If you wish to pursue a career as a medical assistant in California (CA), you must first complete a high school diploma. To become fully certified (CMA), you will also need to have graduated from an accredited school and passed the national exams. Certification is not essential, but employers generally prefer it.
Listed below are the top accredited schools offering medical assistant programs in California.
Accreditation may be granted by either or both the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in California
There are currently 21 schools offering certificates, diplomas and/or associate degrees in medical assisting at 33 locations throughout California.
Six schools can deliver 100% of their medical assistant programs online. (* online)
| College | Metro Area | Find Out More |
|---|---|---|
| American Career College | Los Angeles | ABHES - Diploma |
| American Career College | Anaheim | ABHES - Diploma |
| American Career College | Ontario | ABHES - Diploma |
| American College of Healthcare and Technology | Riverside | ABHES - Diploma |
| American College of Healthcare and Technology | Huntington Park | ABHES - Diploma |
| American College of Healthcare and Technology | Santa Ana | ABHES - Diploma |
| Angeles College * | City of Industry | ABHES - Certificate |
| Chabot College | Hayward | CAAHEP |
| Charter College * | Oxnard | ABHES - Certificate and AAS |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco | CAAHEP |
| Cosumnes River College | Sacramento | CAAHEP |
| Galaxy Medical College | North Hollywood | ABHES - Diploma |
| Glendale Career College * | Glendale | ABHES - Diploma |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts * | Concord | ABHES - Certificate |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | Fresno | ABHES - Certificate |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | Modesto | ABHES - Certificate |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | Sacramento | ABHES - Certificate |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts * | Van Nuys | ABHES - Certificate |
| Healthcare Career Center | Norwalk | ABHES - Certificate |
| Loma Linda University | San Bernardino | CAAHEP |
| Medical Career College * | Fremont | ABHES - Certificate |
| Medical Career College of Northern California | Roseville | ABHES - Certificate |
| Modesto Junior College | Modesto | CAAHEP |
| National Career College * | Panorama City | ABHES - Diploma |
| North-West College | San Diego | ABHES - Diploma |
| North-West College | Bakersfield | ABHES - Diploma |
| Pasadena City College | Pasadena | CAAHEP |
| Pima Medical Institute | San Marcos | ABHES - Certificate |
| Pima Medical Institute | Chula Vista | ABHES - Certificate |
| Regan Career Institute | El Monte | ABHES - Certificate |
| Regan Career Institute | Carson | ABHES - Certificate |
| Southern California Regional Occupational Center | Torrance | CAAHEP |
| UCLA Health | Los Angeles | CAAHEP |
American College of Healthcare and Technology
- Location(s): Riverside, Huntington Park, Santa Ana
- Program: Diploma
- Accredited by: ABHES
The medical assistant program at the American College of Healthcare and Technology (ACHT) is offered at 3 locations across California – Riverside, Huntington Park and Santa Ana.
The 8-month-long program is delivered in a blended form, with both classroom and online learning. The graduation rate at ACHT is 85%. Eligible students can avail of Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work Study, Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan, Subsidized Direct Stafford Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, and Veteran benefits. The school is known for its positive environment, flexible class hours, helpful career services, hands-on training, and efficient teachers. Upon completing this ABHES-accredited program, students can sit for the medical assistant certification exams held by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Learn more at: https://www.ach.edu/programs/medical-assistant-school-riverside-college/
City College of San Francisco
- Location: 1860 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: CAAHEP
The Associate of Science/Certificate in Medical Assisting degree program by CCSF is accredited by CAAHEP. Financial aid is available for this program. Students need to take part in clinical and administrative training on campus. Some classes are offered online, too. Depending on their Math and English scores, it might take up to 4 semesters for students to complete the program. The Medical Assisting Program has a 78.26% five-year retention rate. City College has a relaxed campus environment, welcoming everyone with a smile.
