Medical Assistant Schools in Monterey, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Medical Assistant programs in Monterey, California can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Medical assistant Schools Near Monterey, California

#1

Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey, CA 0.2 miles away

Monterey Peninsula College is a Public, 2-year in Monterey, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#2

Central Coast College

Salinas, CA 14.7 miles away

Central Coast College is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Salinas, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#3

CET-Salinas

Salinas, CA 14.9 miles away

CET-Salinas is a Private nonprofit, <2-year in Salinas, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#4

CET-Watsonville

Watsonville, CA 24.4 miles away

CET-Watsonville is a Private nonprofit, <2-year in Watsonville, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#5

Cabrillo College

Aptos, CA 27.6 miles away

Cabrillo College is a Public, 2-year in Aptos, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#6

Gavilan College

Gilroy, CA 31.4 miles away

Gavilan College is a Public, 2-year in Gilroy, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#7

Carrington College-San Jose

San Jose, CA 45.7 miles away

Carrington College-San Jose is a Private for-profit, 2-year in San Jose, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#8

West Valley College

Saratoga, CA 46.9 miles away

West Valley College is a Public, 2-year in Saratoga, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#9

Evergreen Valley College

San Jose, CA 49.4 miles away

Evergreen Valley College is a Public, 2-year in San Jose, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#10

San Jose City College

San Jose, CA 50 miles away

San Jose City College is a Public, 2-year in San Jose, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Comparing Medical Assistant Schools Near Monterey

There are 10 schools within 50 miles of Monterey.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Monterey Peninsula College0.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Central Coast College14.7 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
CET-Salinas14.9 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, <2-year
CET-Watsonville24.4 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, <2-year
Cabrillo College27.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Gavilan College31.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Carrington College-San Jose45.7 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
West Valley College46.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Evergreen Valley College49.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
San Jose City College50 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Medical Assistant Salary in California

Entry-level medical assistants in California earn around $37,610 per year. The median salary is $48,050, which is 8.7% above the national median of $44,200. Top earners make up to $75,180 per year.

California vs. National Medical Assistant Wages
MetricCaliforniaNational
Median salary$48,050$44,200
Average salary$52,770$44,720
25th percentile$43,400$37,610
75th percentile$60,700$48,160
90th percentile$75,180$57,830

California employs approximately 110,350 medical assistants (6.1 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.19).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook

12.5% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 811,000 to 912,200 jobs nationwide. About 112,300 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In California, the concentration of medical assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 1.19), which may reflect strong local demand for this trade.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do medical assistants make in California?

The median annual salary for medical assistants in California is $48,050. Wages range from $37,610 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $75,180 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many medical assistant schools are near Monterey?

There are 101 Medical Assistant schools within commuting distance of Monterey. The closest is Monterey Peninsula College, approximately 0.2 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for medical assistants?

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12.5% from 2024 to 2034. About 112,300 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does medical assistant training cost near Monterey?

Annual tuition for medical assistant programs near Monterey ranges from $1,128 to $15,247. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a medical assistant in demand in California?

Demand for medical assistants in California is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.19. The state employs 6.1 medical assistants per 1,000 workers.