Best Medical Assistant Schools in California

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want a stable healthcare career without years of medical school, becoming a medical assistant is worth looking at. In California, you can complete training in about a year, get certified, and start working in hospitals, clinics, or doctor's offices.

The most important first step is choosing the right school. Accreditation matters, program length can vary, and hands‑on training is key.

How to Choose a Medical Assistant School in California

Not all programs are the same. Here's what to check before enrolling:

  1. Accreditation - Look for programs accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools). This ensures your training is recognized and meets industry standards.
  2. Program length - Some programs take 9 months; others up to 2 years if they offer an associate degree.
  3. Hands‑on training - Make sure the program includes a supervised externship in a real healthcare setting.
  4. Certification preparation - The best schools prepare you for exams like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).
  5. Job placement support - Ask if the school helps graduates find jobs with local healthcare employers.

In California, medical assistants are not licensed, but they must be trained in specific clinical and administrative skills under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider according to state regulations.
Source: Medical Board of California

Top Accredited Medical Assistant Schools in California

Here are some of the best options based on accreditation, training quality, and employer connections.

School Location(s) Program Type Accreditation
American Career College Los Angeles, Orange County, Ontario Diploma ABHES
Carrington College Multiple CA campuses Certificate / Associate ABHES
San Joaquin Valley College Multiple CA campuses Certificate / Associate ACCJC/WASC
Concorde Career College Garden Grove, San Bernardino, North Hollywood Diploma ABHES
College of San Mateo San Mateo Certificate CAAHEP
Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa Certificate / Associate CAAHEP
San Diego Mesa College San Diego Associate CAAHEP

Tip: Always verify accreditation directly on the accrediting agency's website before enrolling.

Typical Training Schedule

Here's what you can expect during training:

Phase of Training Length Focus Areas
Classroom & Lab 6-9 months Medical terminology, anatomy, billing, phlebotomy
Clinical Externship 4-8 weeks Patient intake, vital signs, assisting with procedures
Certification Review 2-4 weeks Practice tests, exam prep

Full programs generally run 9-12 months for a diploma or about 2 years for an associate degree.

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in California

  1. Finish high school or get a GED.
  2. Complete an accredited medical assistant program with classroom, lab, and externship hours.
  3. Pass a national certification exam if you want to improve your job prospects.
    Common options include the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or NCMA (NCCT).
  4. Apply for jobs in clinics, hospitals, or private medical practices.
  5. Maintain CPR certification and stay updated on continuing education if required by your employer.

Certification Exams

While certification is optional in California, most employers prefer it.

Exam Organization Eligibility Requirement
CMA AAMA Graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES program
RMA AMT Graduate of approved program or equivalent work experience
NCMA NCCT Graduate of approved program or work experience

Being certified can make you a stronger candidate when competing for jobs.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

When talking with admissions representatives, have a clear list of questions:

  • Is the program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES?
  • What is the total cost including books, uniforms, and exam fees?
  • How many hours of externship are included?
  • What percentage of graduates find jobs in the field?
  • Are classes offered during evenings or weekends?

Why Hands-On Training Matters

Medical assisting is a front-line role. You'll be taking vital signs, preparing patients, handling records, and assisting with procedures. Learning from a book isn't enough. That's why a solid externship is the best way to prepare.

A good program will match you with a clinic or hospital where you can work directly with patients under supervision. This experience often leads to job offers before you even graduate.

Summary and Next Steps

If you want to become a medical assistant in California, your top priority is finding an accredited program with strong hands-on training and a good track record for job placement. Compare schools carefully, check their accreditation status, and make sure they prepare you for certification.

Here's what to do next:

  1. Identify 2-3 accredited schools from the list above in your area.
  2. Contact each school to ask about start dates, costs, and externship locations.
  3. Schedule a campus visit to see the facilities and meet instructors.
  4. Apply early-popular programs fill up fast.

With the right training, you can be job-ready in less than a year and start building a solid career in healthcare.

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