Learn more at: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/medical-assisting
Cosumnes River College
- Location: 8401 Center Pkwy, Sacramento, CA
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: CAAHEP
Cosumnes River College boasts an 100% employer satisfaction rate. For the last 5 years, it has been maintaining an average graduate rate of 100%, too! To add more to its success, the college saw a 100% passage rate in the national Certified Medical Assistant credentialing exam in 2018. Upon completion of their certificate course, almost 95% students from this college land a job within 6 months. The major coursework for the certificate or degree can be completed in two semesters. This program welcomes both full-time and part-time students. Graduates have the option of taking a certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants through the National Board of Medical Examiners, which would then grant the CMA (AAMA) credential. Certification as a CMA (AAMA) provides an advantage in the career, demonstrates currency of knowledge and enables the CMA (AAMA) to acquire the CEUs (Continuing Education Units) needed to be recertified every five years. The AAMA offers the Maxine Williams scholarship to current medical assisting students.
Learn more at: https://crc.losrios.edu/academics/programs-and-majors/medical-assisting
Galaxy Medical College
- Location (s): North Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard, L.A.
- Program: Diploma
- Accredited by: ABHES
Galaxy Medical College in Los Angeles, CA has two campuses. Their Medical Assistant program is 49 weeks long, with a 92% retention rate. When it comes to job placement it is quite impressive, too, 80%. Classes are offered both in the morning and at the evening. GMC also offers career counselling and planning services. Galaxy Medical College participates in the following financial aid programs: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Loans, and Federal Plus Loan.
Learn more at: https://galaxymedicalcollege.edu/programs/medical-assistant/
Glendale Career College
- Location (s): Glendale and San Diego
- Program: Diploma
- Accredited by: ABHES
The Medical Assistant program at Glendale is broken down into eight class course modules, along with a 144-hour clinical externship where students have the chance to apply the skills they learn in the classroom in an actual health care setting. The most benefits of attending Glendale Career College are good teachers and good career preparation, a positive environment, and hands-on training. The school has two campuses. Their Medical Assistant program is accredited by ABHES. The length of the course is 1 month. The Glendale Career College acceptance rate is 100%, of which 65%, of which 95% receive financial assistance. The satisfaction rate is 83%.
Learn more at: https://www.glendalecareer.com/programs/medical-assistant/
Gurnick Academy
- Location (s): San Mateo, Concord, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento, Van Nuys
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: ABHES
Spread across 5 campuses in CA, Gurnick Academy’s Concord campus offers full-distance education aside from regular blended teaching method. The 8 month long program spans over a period of 948.5 hours. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is renowned for offering quality health and nursing programs that included career-minded education, practical experience, and skills development to prepare prospective students for a successful career. The Medical Assistant program is accredited by both ABHES and BPPE. Qualified candidates can apply for financial assistance along with Veteran Benefits. The acceptance rate at Gurnick Academy is 100%. The graduation rate is 56%.
Learn more at: https://www.gurnick.edu/programs/medical-assistant-program/
Healthcare Career Center
- Location: Norwalk, CA
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: ABHES
This Medical Assistant certificate course is 27 week long. Healthcare Care Career center offers classes in the morning, afternoon and evening. HCC’s teaching infrastructure is well-equipped with classrooms: 1) lecture room 2) skills laboratory. For every 15 students there is 1 instructor. The skills laboratory has all modern medical learning amenities and equipment for the students. The program is accredited by ABHES.
Learn more at: https://healthcare-career-center.com/medical-assistant
Loma Linda
- Location: San Bernardino
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: CAAHEP
This college offers a certificate training program in Medical Assistant for individuals looking to gain entry into the health field. Students can avail themselves of the mentoring program, practical clinical training, and other value-added components offered by this prestigious institute. The program is based on Based on domain competencies established by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The curriculum for the medical assisting program includes 6-7 months of courses. Upon completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the medical assisting certification exam. Medical Assistant students hold an 80% retention rate on average.
