Medical Assistant Schools in Palo Alto, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Medical Assistant programs in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, California

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 2.8 miles away

Stanford University is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Stanford, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#2

Canada College

Redwood City, CA 7.6 miles away

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

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#3

De Anza College

Cupertino, CA 7.6 miles away

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

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#4

West Valley College

Saratoga, CA 11.6 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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#5

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Jose, CA 11.6 miles away

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a Private for-profit, 4-year in San Jose, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#6

San Jose City College

San Jose, CA 13.2 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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#7

Unitek College

Fremont, CA 13.4 miles away

Unitek College is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Fremont, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#8

CET-San Jose

San Jose, CA 15 miles away

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

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#9

Chabot College

Hayward, CA 17.5 miles away

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

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#10

Unitek College

Hayward, CA 18.7 miles away

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

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Comparing Medical Assistant Schools Near Palo Alto

There are 10 schools within 19 miles of Palo Alto.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Stanford University2.8 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Canada College7.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
De Anza College7.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
West Valley College11.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts11.6 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
San Jose City College13.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Unitek College13.4 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
CET-San Jose15 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, <2-year
Chabot College17.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Unitek College18.7 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <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 Palo Alto?

There are 91 Medical Assistant schools within commuting distance of Palo Alto. The closest is Stanford University, approximately 2.8 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 Palo Alto?

Annual tuition for medical assistant programs near Palo Alto 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.