate Drive Roseville, CA 95678
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (916) 789-8600

Cosumnes River College

  • 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823
    Programs: Health Information Management-Associate, Medical Assistant
    (916) 691-7344

Carrington College California

  • 8909 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95826
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (855) 288-2196

Heald College

  • 1450 N. Main Street Salinas, CA 93906
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (831) 443-1700

Everest College

City College of San Francisco

  • 50 Phelan Avenue San Francisco, CA 94112
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Health Information Management-Associate, LVN, Medical Assistant, Radiation Therapy, Radiography, RN
    (415) 239-3000

Everest College

Heald College

  • 875 Howard Street, Suite 100 San Francisco, CA 94103
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (415) 808-3000

Everest College

  • 1245 South Winchester Blvd, Ste 102 San Jose, CA 95128
    Programs: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    (408) 246-4171

Carrington College California

  • 6201 San Ignacio Ave San Jose, CA 95119
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (877) 206-2106

Carrington College California

  • 15555 East 14th Street #500 San Leandro, CA 94578
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (855) 288-2196

Heald College

  • 1605 East March Lane Stockton, CA 95210
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (209) 473-5200

Carrington College California

  • 1313 West Robinhood Drive Stockton, CA 95207
    Programs: Medical Assistant
    (855) 288-2196

Southern California Regional Occupational Center

  • 2300 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501
    Programs: CNA, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy
    310-224-4200

Modesto Junior College

  • 350 N. Kilroy Rd Turlock, CA 95380
    Programs: LVN, Medical Assistant
    (209) 575-6550

East San Gabriel ROP

  • 1501 West Del Norte Street West Covina, CA 91790
    Programs: CNA, Medical Assistant
    (626) 962-5080