Learn more at: https://sanmanuelgatewaycollege.llu.edu/certificate-programs/medical-assistant
Medical Career College
- Location: Fremont
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: ABHES
This Medical Assistant program by Medical Career College is available in 6-month and 7-month formats. Medical Career College is located in Fremont, CA, but also offers classes online, too. This program provides training for qualification Medical Assistant (CMA) Certification. This is a good school for its flexible teaching method and dynamic class environment.
Learn more at: https://www.medcc.edu/programs/medical-assistant-program/
Modesto Junior College
- Location: Modesto, CA
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: CAAHEP
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org), the Medical Assisting Program offered at Modesto Junior College is also recommended by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). This program prepares students to take the national certification exam offered by the AAMA to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Medical assisting students at MJC receive transferable college credit for coursework. Many of the program graduates further their education by obtaining an A.S. Degree in Medical Assisting and/or Nursing. The Medical Assisting Program begins with a cohort of students in the fall and spring of each year. It is a full-time, eight-month certificate program offering training in administrative (front) and clinical (back) office procedures. Success rates for the Medical Assistant program range from 72% to 90%.
Learn more at: https://www.mjc.edu/instruction/alliedhealth/medap/
National Career College
- Location: Panorama City, CA 91402
- Program: Diploma
- Accredited by: ABHES
If you want to advance your career as a medical assistant, NCC is the way to go. The school will help you build a solid foundation in the healthcare industry. Upon completion, you can pursue the Certified Medical Assistant, CMA (AAMA) examination to kick off your career with all the requirements you need to fulfill to become a dedicated Medical Assistant professional. At National Career College, the Medical Assistant program is designed to be completed in 32 weeks. NCC offers medical assistant training online and in person to get students ready for the job as soon as possible.
Learn more at: https://nccusa.edu/programs/medical-assistant/
North-West College
- Location (s): San Diego and Bakersfield
- Program: Diploma
- Accredited by: ABHES
Located across two locations in CA, San Diego and Bakersfield, the Medical Assistant program by North-West College offers a blend of on campus and online learning. 87% of all undergraduate students in this college receive a federal student loan. The Medical Assistant program is a 9-month long program. North-West College is known for good instructors and quality hands-on training.
Learn more at: https://www.nw.edu/programs/medical-assistant/
Pasadena City College
- Location (s): East Foothill Blvd. and E Colorado Blvd.
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: CAAHEP
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits this top-notch Medical Assistant program. For the year 2018, its job placement record was 100%, whereas, at the same time, student satisfaction was also 100%. They have two campuses in Pasadena. One is main campus while the other is supporting campus. Based on your qualification, you may be eligible for financial aids to bear the costs of the program. However, you need to remember that sometimes you need to pay program fees before the financial aids are disbursed. The Medical Assistant Program at Pasadena City College has maintained 100% employer satisfaction over the past five years.
Learn more at: https://pasadena.edu/academics/divisions/health-sciences/medical-assisting/
Pima Medical Institute
- Location (s): Chula Vista/San Marcos, CA
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: ABHES
The 9-month long program has 34 credits in total, equal to 800 hours. Pima Medical Institute prepares its students from the very beginning to have a successful career as a medical assistant. In California, the program is offered at two campuses. The school is famous for both professionally and academically qualified teachers who offer real-life experience in the field. In the process, the students get hands-on experience to become dedicated and efficient medical assistants. Students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to support their study.
Learn more at: https://pmi.edu/programs/certificate/medical-assistant
Regan Career Center
- Location (s): El Monte, Carson
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: ABHES
Regan Career Center has two campuses in California. Their Certificate program in Medical Assistant is accredited by ABHES. After completing 900 hours or 9-month long program, students will achieve an MCA certificate. RCI is known for some of the best CMA training programs in the US. Students with MCA credentials can prove to potential employers that they have earned the proper standards to work professionally in the field. The 900 hour long certification program is a great way to complete the training needed to become a successful Medical Assistant quickly. Financial Aid is available to qualified students.
Learn more at: https://rci.edu/medical-assistant/
Southern California Regional Occupational Center
- Location: Torrance
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: CAAHEP
Southern California Regional Occupational Center’s CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting program had an 85.7% job placement rate in the year 2018. In the same year, the graduate satisfaction rate was a solid 100%. When it comes to employer satisfaction, it was also 100%. It is necessary for students to complete a 160-hour long obligatory and unpaid externship to graduate from this top-notch college. Students must complete the accredited course and pass the written exam to achieve Certificate of Competency from SoCal ROC and become Certified Medical Assistants (CMA).
Learn more at: https://www.socalroc.com/course-offerings/certified-medical-assistant
UCLA Health
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Program: Certificate
- Accredited by: CAAHEP
The UCLA Medical Assistant Program (MAP) is the result of a partnership between UCLA Extension and UCLA Health. This program blends practical experience and theory to pave the path for students to establish career their career as a Medical Assistant. the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) accredits the The UCLA Health Medical Assistant Program. In the year 2018, UCLA Health had an average retention rate of 80%, while the graduate exam passage rate was 100%. When it came to employer satisfaction and graduate job placement, it also scored 100%. Under the UCLA Extension program, different veteran benefits are available too.
Learn more at: https://www.uclaextension.edu/health-care-counseling/health-care-counseling-general/certificate/ucla-health-medical-assistant
Use the map below for more information on accredited schools near you in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento offering programs in medical assisting.
Medical Assistant Certification California
Certification is not essential in California but it will certainly enhance a candidate’s employment and career prospects.
Medical assistant certification (CMA) is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited MA programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Medical Assistant Salary in California
| Average Salary | $36,630 |
| Hourly Wage | $17.61 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $52,400 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $25,050 |
| #'s Employed | 89,910 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 89,910 people employed as MAs in California with an average salary of $36,630.
This equates to $17.61 per hour and is over 9% above the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in California have an annual income of $52,400 whilst the bottom 10% earned $25,050.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in California
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine | $36,390 | $17.50 | 9,360 |
| Bakersfield | $29,140 | $14.01 | 1,760 |
| Chico | $32,160 | $15.46 | 420 |
| El Centro | $30,730 | $14.77 | 290 |
| Fresno | $31,330 | $15.06 | 2,650 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | $30,920 | $14.87 | 240 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $36,120 | $17.36 | 32,760 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale | $36,010 | $17.31 | 23,390 |
| Madera | $31,860 | $15.32 | 270 |
| Merced | $28,040 | $13.48 | 570 |
| Modesto | $34,600 | $16.63 | 1,510 |
| Napa | $40,100 | $19.28 | 350 |
| Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley | $40,420 | $19.43 | 6,030 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $36,740 | $17.67 | 2,200 |
| Redding | $34,370 | $16.52 | 610 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $31,040 | $14.92 | 8,600 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade | $36,470 | $17.54 | 5,830 |
| Salinas | $35,600 | $17.12 | 830 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad | $37,100 | $17.83 | 8,120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | $43,420 | $20.87 | 10,520 |
| San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco | $48,130 | $23.14 | 3,940 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $43,720 | $21.02 | 4,070 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande | $38,950 | $18.72 | 740 |
| San Rafael | $42,480 | $20.42 | 550 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $42,570 | $20.46 | 580 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $37,280 | $17.92 | 750 |
| Santa Rosa | $40,800 | $19.62 | 1,170 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $34,130 | $16.41 | 1,460 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield | $42,010 | $20.20 | 800 |
| Visalia-Porterville | $31,140 | $14.97 | 1,000 |
| Yuba City | $36,030 | $17.32 | 320 |
Related Healthcare Careers in California
Medical assistants in California earn 9.1% more than nursing assistants there and slightly more than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $36,630 | 89,910 |
| EMT | $36,370 | 19,660 |
| Nursing Assistant | $33,560 | 98,570 |
| Surgical Tech | $61,240 | 9,800 |
| Dental Assistant | $39,930 | 50,100 |
| Physician Assistant | $112,930 | 11,110 |
| Home Health Aide | $31,610 | 25180 |